Lead Verification & Validation 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 Validation Engineer, you will play a critical role in validating the performance, reliability, and operational readiness of our autonomous defense systems. You will lead test campaigns on our own systems to inform internal development and maintain a competitive edge. Responsibilities * System Testing: Plan and execute validation & verification of defense systems (drone, payload...) in simulated and real-world conditions. * Flight Test Campaigns: Design and conduct rigorous test for new features, hardware configurations, and software releases. * Test Protocols: Define, document, and refine structured test procedures. * Data Analysis: Capture and interpret telemetry, logs, and test outcomes to assess system behavior and recommend design improvements hand-in-hand with the R&D. * Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with hardware, software, and systems teams to support debugging and iteration based on test outcomes. Candidate Requirements * 2–5 years of experience in validation on aerospace or robotic systems, or embedded robotics. * Solid understanding of methodology for rigorous testing and validation of technical system * Wide engineering culture around flight dynamics, control systems, avionics, and/or RF systems. * Comfortable designing and executing structured test protocols. * Experience with DVT/PVT phases and environmental testing methodologies. * Strong statistical analysis skills to interpret test data and validate reliability. * Bonus: Pilot certification, experience with military or industrial drone platforms. * Detail-oriented with excellent documentation and organizational skills. * Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams toward success. Location and Commitments * Contract Type: Permanent contract * Work Schedule: Full-time * Availability: ASAP * Location: Lausanne We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI. 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. The System Integration Senior Engineer will help lead the Nyx system end‑to‑end integration and verification, with a focus on functional platforms (Software in the Loop Platform, Processor in the Loop Platform, Hardware in the Loop Platform, Functional Simulation Facility). You will define and execute test plans, manage requirement traceability, analyse test results, and close verification evidence across SIL/PIL/HIL and physical test campaigns. Working closely with subsystem leads, AIT teams, and external partners, you will identify integration risks, resolve anomalies, and ensure that all mechanical functions perform safely and reliably throughout the mission profile. This position requires a rigorous systems mindset, strong understanding of mechanical behaviour in the space environment, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary verification activities to successful closure. Key Responsibilities In your capacity a System Integration Senior Engineer, your role will continuously evolve, but initially your day-to-day duties will include: * Ensure the definition and implementation of the Nyx Earth system integration and verification activities, which meets technical and programmatic requirements and considers the adequacy of model philosophy, facilities availability, planning and costing. * Define plans and specifications with clear Success Criteria and support the generation of test procedures with the Functional Platform team. * Drive the technical discussions, preparation, organization and execution of the system verification campaigns, to ensure the closure of all system verification aspects, including nominal and off nominal spacecraft behaviors. * Organise the different reviews for incremental progress and ultimate closure of verification events. * Generate reports and drive the closure of the Items for Verification and Validation covered by the campaign. * Collaborate with all Functional Chain responsible and engineering disciplines to prepare and perform the system activities. * Process the anomalies occurring during the verification campaign in coordination with the Product Assurance Team and the rest of the Engineering Team. What we would love to see from you In the role of System Integration Senior Engineer ideally, you will have the following: * Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, or another related field. * 5 to 10 years of experience in systems design, analysis, and testing of aerospace or space-related systems, with a focus on integration of complex spacecraft and/or testing activities. * Hands-on hardware experience. * Practical experience / contact with functional test platforms, such as software in the loop, hardware in the loop, and bench testing. * Experience in the development and verification of space hardware. * Spacecraft systems knowledge. Skills and Behaviours * Strong oral and written communication skills * Strong analysis and problem-solving skills * Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks * Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done * Ability to communicate at all levels of the business * Demonstrates behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Mission, Vision, Integrity, Excellence and Teamwork * Space enthusiast: ready to change the European space industry * Ability to thrive in a high paced development environment 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.