Embedded Software Engineer - GCS 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
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 Embedded Software Engineer on Harmattan AI’s GCS (Ground Control System) module, you’ll develop the firmware and low-level software that powers our next-generation handheld UAV controllers. This includes real-time handling of inputs (joysticks, buttons, touchscreens), communication with the UAV, power management, and overall system responsiveness. Your code will bring to life a reliable, intuitive, and mission-ready operator experience.
Responsibilities
- Develop embedded firmware for custom handheld ground stations, integrating displays, input devices, wireless modules, and battery systems.
- Implement the interface with the radio link.
- Optimize system performance for responsiveness, power efficiency, and thermal constraints.
- Collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to ensure seamless hardware-software integration.
- Conduct field validation and debugging under realistic mission scenarios.
- Write clean, maintainable, and production-ready code with a focus on long-term system stability.
- Participate in architectural decisions to scale the firmware platform as the GCS product line evolves.
Candidate Requirements
- Education: Master’s in Embedded Systems, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
- Strong experience in embedded C/C++ and real-time firmware development.
- Proficient with CPU, MCU, (experience with ARM is a strong plus), hardware abstraction layers, and protocols like SPI, I2C, UART.
- Experience with embedded Linux
- Familiarity with wireless comms integration (e.g., LoRa, Wi-Fi, LTE, custom RF) is a plus.
- Bonus: Experience building handheld or ruggedized control systems in defense, aerospace, or robotics.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to work autonomously and solve complex technical challenges.
- Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication, 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.
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.