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 a Systems Engineer in the Warhead team at Harmattan AI, you will help structure and build complete development assurance and qualification frameworks for energetic effectors. Working alongside the effectors and platform teams, you will help develop the necessary protocols, requirements management, S3 assessment frameworks and qualification programs for the energetic systems and sub-systems in the final use case. The role requires an individual with a pragmatic and rigorous approach and an understanding of NATO doctrine and qualification regimes.
Responsibilities
Review system architectures and advise on compliance with military doctrine, with a focus on safety and mission objectives.
Define clear system and sub-system requirements, and maintain a traceable verification and validation matrix.
Work with product leads and engineers on design choices to ensure smooth integration and pragmatic delivery.
Develop qualification programs and master test plans for systems and sub-systems, from specification through to final reporting.
Run qualification readiness reviews and flag risks to qualification early.
Lead engagements with defense customers and test facilities on product qualification and testing, including regular travel to test sites.
Document system safety and suitability for service in line with NATO and customer requirements.
Coach wider teams on qualification processes and the safety of munition systems.
Candidate Requirements
Engineering degree in Systems, Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in systems engineering roles qualifying weapon systems such as missiles, drones or other effectors.
Pragmatic, structured approach to stakeholder management in fast-moving programs.
Experience managing qualification programs end to end, including handling test failures and non-conformances.
Safety assessment experience on munition systems.
Strong understanding of NATO doctrine, and experience working with defense customers and ministries of defense.
Comfort working with energetic systems such as warheads, fuzes and rocket motors.
Strong technical writing and reporting skills.
Fluency in English required.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Skills Required
- Engineering degree in Systems, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years of systems engineering experience qualifying weapon systems such as missiles, drones, or other effectors
- Pragmatic and structured stakeholder management experience in fast-moving programs
- Experience managing qualification programs end to end, including test failures and non-conformances
- Safety assessment experience on munition systems
- Strong understanding of NATO doctrine
- Experience working with defense customers and ministries of defense
- Experience with energetic systems such as warheads, fuzes, and rocket motors
- Strong technical writing and reporting skills
- Fluency in English
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.
