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
We are seeking an Software Engineer (4+ years of experience) to join our multidisciplinary, high-caliber Gimbal team in Paris. In this role, you will take ownership of gimbal control and GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) software running on custom hardware platforms and embedded Linux/microcontrollers. Working closely with Software, GNC, Mechanical, Hardware, and Test Bench/Industrialization teams, you will drive critical developments from initial concept to full realization, spending time both at the desk/lab and conducting field test evaluations every few weeks.
ResponsibilitiesSoftware & Firmware Development: Design, build, and optimize embedded software running on custom microcontrollers (MCU) and embedded Linux platforms where real-time execution is critical.
Gimbal & GNC Ownership: Take full ownership of gimbal control algorithms, master the GNC software framework, and lead ongoing initiatives for next-generation multi-axis systems and new sensor integrations.
Diagnostics & Performance Tooling: Develop PC software tools and diagnostic utilities to analyze telemetry logs, system friction, calibration, and motor/IMU communication.
Testing & Field Operations: Lead flight test preparations, participate in lab experiments (oscilloscopes, prototype boards), and perform post-flight telemetry analysis to validate system performance.
System Architecture & Rigor: Define and implement rigorous protocols and software architecture to ensure peak system integrity, performance, and seamless collaboration across engineering disciplines.
Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members as senior initiatives expand.
Candidate Requirements
Educational Background: Strong academic foundation or proven, verifiable track record of delivering complex software for robotic/embedded systems.
Technical Expertise:
Solid experience in embedded software development (C/C++, MCU, embedded Linux) where real-time constraints and low-level debugging matter.
Strong grasp of core robotics concepts, linear algebra, and mathematics (e.g., quaternions, matrices, attitude, pose, reference/setpoint, estimation).
Familiarity with GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) frameworks and robotic architectures (such as autopilots for drones, rovers, or autonomous vehicles).
Proven Accomplishments & Attributes:
Demonstrated ability to navigate, understand, and enhance large-scale robotic codebases.
Methodical, rigorous, and investigative approach to diagnostic resolution (calibration, friction, telemetry analysis).
Adaptability & Mobility: Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced environment; comfortable balancing desk coding with hands-on lab and field test activities.
Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of working effectively across cross-functional engineering teams (Hardware, Mechanics, GNC).
Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI's mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure operational excellence.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- 4+ years of software engineering experience
- Strong experience developing embedded software in C or C++
- Experience with microcontrollers and embedded Linux
- Experience working with real-time execution constraints and low-level debugging
- Strong knowledge of robotics concepts, linear algebra, and mathematics, including quaternions, matrices, attitude, pose, reference/setpoint, and estimation
- Familiarity with Guidance, Navigation, and Control frameworks and robotic architectures
- Experience navigating and enhancing large-scale robotic codebases
- Diagnostic and investigative experience with calibration, friction, telemetry analysis, and motor or IMU communication
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate across software, hardware, mechanical, GNC, and test teams
- Willingness to participate in laboratory work, flight tests, and field evaluations
- Strong academic foundation or verifiable track record delivering complex robotic or embedded systems
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.
