
Harmattan AI · Lausanne
ABOUT US Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the...
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 Chief Engineer, you will own the architecture, system definition and implementation of one of our robotic systems — from
concept to field deployment. You will work hand-in-hand with project managers and technical leads to translate mission needs into
system-level designs, coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams, and ensure overall system performance, robustness, and
reliability.
Responsibilities
choices.
workflows.
Candidate Requirements
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
ABOUT THE ROLE Neural Concept’s Vertical Solutions team turns the most critical engineering use cases into streamlined, production-grade workflows empowered by leading AI technologies. As Senior Vehicle Solution Owner, you will use a decade of automotive engineering experience to lead one of the most strategically important parts of our automotive offering. You will define the Vehicle Body solution — built on top of the Neural Concept platform — combining design, simulation and data-science/ML to compress development cycles across the full breadth of vehicle attributes. You will partner directly with leading OEMs to understand their needs and translate them into solution direction and product strategy. If you have spent your career as a chief engineer, attribute lead or technical specialist designing cars, this is a unique chance to step out of a single program and shape, at industry scale, how vehicle are engineered with AI. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Own the Vehicle solution end to end. Define and deliver competitive, replicable solutions for automotive vehicle engineering on the Neural Concept platform, spanning the full breadth of body attributes. * Partner with lead customers. Lead discovery interviews with OEM and Tier-1 customers, build trusted strategic relationships, validate solutions against real-world requirements, and expand product scope to cover a larger part of the design process. * Work hands-on with ML engineers and scientists. Collaborate closely with a cross-functional team of CAD/CAE/ML engineers — from prototype to production-ready solution — to advance what is possible in engineering design with AI. * Enable go-to-market teams. Equip Sales, Solution Engineering, and Marketing with the domain knowledge, value proposition, and materials they need to position the Vehicle solution credibly with senior automotive stakeholders. * Support strategic customers and partners. Represent Neural Concept in high-level technical and strategic discussions, monitor key customer projects within the vertical to ensure alignment and value delivery, and align vertical initiatives with overall company strategy. WHO YOU ARE EXPERIENCE * 10+ years in the automotive industry designing vehicles, in a role such as chief engineer, attribute lead, or technical lead focused on key performance attributes (e.g. aerodynamics, crash/structural safety, thermal). * Proven track record of owning vehicle engineering decisions across the full development cycle: requirements, concept, modeling and simulation, validation, testing, and release. * Experience building and influencing relationships with senior engineering stakeholders at OEMs. HARD SKILLS * Hands-on understanding of CAD, PLM, simulation (CAE), physical and virtual testing, and design for manufacturing. * Fluent in the workflows and tools automotive body engineers use — for example CATIA / NX and Teamcenter / 3DEXPERIENCE (CAD/PLM); LS-DYNA, Pam-Crash, Radioss, Abaqus, Nastran (crash/structural); StarCCM+, OpenFOAM, PowerFLOW (aero/thermal). * Comfortable working with data-driven engineering approaches. MINDSET * Pragmatic problem solver — focused on impact, not buzzwords; willing to look at engineering from a new angle and challenge established ways of working. * Strong customer discovery skills and empathy, with the credibility to engage senior automotive leaders. * Strategic thinker who can move fluidly between long-term direction and hands-on, cross-functional delivery. NICE TO HAVE * Hands-on experience with Python, AI tools, and ML/data-science processes. * Exposure to applying machine learning or surrogate modeling to engineering design. Tags: #Automotive #VehicleBody #Aerodynamics #Crash #Thermal #CAD #CAE #PLM #DFM #SimulationAI #DeepLearning WHAT YOU GET * Work with a world-class technology team — our engineers are top-notch, and we always aim for excellence. * Benefit from a competitive salary and rewarding opportunities as we continue to scale. * Thrive in a collaborative, multicultural environment where your work is visible and recognized. * Develop professionally alongside talented colleagues who share knowledge freely and support one another. * Make a global impact by helping customers shift to AI-assisted design, making innovation faster, smarter, and more sustainable. * Balance life and work with a hybrid model (40% remote) and flexible hours — we care about results, not rigid schedules. WE'RE PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, AND WE'RE COMMITTED TO BUILDING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOU CAN THRIVE.
