Mechanical Engineer

Harmattan AI is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join their Airframe team in Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland. You will design UAV platforms and subsystems in an autonomous, fast-paced environment, taking ownership from concept to production. Join us in shaping the future of autonomous defense systems.

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.

Company Overview

Harmattan AI is redefining how forces are built and deployed, shaping a future where autonomous robots fight as one across the full spectrum of operations. Autonomy multiplies both mass and capability, unlocking a new scale of force. Coordinated saturation is the doctrine of modern warfare, and advantage shifts from the platform to the autonomous force.

Quick Details

• Salary Range: Not Applicable
• Job Type: Full-time
• Qualifications: Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Proven experience designing and prototyping mechanical systems, ideally within UAVs, robotics, or defence applications.

Key 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.

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.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous defense systems.
• Be part of a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.
• Contribute to technologies with real-world impact.
• Work with a team that values excellence, ambition, and tackling hard technical challenges.
• Ownership of projects from concept through to production.