Chief Engineer

Harmattan AI is a next‑generation defense prime that builds autonomous, scalable defense systems for allied forces. After a recent $200 million Series B round valuing the company at $1.4 billion, it is expanding its engineering talent. The opening is for a Chief Engineer who will own the architecture, definition, and implementation of one of Harmattan's robotic platforms, guiding it from early concept through field deployment. In this role you will translate mission requirements into system‑level architectures, lead cross‑functional design across mechanical, electrical, software, GNC and machine‑learning teams, and conduct feasibility studies and trade‑off analyses. You will supervise integration, prototyping and validation activities, ensuring that performance targets are met. Regular design and architecture reviews will be driven by you to keep requirements, design and testing aligned, while you also introduce processes that improve traceability, documentation and validation workflows. The position requires more than ten years of system‑engineering experience in robotics, aerospace or defense, together with an MSc in Engineering (any discipline). Candidates must have a proven record of steering full system lifecycles from concept to prototype and validation, and possess deep expertise in system architecture, requirements engineering and trade‑off analysis. A broad engineering background that spans mechanical, electrical and embedded domains, as well as experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing technical interfaces, is essential. The role also demands a rigorous, analytical, mission‑driven mindset and strong communication and documentation skills. Experience with unmanned‑air‑system or other defense platforms is considered a valuable plus. The team operates in a high‑tempo, mission‑critical environment that rewards ownership and execution. Harmattan AI offers the chance to shape cutting‑edge autonomous defense technology and to grow alongside a rapidly scaling organization. What the role asks for: - 10+ years system‑engineering experience (robotics/aerospace/defense) - MSc in Engineering (any field) - Led full system lifecycles from concept to validation - Strong system architecture with broad mechanical/electrical/embedded knowledge - Coordinated multi‑disciplinary engineering teams and technical interfaces - Rigorous, analytical, mission‑driven mindset - Excellent communication and documentation skills - Nice‑to‑have: UAS or defense systems experience