Embedded Software Engineer at Harmattan AI (Lausanne, Switzerland)
Harmattan AI· Lausanne, Switzerland·
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 embedded software architectures and operating systems for UAV systems. Responsibilities include sensor driver integration, telemetry maintenance, and collaborating with algorithmic teams to ensure high-performance, reliable autonomous defense 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 Embedded Software Engineer at Harmattan AI, you will join a growing team dedicated to developing cutting-edge UAV systems. Building on the foundation established by the team, you will contribute to designing software architectures, setting up development environments, and integrating drivers and algorithms for sensors and systems. Collaborating closely with the Algorithmic teams, your expertise will help advance Harmattan AI’s mission and foster a culture of technical excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Operating System: Configure and maintain the operating system (e.g., Embedded Linux or RTOS) for UAV systems.
- Software Architecture: Participate in the improvement of the embedded software architecture, ensuring scalability and reliability.
- Sensor Integration: Develop sensor drivers and integrate online algorithms in collaboration with the Algorithmic teams.
- Telemetry Systems: Improve and maintain telemetry systems for the drone.
- Coding Standards: Maintain strong coding standards and practices across the company to ensure high-quality software.
- Tools : Collaborate in the implementation of in-house tools to accelerate software development.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust, high-performance systems for field deployment.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- Education: Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
- Experience in Embedded Systems: Extensive experience in embedded software development, with a focus on robotics, aerospace, or related fields.
- Programming Proficiency: Strong proficiency in C/C++; experience with Python is a plus.
- OS Expertise: Proven track record of working with Embedded Linux or RTOS and multi-threaded/multi-process systems.
- Sensor Development: Experience developing and integrating drivers for various sensors; ability to interpret datasheets.
- Debugging Skills: Hands-on experience with debugging tools (e.g., software debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
- Build Systems: Familiarity with build systems and version control tools (e.g., Git).
- Firmware Knowledge: Strong understanding of firmware architecture and low-level programming.
- 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.