
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.
We are looking for a UAV Battery Engineer to join our Hardware (Elec Team). This role is critical to owning the energy storage
systems that power our UAV platforms. Our drones demand high energy density, reliability, and uncompromising safety under dynamic
loads — and we need a dedicated expert to architect, test, and deliver battery systems from cell selection through to
production-ready packs.
You will take end-to-end ownership of the UAV battery architecture, working hands-on with cells, BMS hardware, and thermal systems
every day. This is a high-autonomy role where your decisions on cell chemistry, supplier selection, and safety protocols will
directly shape the performance and reliability of our platforms.
Battery Architecture & Cell Selection: Evaluate and qualify battery cell suppliers based on energy density, cycle life, cost, and
safety performance. Define pack configuration and cell architecture for UAV platforms.
Battery Safety & Thermal Management: Lead the design of battery safety protocols, including thermal runaway mitigation and
propagation resistance strategies. Conduct hazard analyses (DFMEA) and ensure compliance with standards such as UN38.3 and UL.
BMS Design & Integration: Own the Battery Management System architecture and algorithms, including State of Charge (SoC) and State
of Health (SoH) estimation, cell balancing, and protection logic for highly dynamic load environments.
Testing & Validation: Perform hands-on testing of cells using cyclers and thermal chambers. Develop validation plans covering
abuse scenarios such as overcharge, short circuit, and mechanical drop conditions. Analyse BMS log data and simulate thermal
behaviour.
Supplier Management: Manage relationships with cell suppliers, covering technical specifications, quality control, and roadmaps.
Build a reliable and scalable supplier pipeline.
Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with Mechanical Design on battery packaging constraints, Firmware on BMS parameters and
algorithms, and external manufacturing partners.
Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science,
Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Technical Expertise: Proven track record of taking battery systems from concept to production in high-performance robotics,
aerospace, or UAV applications. Hands-on experience with cell characterisation, BMS architecture, and thermal management.
Familiarity with safety compliance standards (e.g., UN38.3, UL).
Core Competencies: Cell selection and testing, supplier management and qualification, battery safety (thermal runaway mitigation),
BMS architecture, pack packaging and integration, and regulatory compliance.
Ideal Background: Experience at drone manufacturers (e.g., DJI, Skydio, Anduril), EV companies (e.g., Rivian, Tesla), or advanced
robotics and electrification organizations.
Attributes: Analytical, safety-conscious, data-driven, and highly structured. Strong communication skills, particularly for
supplier negotiation and cross-functional collaboration.
Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI's mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure
operational excellence.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
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. We are seeking a high-drive, hands-on Mechanical Engineer to join our dedicated Quadcopter Airframe team in Lausanne. In this role, you will be on the front lines of designing, prototyping, and integrating next-generation multirotor hardware deployed in mission-critical environments. From day one, you’ll work directly on physical hardware—modeling custom parts in SolidWorks, building hands-on prototypes, and helping validate them for flight testing. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Component CAD Modeling: Design and update production-ready 3D models and assemblies (motor mounts, structural brackets, battery latches, internal mounting plates) in SolidWorks under tight deadlines. * Electromechanical Packaging: Fit electrical components, PCBs, sensors, actuators, and wire harnesses into compact quadcopter airframes without compromising serviceability or thermal routing. * Rapid Prototyping & Bench Testing: Operate 3D printers, shop tools, and bench-test setups to physically validate and stress-test your designs before they hit the field. * DFM & Production Documentation: Create precise 2D manufacturing drawings, define tolerances, and generate BOMs for injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication. * Cross-Functional Execution: Collaborate closely with Electrical Engineering, Aerodynamics, Industrialisation, and Supply Chain to solve spatial packaging bottlenecks and keep hardware builds moving fast. