Automation Software Engineer at Harmattan AI (Paris, France)
Harmattan AI· Paris, France·
Role details
Harmattan AI at a glance
France's first defense-tech unicorn, building attritable AI-piloted strike, interception, and ISR drones for allied militaries.
Harmattan AI is a vertically integrated defense prime building autonomous drone systems for allied militaries. It designs the full stack, from airframes and payloads to embedded compute and the autonomy algorithms that let drones sense, decide, and act at the edge without GPS or a network link, coordinated across a swarm by its mission-orchestration layer.
$242M raised · latest: Series B · $200M · January 2026 · backed by Dassault Aviation, FirstMark Capital, Atlantic, Motier Ventures
Summary
Design and develop automated test and inspection software using Python to support product development and manufacturing operations. The role involves building robust automation tools, integrating with hardware components, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable test systems.
Job description
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 Software Engineer, you will play a key role in designing and developing the software that powers our automated testing and inspection platforms. Working within the R&D department, you will create robust, scalable automation tools that support both product development and manufacturing operations. Your primary focus will be software development for test automation, while also collaborating on mechanical and electrical integration aspects of test systems.
Responsibilities
- Test Automation Development – Design, implement, and maintain automated test and inspection software, primarily using Python.
- Data Acquisition & Analysis – Build tools for real-time data collection, visualization, and analysis to improve product validation and process efficiency.
- System Integration – Interface with sensors, cameras, motion controllers, and other hardware components to create fully automated testing workflows.
- Test Fixture Collaboration – Work with mechanical and electrical engineers to design and integrate physical test fixtures when needed.
- Cross-Team Collaboration – Partner with product development, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver reliable and maintainable automation solutions.
Candidate Requirements
- MSc in Software, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related engineering field.
- Top level Python programming skills, including experience with automation frameworks, hardware communication protocols and data processing.
- Experience developing automated test systems, measurement setups, or manufacturing automation tools.
- Familiarity with version control (Git) and structured software development practices.
- Comfortable with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Onshape or similar).
- Comfortable performing soldering, wiring, and small-scale electrical circuit work for test system integration.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to design practical, robust engineering solutions.
- Excellent communication skills and proven ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
Why work at Harmattan AI
- Culture: “Elite builders” who “thrive on complexity, move with urgency, and own their work end to end.” Emphasis on purpose, technical excellence, and real‑world impact. harmattan.ai
- Values: Tackle the hardest problems, build what matters, move at the speed of relevance, and aim to redefine frontiers. harmattan.ai
- Work policy: Hybrid model with a mix of remote and on‑site; many roles are in‑office at locations in Paris, Lausanne, London, Arlington (TX), Wissous, Poland, UAE, and Morocco. builtin.com
- Engineering culture: Hands‑on development of mission‑critical autonomous systems; strong R&D focus across AI, computer vision, RF hardware, propulsion, and mission planning.
- Perks: Not explicitly listed, but the company highlights the opportunity to protect front‑line personnel and shape the future of autonomous defence.