Manufacturing Automation and Digitalization Engineer

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 an Automation & Robotics Project Engineer within Harmattan AI's Automation & Industrialisation team, you will work alongside a Senior Automation & Robotics Engineer to design and commission robotics and automation cells hands-on, on a modular mixed-model assembly line built to run multiple quadcopter platforms on shared infrastructure. You will own the full integrator relationship — defining requirements, managing suppliers technically and commercially, and controlling cost, quality, and delivery. Operating in a live ramp-up environment, you will make real industrial decisions on where and when automation creates value — directly strengthening Harmattan AI's capacity to manufacture autonomous systems at speed and scale. RESPONSIBILITIES Hands-On Automation and robotics * Design, assemble, and commission automation and robotics cells hands-on, directly within the shopfloor environment. * Integrate robotic systems, sensors, and actuators into modular stations compatible with a mixed-model assembly line. * Validate and deploy industrial equipment in collaboration with production teams to ensure operational readiness. * Execute rapid iterations on automation cells to keep pace with evolving products and processes during the production ramp-up. * Conduct technical and commercial assessments to justify automation investments and create value before implementation. Integrator & Supplier Management * Define technical requirements and functional specifications for automation integrators. * Manage integrators end-to-end — from RFQ and design reviews through FAT/SAT and go-live. * Own cost tracking, budget control, and lead time management on automation projects. * Challenge supplier proposals technically and commercially — hold them to quality, cost, and delivery. Performance & Continuous Improvement * Monitor cell performance post-deployment and drive OEE improvements across the shared line. * Identify root causes of faults and implement corrective actions — on the floor or with suppliers. * Ensure automation cells remain compatible with mixed-model production as the product portfolio grows. * Feed lessons learned into future specifications and cell designs. CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS Essential Qualifications * Degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or equivalent. * 0–3 years of experience — hands-on internships and academic projects are fully valued. * Practical hands-on experience with industrial and collaborative robots including brands such as Universal Robots, Doosan, FANUC, or KUKA. * Working knowledge of PLCs — notably Siemens TIA Portal/S7 — and associated automation architectures. * Familiarity with sensors, actuators, motion systems, and cell-level safety standards. * Ability to write clear technical specifications and functional requirements. * Comfortable managing suppliers and integrators — technically, commercially, and on schedule. * Thrives in fast-moving, iterative environments with incomplete information and evolving processes. * Rigorous, structured, and able to prioritize under ramp-up pressure. * Good communication in French and English — able to interact clearly with operators and engineers * Hands-on mindset; at ease on the shopfloor, not just behind a screen Preferred Skills * Familiarity with vision systems, force/torque sensing, or automated quality inspection. * Understanding of OEE metrics and lean manufacturing principles. * Exposure to Industry 4.0 tools — digital twins, IoT, or predictive maintenance concepts. * Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments where processes are still being built * Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication in French and English, capable of leading diverse principals – from junior members to senior executives. * 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. ABOUT THE ROLE The Methods Engineer supports the deployment and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes across the Wissous production plant. You will contribute to structuring a greenfield drone production facility scaling fast — building manufacturing routes, supporting lean deployment, and bridging Production, Quality, and the Industrialisation & Automation team on a daily basis. This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to build real expertise fast, in a high-tempo environment where every contribution is visible and every improvement counts. The role reports to the Head of Industrialisation & Automation. MISSIONS Continuous Improvement & Shopfloor Performance * Support the deployment of lean tools on the shopfloor: 5S rollout, standardised work, and visual management boards * Participate in daily performance reviews and contribute to structured problem-solving (5-Why, A3) on process non-conformances * Contribute to plant performance tracking: standard times, first-pass yield, scrap and rework monitoring Production Line Design & Internal Flow * Support workstation layout improvements, line balancing, and tooling setup for manual assembly operations * Participate in factory layout reviews and kaizen actions to reduce non-value-added activities Process Knowledge & Documentation * Write and maintain work instructions and manufacturing routes — ensuring accuracy, versioning, and floor-level usability * Conduct time studies and cycle analysis under the guidance of the senior team * Support Odoo MES deployment on the methods perimeter: routings, work orders, and traceability Automation Roadmap Contribution * Identify and document manual operations that are repetitive, constrained, or automation-ready * Provide process and cycle time data to support automation prioritisation alongside the Industrialisation & Automation team * Participate in automation pilots and update work instructions post-deployment REQUIREMENTS Essential Qualifications * Engineering degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field * 2–3 years of experience in a Methods, Industrial Engineering, or Continuous Improvement role — or a first significant experience in a manufacturing environment (apprenticeship, or junior role included) * First exposure to lean tools: 5S, standardised work, time studies, or line balancing * Structured, rigorous, and data-driven — comfortable building simple KPIs and tracking performance * Good communication in French and English — able to interact clearly with operators and engineers * Hands-on mindset; at ease on the shopfloor, not just behind a screen Preferred Skills * Exposure to a ramp-up, startup, or new product introduction context is a plus, not a prerequisite * Curiosity about automation and a desire to understand where manufacturing is heading * Familiarity with Odoo or any MES/ERP is a bonus * Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments where processes are still being built We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.