Chief Engineer

About the role

Harmattan AI is seeking a Chief Engineer to own the architecture, system definition and implementation of a robotic defense system, guiding it from concept through field deployment. The role works closely with project managers and technical leads to translate mission needs into robust, reliable system designs.

Key responsibilities

• Transform system requirements into architectural solutions.
• Lead cross‑functional design across mechanical, electrical, software, GNC and machine‑learning teams.
• Conduct feasibility studies, trade‑off analyses and system‑level simulations to inform technical decisions.
• Oversee system integration, prototyping and validation to meet performance targets.
• Drive design and architecture reviews, ensuring alignment between requirements, design and testing.
• Implement processes to improve requirements traceability, documentation and validation workflows.

Required profile

• 10+ years of system engineering experience in robotics, aerospace or defense.
• MSc in Engineering (any field); PhD is a plus.
• Proven track record leading full system lifecycles from concept to validation.
• Strong background in system architecture, requirements engineering and trade‑off analysis.
• Broad engineering knowledge covering mechanical, electrical and embedded systems.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing technical interfaces.
• Rigorous, mission‑driven mindset with strong analytical and documentation skills.
• Bonus: experience with unmanned aerial systems or defense platforms.

Required skills

• System architecture
• Requirements engineering
• Trade‑off analysis
• System‑level simulation
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Embedded systems
• Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Robotics