---
title: 'MAVLink & Autopilot Engineer at Alta Ares'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/mavlink-autopilot-engineer-alta-ares-paris-e9705v8seba8'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-08'
---

# MAVLink & Autopilot Engineer at Alta Ares

- **Company:** Alta Ares
- **Location:** Paris, France
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-06-23
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-08
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/alta-ares/566d6910-25ac-4092-82f9-3c591f48e571/application

**Skills:** C++, Python, MAVLink, ArduPilot, ArduPlane, ArduCopter, Embedded Systems, UAS Development, Robotics, HIL Testing, SIL Testing, Gazebo, JSBSim, RealFlight, Git, Serial Communication, UART, USB, Network-based MAVLink Links, Flight Log Analysis

> Design, integrate, and harden the MAVLink communication stack and ArduPilot autopilot firmware for fixed-wing and multi-rotor UAS platforms. The role involves developing custom flight modes, integrating companion computers, and conducting field testing to ensure reliability in defense operations.

## Job description

## ABOUT ALTA ARES

Alta Ares is an air defense Neoprime. We build AI-guided interceptors to counter drones and cruise missiles, along with the software platform that powers them.

Our customers are NATO-aligned militaries and defense institutions, and our systems are regularly deployed during live exercises and operational demonstrations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Founded in 2024, we have grown to 90 people, raised over $60M, and increased revenue 40× this year. We are now entering a new phase of international expansion, industrial scaling, fundraising, and product development.

## ROLE & MISSION

As MAVLink & Autopilot Engineer, you will be at the core of Alta Ares' UAS development — designing, integrating, and hardening the autopilot and communication stack that underpins our ISR and C-UAS platforms across both fixed-wing and multi-rotor systems.

You will own the full MAVLink integration layer: from ground control station communication and mission scripting to onboard autopilot customisation and real-time telemetry pipelines. You will work hands-on with ArduPlane and ArduCopter on operational platforms, in environments where reliability, latency, and resilience are non-negotiable.

This is a deeply technical, field-connected role. You will split your time between the bench and the flight line — writing code in the morning and validating it on a live airframe in the afternoon.

1. MAVLINK INTEGRATION & PROTOCOL ENGINEERING

- Design, implement, and maintain MAVLink-based communication pipelines between onboard systems, GCS, and ground infrastructure
- Develop custom MAVLink messages, dialects, and extensions tailored to Alta Ares' operational requirements
- Build and maintain MAVLink parsers, routers, and middleware layers in C++ and Python
- Integrate MAVLink with onboard AI inference engines, sensor fusion modules, and mission management systems
- Ensure communication robustness in degraded RF environments, high-latency links, and GNSS-denied conditions
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of Alta Ares' GCS interface and telemetry dashboards

1. ARDUPLANE & ARDUCOPTER CUSTOMISATION

- Own the integration and customisation of ArduPlane and ArduCopter firmware for Alta Ares' fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms
- Develop and tune custom flight modes, mission logic, and failsafe behaviours adapted to defence operational requirements
- Implement and validate custom navigation, loiter, and search patterns for ISR missions
- Integrate external sensors and payloads into the ArduPilot ecosystem: optical systems, RF sensors, AI inference boards
- Maintain a clean, well-documented fork of ArduPilot with Alta Ares-specific modifications and upstream contribution where appropriate
- Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing prior to live flight validation

1. GNC & AUTONOMOUS BEHAVIOUR INTEGRATION

- Collaborate with GNC engineers to integrate guidance, navigation, and control algorithms into the ArduPilot stack
- Implement and validate autonomous behaviours: waypoint following, target tracking, dynamic re-tasking, and terminal phase logic
- Develop companion computer interfaces (Raspberry Pi, Jetson, or equivalent) communicating with the autopilot via MAVLink
- Support the integration of AI-driven decision layers with the autopilot for semi-autonomous and autonomous mission execution
- Ensure deterministic, predictable behaviour under edge cases and failure modes

1. FIELD TESTING & OPERATIONAL VALIDATION

- Lead or actively participate in ground testing, bench testing, and live flight test campaigns
- Define test plans, acceptance criteria, and regression test suites for autopilot and MAVLink stack
- Debug in-flight anomalies from log analysis (DataFlash, telemetry logs) and implement fixes rapidly
- Support operational deployments and live demonstrations — including in austere field environments
- Translate field feedback from operators and military users into concrete engineering improvements

1. DOCUMENTATION & ENGINEERING STANDARDS

- Maintain comprehensive technical documentation: architecture diagrams, interface specifications, test reports, and integration guides
- Define and enforce coding standards, review processes, and versioning practices for the autopilot and MAVLink codebase
- Support junior engineers and share expertise across the embedded and software teams

