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 a Mechanical Engineer on Harmattan AI's Ground Control Systems (GCS) team, you will own the mechanical design of next-generation GCS hardware from concept through mass production. This may include a premium drone controller for ISR missions, a long-range antenna system for multiple drone vectors, or an interceptor drone launcher box. You will work at the intersection of mechanical design, RF integration, and electronics packaging to deliver field-ready, defense-grade products.
Responsibilities
End-to-End Design: Design and prototype drone controllers, antenna systems, and launcher enclosures from scratch—covering structural architecture, ergonomics, thermal management, and high environmental/waterproofing (IP rating) constraints.
Product Development: Own full product development cycles end-to-end, translating operator needs into rugged, field-ready designs.
CAD Modelling & GD&T: 3D model in SolidWorks, including complex surface modelling, and produce detailed 2D drawings with GD&T to meet strict functional and assembly requirements.
DFM/DFA: Apply DFM/DFA principles systematically to minimise unit cost and assembly time at scale, collaborating closely with suppliers specialising in plastic injection molding, large-scale thermoforming, sheet metal/structural steel fabrication, CNC, and die-casting.
Simulation: Run FEA (stress, deformation) and thermal simulations (CFD/steady-state) to validate design choices early and reduce physical prototype cycles.
Testing & Validation: Conduct mechanical stress, failure analysis, and environmental testing to validate designs for extreme field conditions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate daily with the Electronics and RF teams on PCB integration, internal routing, and RF constraints.
Supply Chain Partnership: Partner with Supply Chain & Procurement on supplier qualification, cost targets, and the smooth transition from prototyping to mass production.
Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of designs, test results, and production workflows to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Candidate Requirements
Education: Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
Experience: At least one full product development cycle taken from concept to mass production.
Manufacturing Expertise: Plastic injection molding experience with full DFM process and quality control; familiarity with CNC and die-cast molding.
Experience with sheet metal fabrication, heavy metallic structures and large-scale thermoforming is highly desirable.
CAD Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including complex surface modelling and 2D drawings with GD&T.
Prototyping & Integration: Hands-on rapid prototyping experience (3D printing, CNC, etc.) and a proven track record of integrating embedded electronics into complex enclosures.
Nice to have:
Basic FEA (stress, deformation) and thermal simulation (steady-state, CFD) experience.
Understanding of mechanical linkages and actuator/cylinder kinematics for deployment or launching mechanisms.
Experience in defense, aerospace, UAVs, or high-end consumer electronics hardware.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
- At least one full product development cycle from concept through mass production
- Plastic injection molding experience, including DFM processes and quality control
- Familiarity with CNC and die-cast molding
- Advanced SolidWorks proficiency, including complex surface modeling and 2D drawings with GD&T
- Hands-on rapid prototyping experience using 3D printing, CNC, or similar methods
- Experience integrating embedded electronics into complex enclosures
- Experience with sheet metal fabrication, heavy metallic structures, and large-scale thermoforming
- Basic FEA and thermal simulation experience
- Understanding of mechanical linkages and actuator or cylinder kinematics for deployment or launching mechanisms
- Experience in defense, aerospace, UAVs, or high-end consumer electronics hardware
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.
