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 RoleAs our GNC, ML, Embedded Software, and Validation teams scale, Harmattan AI requires dedicated internal software infrastructure to accelerate development and testing. Joining the Tooling team you will be responsible for developing a "state-of-the-art" drone simulator to support our advanced autonomous defence applications. This role offers high ownership and the opportunity to work at the intersection of software engineering, simulation, and AI robotics with direct mission impact.
Simulator Development: Design, develop, and maintain flight-simulation-related tools and features.
Architectural Design: Define technical solutions, including architecture, APIs, and UIs, to respond to specific project needs.
Pipeline Integration: Ensure all tooling integrates seamlessly into the company's CI/CD and data pipelines.
Performance Optimisation: Analyze simulator performance across various aspects and implement necessary improvements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with GNC, ML, and Embedded teams to establish specifications for new features and ensure the tool meets user needs.
Documentation & Standards: Write clear documentation and tutorials, and eventually mentor junior developers to standardise best practices.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in software engineering.
Technical Proficiency: Strong software skills in C++ and Python, with a good knowledge of Linux system internals.
Domain Expertise: Significant experience with drones or robotic systems, including practical understanding of embedded software (GNC, gimbal, video) and open-source autopilots like PX4 or Ardupilot.
Simulation & Graphics: Experience in development with game engines (Unreal Engine preferred) or contributing to 3D video game engines (physics or visual realism).
Educational Background: MSc or BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or a similar technical field; equivalent professional experience is equally valued.
Leadership & Mindset:
User Empathy: Ability to balance user feedback with technical vision to build effective R&D tools.
Problem Solving: Proven capacity to handle complex projects, from scoping and prioritising to delivering results under evolving requirements.
Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission and a "no-task-is-too-small" mentality in a fast-paced environment.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience in software engineering
- Strong software skills in C++ and Python
- Good knowledge of Linux system internals
- Significant experience with drones or robotic systems
- Experience in development with game engines (Unreal Engine preferred)
- MSc or BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or similar
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.