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR * Background: M.Sc. or B.Sc. (FH / HES / University of Applied Sciences) in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace or similar. * Experience: 0–3 years of hands-on experience in mechanical engineering, robotics, or electromechanical hardware. Top performance in competitive university hardware teams (Formula Student / FSAE, robotics clubs, or UAV projects) counts directly toward experience. * CAD Fluency: Fast, clean modeling skills in SolidWorks and a solid grasp of parametric assembly design. * Hands-on DFM Grounding: Practical understanding of real manufacturing constraints (tolerances, draft angles, tool access) for CNC machined parts, 3D printing, and plastic enclosures. * High Drive & Ownership: High ownership, responsiveness, and a proactive mindset—someone who naturally favors quick action, takes full responsibility for their tasks, and unblocks themselves when faced with tight deadlines. WHAT WE OFFER * 10x Execution Speed: Experience rapid engineering cycles where you model in CAD, print a prototype the same afternoon, test on the bench, and iterate immediately. You will gain years of practical hardware experience in your first 12 months. * Broad Cross-Functional Exposure: Work directly alongside top senior engineers across mechanical, electrical, aerodynamic, and production disciplines to master full-system drone hardware integration. * Direct Mission Impact: Your work directly supports hardware deployed with allied forces to solve critical defense challenges. We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
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 GNC Engineer on the UAV team, you’ll design and develop advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) solutions. From integrating and fusing sensor data to developing control laws and flight trajectories, you'll take your work from simulation to embedded implementation—and ultimately to live flight testing. RESPONSIBILITIES * Develop state-of-the-art navigation and sensor fusion algorithms for UAVs * Design and implement GNC and flight control systems * Build filtering and estimation strategies for robust and efficient flight performance * Run extensive simulations (Monte Carlo, SITL, HITL) and coverage testing * Analyze test flight data and refine algorithmic performance * Support full-stack system integration: GNSS, INS/IMU, localization, and fusion * Maintain and evolve a flight-proven flight computer across multiple UAV platforms REQUIREMENTS * Education : Engineering school or master's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field * 3+ years of experience in aerospace GNC systems * Strong foundations in control theory, estimation, and sensor integration * Proficient in Python and embedded C/C++ * Experience with simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo) and version control (Git) * Familiarity with open-source autopilots (PX4, Ardupilot, Betaflight, etc.) * Hands-on electronics and integration skills: debugging, soldering, harnessing * Bonus: FPV pilot hobbyist We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
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 Mechanical Engineer on Harmattan AI’s Airframe team, you will design UAV platforms and subsystems in an autonomous, fast-paced environment. You will take ownership of projects from concept through to production, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and manufacturability. RESPONSIBILITIES * Design and prototype UAV platforms and complex subsystems from scratch, ensuring the right balance between durability, efficiency, and performance. * Take full ownership of system-level constraints, including thermal management, mass budget (weight), COGS (cost), and environmental sealing (IP ratings). * Work closely with R&D teams (Electrical, Software, and Industrialisation) to ensure seamless mechanical integration of sensors, payloads, and electronics. * Conduct rigorous testing, including stress and failure analysis. Identify risks proactively and develop the necessary tools (test benches, calculation sheets, or scripts) to validate designs for operation in extreme environments. * Manage your own delivery packages and technical specifications with precision, consistently meeting or exceeding requirements under tight deadlines. * Oversee the manufacturing process by collaborating directly with suppliers and external manufacturers, with a focus on plastic injection moulding and precision machining, to ensure quality and schedule targets are achieved. * Maintain the “source of truth” through Confluence and professional 2D/3D documentation. Document all designs, test results, and production workflows to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS * Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. * Proven experience designing and prototyping mechanical systems, ideally within UAVs, robotics, or defence applications. * Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks); experience with structural and thermal analysis tools (FEA) is a strong advantage. * Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including high-precision machining and plastic injection moulding. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document complex technical concepts and lead cross-functional discussions. * Full commitment to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision, and growth plans, with a willingness to go the extra mile in pursuit of operational excellence. We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.