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.
We are seeking a high-drive, hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our dedicated Quadcopter Airframe team in Lausanne. In this role, you will own the end-to-end mechanical architecture of our flagship multirotor platforms—from initial CAD concept and structural design to payload packaging, physical prototyping, and production release.
From day one, you will take full ownership of real hardware: designing complex assemblies in SolidWorks, solving heat and vibration challenges, running lab validation, and driving parts through production alongside our cross-functional engineering teams.
What You Will DoQuadcopter & Subsystem Architecture: Lead the mechanical design and modeling of lightweight quadcopter structures, fuselages, chassis, motor mounts, and quick-release mechanisms in SolidWorks from concept to production.
Electromechanical Packaging: Lead spatial layouts and enclosure design to integrate electrical components (PCBs, wire harnesses, power distribution, motors, and sensors) tightly into custom airframe volumes.
Rapid Prototyping & Physical Testing: Build functional prototypes and execute hands-on lab validation—including vibrational testing, modal analysis, thermal chamber runs, drop testing, and assisting with flight tests.
Simulation & Thermal Analysis: Perform structural (FEA), modal, and thermal simulations alongside tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure designs withstand extreme defense operational environments.
DFM & Production Documentation: Partner with Industrialisation, Procurement, and suppliers to optimise parts for plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, and additive manufacturing.
Assembly Enablement: Support Industrialisation engineers in defining assembly sequences, designing build jigs and fixtures, and training production operators to ensure high build quality and fast throughput.
Background: M.Sc. or B.Sc. (FH / HES / University of Applied Sciences) in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
Experience:
4+ years of hardcore, hands-on UAV design and development experience (demonstrated track record with physical drone airframes, multirotors, or flight hardware), OR
6+ years of overall mechanical engineering experience in complex Robotics, Autonomous Systems, or high-density Electromechanical hardware.
End-to-End Ownership: Proven track record taking complex electromechanical assemblies from CAD concepts through functional prototypes to finished, physical production hardware.
DFM Grounding: Practical design experience for plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, and 3D printing, with direct supplier collaboration experience.
Applied Physics & Problem Solving: Demonstrated skill in managing real-world physical constraints—including structural rigidity, heat dissipation, and vibration isolation.
High Ownership & Drive: Proactive, responsive, and collaborative mindset—someone who takes full responsibility for their work and actively unblocks themselves under tight deadlines.
Complete System Ownership: Own the complete mechanical architecture of flagship quadcopter platforms rather than being siloed on a single bracket or cover.
Unmatched Execution Speed: Move from CAD design to physical shop-floor testing in days, backed by strong resources and quick decision-making.
Direct Mission Impact: Design and build hardware that actively deploys with allied forces to solve critical defense challenges.
Cross-Functional Mastery: Work side-by-side with Electrical, Aerodynamics, Gimbal, and Production teams with complete visibility over how hardware moves from CAD to active flight.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field
- 4+ years of hands-on UAV design and development experience with physical drone airframes, multirotors, or flight hardware; alternatively, 6+ years of mechanical engineering experience in robotics, autonomous systems, or dense electromechanical hardware
- Experience taking complex electromechanical assemblies from CAD concepts through functional prototypes to finished production hardware
- Practical design experience with plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, and 3D printing
- Direct experience collaborating with suppliers
- Ability to manage structural rigidity, heat dissipation, and vibration isolation constraints
- Proactive, responsive, collaborative, and highly accountable working style
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.
