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.
As an ML Research Engineer in the Visual Navigation team, you will join us at an early stage to heavily influence our technical direction. Operating out of Paris, Lausanne or Zurich, you will focus on developing Machine Learning models to enable our drones to navigate on the battlefield, with responsibilities ranging from data curation and model architecture definition to onboard inference on our drones.
Responsibilities
DL Algorithm Development: Design deep learning models to analyze a drone's environment in multiple modalities and enable its localization through time and space.
Edge AI Optimization: Embed models on heterogeneous platforms with limited shared compute. Optimize trade-offs between model speed and accuracy to minimize pipeline latency.
Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with the VIO, Navigation, and Embedded Software teams to build a robust, real-time localization pipeline, communicating trade-offs clearly to stakeholders.
Research & Innovation: Stay at the absolute forefront of scientific trends in Deep Learning to introduce cutting-edge methodologies to the team.
Pipeline Management & MLOps: Build, heavily modify, and manage training, evaluation, and MLOps pipelines while ensuring reproducibility, robust logging, and version control.
Validation & Field Testing: Actively participate in real-world flight tests. Analyze in-field failures to continuously iterate and improve deployed models.
Candidate Requirements
Educational Background: Strong academic record with a STEM degree (e.g., Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, Mathematics).
Deep Learning & Computer Vision Expertise: Proven track record of researching and productizing Deep Learning models for Computer Vision in the industry (Drones, Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, etc.)
Technical Competence: Proficiency in Python and DL frameworks (PyTorch/Lightning). Experience with MLOps and edge deployment optimization.
Professional Attributes:
Highly structured, analytical, and research-oriented.
Excellent communicator able to translate complex algorithmic benchmarking to downstream users and stakeholders.
Thrives in a fast-paced environment with a hands-on, “no-task-is-too-small” mentality.
Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision, and growth plans, ready to go the extra mile for operational excellence.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- Strong academic record and a STEM degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, Mathematics, or a related field.
- Proven experience researching and productizing deep learning models for computer vision in industry.
- Experience in drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or a related domain.
- Proficiency in Python.
- Proficiency with deep learning frameworks, including PyTorch or PyTorch Lightning.
- Experience with MLOps.
- Experience with edge deployment optimization.
- Strong analytical, structured, research-oriented communication and collaboration skills.
- Commitment to the company's mission and willingness to work hands-on in a demanding environment.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
