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 Role
As an Optical Engineer in the Gimbal team, you are responsible for the optical performance of our EO/IR imaging payloads, which drive image quality, detection range, and robustness in operation. You will work on current products and shape the design of future ones. You follow each product from sizing and prototyping through validation and mass production, working closely with the mechanical, electronics, software, computer vision and industrialization teams.
Responsibilities
Sizing and design of EO/IR imaging payloads, arbitrating between field of view, resolution, range, and sensor choice.
Select lenses and sensors, or lead custom optical designs, against image quality and robustness targets.
Design, build, and maintain optical test benches for development, validation, and production.
Measure and validate image quality: MTF, focus, boresight, distortion, and NETD for infrared.
Develop the camera calibration pipeline (intrinsics, extrinsics, distortion, photometric and radiometric correction) with the software and perception teams.
Integrate optics into mechanical assemblies, covering tolerancing, athermalisation, windows, coatings, and sealing.
Investigate optical issues across the product life cycle, from prototype to series production.
Manage optical suppliers and support industrialization of lenses, sensors, and components.
Run field tests to assess image quality in real operating conditions.
Candidate Requirements
Master's degree or engineering degree with a specialization in optics.
3+ years of experience in optical engineering, ideally on camera or imaging systems.
Proven experience sizing an electro-optical or infrared optical system.
Hands-on experience with standard optical measurements such as camera calibration, MTF, and NETD.
Experience developing optical test benches, from architecture to validation and integration.
Solid grounding in image processing: distortion, gamma, and geometric and photometric correction.
Experience with thermal cameras is a strong plus.
Hands-on, rigorous, and pragmatic, with the autonomy to iterate fast in a startup environment.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- Master's degree or engineering degree specializing in optics
- 3+ years of optical engineering experience, ideally with camera or imaging systems
- Experience sizing an electro-optical or infrared optical system
- Hands-on experience with camera calibration, MTF, and NETD measurements
- Experience developing optical test benches from architecture through validation and integration
- Solid grounding in image processing, including distortion, gamma, and geometric and photometric correction
- Experience with thermal cameras
- Hands-on, rigorous, pragmatic, and autonomous working style in a startup 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.
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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.