ABOUT US 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 Chief Engineer, you will own the architecture, system definition and implementation of one of our robotic systems — from concept to field deployment. You will work hand-in-hand with project managers and technical leads to translate mission needs into system-level designs, coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams, and ensure overall system performance, robustness, and reliability. Responsibilities * System Architecture: Transform system requirements into architectures solutions. * Technical Coordination: Lead cross-functional design across mechanical, electrical, software, GNC, and ML teams. * Trade-Off & Design Analysis: Conduct feasibility studies, trade-off analyses, and system-level simulations to guide technical choices. * Integration & Validation: Oversee system integration, prototyping, and validation, ensuring performance targets are achieved. * System Reviews: Drive design and architecture reviews, maintaining consistency between requirements, design, and testing. * Continuous Improvement: Implement processes to enhance requirements traceability, system documentation, and validation workflows. Candidate Requirements * 10+ years of experience in system engineering within robotics, aerospace, or defense sectors. * MSc in Engineering (any field); PhD is a plus. * Proven experience leading full system lifecycles (concept → prototype → validation). * Strong background in system architecture, requirements engineering, and trade-off analysis. * Broad engineering culture with understanding of mechanical, electrical, and embedded systems. * Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and managing technical interfaces. * Rigorous, structured, and mission-driven mindset with strong analytical skills. * Excellent communication and documentation abilities. * Bonus: Experience with UAS or defense systems. We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. We are seeking a High-Thrust Engine Chief Engineer to lead the technical vision, architecture, and strategic direction of the Storm program, our next-gen high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine using LOX/LCH4. You will be the technical authority for the high-thrust engine development program. This role is responsible for ensuring technical coherence across all domains and aligning engineering execution with company goals and mission objectives. The Storm Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for the program, guiding engineering leadership, setting design and performance standards, and ensuring system-level integrity and mission success. You'll own the technical integrity, performance, and safety of the engine throughout its lifecycle, from architecture definition to prototype testing. The Storm Chief Engineer will work closely with the Storm Lead and the Head of Propulsion (reports to), ensuring that engineering excellence and delivery efficiency remain balanced. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Technical Leadership and Vision Define and communicate the technical vision and roadmap for the Storm propulsion system in collaboration with the High Thrust Engine Lead, ensuring alignment with company strategy, mission objectives, and long-term scalability. * System Architecture Ownership Serve as the primary owner of the Storm system architecture, ensuring optimal integration across propulsion, structures, avionics, and operations. Lead technical reviews. Arbitrate complex system trade-off * Mentorship and Technical Oversight Provide guidance and mentorship to the team, fostering a culture of technical rigor, innovation, and accountability. * Risk Management & Safety Identify, assess, and manage technical risks at the system level with the support of the team and their principals. Lead critical design and readiness reviews, ensuring robust decision-making and risk mitigation strategies. Approve all non-conformance waivers or design deviations. * Collaboration Support business development, partner engagement, and customer interactions by representing the technical capabilities and vision of the Storm program. Coordinate with the Storm Lead on technical milestones, test readiness, and risk assessments. Work closely with program management and other engineering domains to balance performance, cost, and schedule, while maintaining technical integrity. * Continuous Improvement Drive continuous improvement in engineering tools, methodologies, and team capability to ensure Storm remains at the forefront of propulsion technology. Drive maturation of critical technologies. Ensure lessons learnt are captured. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU: * A minimum of a master’s degree in propulsion engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field. * Over 15 years of experience in liquid rocket engine development, including at least one full-scale or prototype program, with experience in production/industrialisation * Deep understanding of cryogenic propulsion systems, including design, integration, and test. * Proven track record of defining and delivering complex aerospace systems from concept through flight. * Experience collaborating with European space agencies. * Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary technical teams and arbitrate complex design trades. * Demonstrated experience managing system-level requirements, interfaces, and verification activities. * Experience in engine hot-fire testing and anomaly resolution. * Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence across engineering, program, and executive teams. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound technical decisions under uncertainty, schedule and cost pressure. * Proven ability to work with geographically distributed teams and coordinating with external partners or suppliers. * Positive, adaptable, and collaborative mindset, capable of inspiring excellence across the organization. * Fluency in English. Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is: * We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind * We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them * We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge? We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.