Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.
Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.
About the RoleWe're looking for a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our legal team in Paris. Reporting to the General Counsel, you'll be a hands-on legal business partner to Sales and teams across the company, with a particular focus on French-speaking markets. This is a broad in-house role for a lawyer who enjoys working close to the business and is motivated by Harmattan AI's mission.
Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial & Procurement
Draft, review and negotiate customer, partnership, supply and procurement agreements, including defence-procurement documentation among others
Support complex negotiations with defence ministries, armed forces, public-sector bodies and industrial partners
Build scalable contracting standards, playbooks and approval processes
Defence, AI & Regulated Technology
Advise on legal and regulatory issues around autonomous and AI-enabled defence systems
Work with the General Counsel on export-control, sanctions and trade-compliance matters
Advise on AI, data, cybersecurity and IP issues as they affect the business
Corporate & Governance
Support entity governance, board documentation and statutory filings across French-speaking markets
Support employment matters alongside the People team and external counsel
Manage disputes and pre-litigation matters with a focus on early risk assessment
French-Speaking Markets
Act as principal legal advisor for expansion across French-speaking markets
Coordinate external local counsel and manage legal spend
Help build the legal processes and templates that let the business scale
Qualified attorney or in-house legal counsel with ~5 years' relevant experience across a law firm and in-house/tech or defence environment
Native-level French and fluent professional English;
Strong track record drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts
Solid grounding in contract and corporate law
Genuine interest in defence, dual-use tech, AI or other regulated sectors
Comfortable with senior stakeholders and fast-moving, high-stakes work
Eligible to obtain and maintain any security clearance or authorization required for the role, subject to applicable law.
LL.M. from a US or UK institution, or exposure to defence/public-procurement/export-control matters, is a plus.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- Qualified attorney or in-house legal counsel with approximately five years of relevant experience across a law firm and in-house, technology, or defense environments
- Native-level French
- Fluent professional English
- Strong track record drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts
- Solid grounding in contract and corporate law
- Genuine interest in defense, dual-use technology, artificial intelligence, or other regulated sectors
- Comfortable working with senior stakeholders in fast-moving, high-stakes environments
- Eligible to obtain and maintain any security clearance or authorization required for the role, subject to applicable law
- LL.M. from a US or UK institution
- Exposure to defense, public-procurement, or export-control matters
Harmattan AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Harmattan AI and has not been reviewed or approved by Harmattan AI.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay ranges are publicly shown for multiple U.S. roles (e.g., $140k–$200k base) and appear broadly in line with late‑stage startup/defense‑tech expectations based on the postings cited.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity is repeatedly referenced in several job postings as part of total compensation, which can increase upside potential at a recently funded, high‑valuation company.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Sign‑on bonuses are explicitly mentioned in a hiring post for candidates who can start quickly, indicating the use of cash incentives in at least some hiring situations.
Harmattan AI Insights
What We Do
Harmattan AI is rising as a next-generation defense prime, building the future of autonomous warfare. We leverage AI-driven autonomy, real-time intelligence, and conflict-ready production to deliver attritable systems and autonomous mission management software. Designed for the real-world needs of warfighters, our solutions enable faster deployment, sharper decision-making, and battlefield dominance.
