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 Kernel Software Engineer, you own the low-level software platform that sits between our hardware and the flight application on our ground control stations. You work across the Linux kernel, board support and a custom Android build, so that every control, display and data link works reliably in the field. You are the bridge between our hardware and application teams, taking a new product line from board bring-up to mass production.
Responsibilities
Bring up, configure and maintain the Linux kernel on our hardware, including device tree, drivers and security patches.
Customize and maintain our Android build, covering system services, permissions, boot sequence and OTA updates.
Integrate controls, display, touch, battery and radio modules, and expose them cleanly to the application layer.
Ensure robust, low-latency SBUS and MAVLink data flows between the controller, the radio and the drone.
Debug hardware and software issues alongside electronics and mechanical engineers, using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and UART/JTAG.
Define flashing, provisioning, factory test and release procedures with the production team.
Work with QGroundControl engineers and QA to validate system behavior on real hardware.
Join field tests and flight sessions to validate your work in real conditions.
Candidate Requirements
Master’s degree in Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, Electronics or a related field.
3+ years of experience in embedded software development.
Strong command of the Linux kernel (configuration, device tree, drivers, debugging) and of C; C++ is a plus.
Hands-on background customizing AOSP, from HALs and system services to the build system.
Comfortable at the hardware boundary: UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, USB, display and touch controllers.
Exposure to drones or robotics, including MAVLink or PX4/ArduPilot, is a plus.
Hands-on, autonomous and pragmatic, with curiosity about hardware and the ability to learn quickly.
Professional English for technical documentation and international collaboration.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Software Engineering or related field
- 3+ years of software development experience with C++ and Qt for desktop or embedded applications
- Experience with Android development (Java or C++/NDK)
- Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and cross-platform app optimization
- Experience in robotics or drone environments
- Knowledge of MAVLink, PX4, or ground control systems
- English proficiency for reading and writing technical documentation
- Versatile, autonomous, and eager to learn in fast-evolving environments
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.