## CANDIDATE PROFILE

## EXPERIENCE

- 4–5 years of experience in embedded systems, UAS development, or robotics — with a strong focus on autopilot systems and MAVLink
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with ArduPlane and/or ArduCopter on real airframes — not just simulation
- Deep expertise in MAVLink protocol: message design, dialect customisation, routing, and integration
- Proven track record integrating companion computers with flight controllers in operational or near-operational UAS
- Experience with both fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms is required
- Prior work in defence, dual-use, or operational UAS environments is a strong plus

TECHNICAL SKILLS — YOU MUST BE ABLE TO DO THESE YOURSELF

- C++ and Python development in embedded and companion computer contexts
- ArduPilot firmware customisation: flight modes, failsafes, mission logic, parameter tuning
- MAVLink protocol: custom dialects, message routing, parser development
- HIL/SIL testing with ArduPilot SITL and compatible simulators (Gazebo, JSBSim, RealFlight)
- Flight log analysis: DataFlash logs, MAVLink telemetry, and post-flight debugging
- Companion computer integration: serial/UART, USB, and network-based MAVLink links
- Git-based development workflows in a collaborative engineering environment

## About Alta Ares

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Alta Ares builds an autonomous AI stack for next-generation air defense, ISTAR, and mission management, delivering counter-drone systems and edge intelligence to allied militaries.
- **Entity Type**: Private (raised pre-seed and seed rounds; most recent €50M funding announced June 2026)
- **Headquarters**: Paris, France (strategic offices in Toulouse, Kyiv, Abu Dhabi, New York, Athens, Munich, and London)
- **Founded**: 2024
- **Founders**: Hadrien C. (CEO), Alain H. (Co-Founder), Stanislas W. (Co-Founder & COO) – per LinkedIn executive data

## Core Business
- **Industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing; AI-powered autonomous systems
- **Target Customers**: Allied governments and armed forces (B2B/B2G)
- **Mission**: “The next decade of allied security will be decided by who controls the autonomous systems above the battlefield. Alta Ares was founded to help ensure that the technologies shaping the future of defense are developed by allies, for allies, and fielded where they can make the greatest difference.” [altaares.com](https://www.altaares.com/)

## Products & Services
- **Black Bird**: Short- to mid-range multirotor autonomous interceptor for counter-drone swarms, with AI terminal guidance under jamming.
- **X-LOCK**: Mid- to long-range turbojet-powered fixed-wing effector for high-speed interception of drones and glide bombs; optional strike configuration.
- **Cyclops**: Sensor intelligence, mission planning, and flight monitoring system for UAVs – connects radars, classifies tracks, predicts trajectories.
- **Gamma ISTAR**: Real-time video intelligence on the edge for Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Includes Gamma Core (software deployable on any infrastructure) and Gamma Box (tactical rugged hardware node). Integrated with Gamma Ulixes MLOps platform for continuous model retraining.
- **Pixel Lock**: Software system for detecting, tracking, and guiding interceptors toward moving aerial targets. Acts as visual aid for pilots and as automatic guidance in GNSS-denied environments.
- **Mission Management Layer**: Unified platform combining air defense effectors, ISTAR products, and mission management software for autonomous operations.

[altaares.com](https://www.altaares.com/)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Total known funding ≈ €50M+ (includes a reported June 2026 round led by top-tier AI and defense investors) [altaares.com](https://www.altaares.com/); earlier pre-seed ($2.2M) and seed ($2.0M) rounds confirmed on LinkedIn [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alta-ares)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Airbus Defence and Space (signed MoU to co-develop European counter-drone solutions, June 2026); Expansion Ventures (led pre-seed). Other investors not yet named publicly.
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Completed live Arctic trials of Black Bird interceptor with Estonian Defence Forces (Feb 2026)
  - Expanding to Munich and London in 2026
  - Rapid hiring: 19+ active job postings (LinkedIn), 12 listed on Built In
  - LinkedIn followers: 11,265 (+15.8% monthly growth)
  - Team: ~43 employees (LinkedIn) to 62 (Built In), with strong technical talent from defense and aerospace (Armée de Terre, Safran AI, Loft Orbital)

[builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/alta-ares) | [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alta-ares)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Sovereign European stack**: Entire AI and hardware chain developed by European allies, ensuring security and compliance for NATO and allied customers.
- **GNSS-denied operations**: All systems designed to function under jamming and contested environments.
- **Rapid field deployment**: Systems can be deployed by small teams in the field, reducing logistics footprint.
- **Full-stack integration**: One platform combining effectors, ISR, and mission management with edge AI and continuous MLOps.

## Strategic Focus
- Scale manufacturing and deployment of Black Bird, X-LOCK, and Gamma products to meet growing demand from allied nations.
- Deepen integration partnership with Airbus Defence and Space for European counter-drone solutions.
- Expand international presence (Munich, London offices in 2026) and grow sales in Baltic, Indo-Pacific, and Middle Eastern markets.
- Continue investment in AI terminal guidance, sensor fusion, and sovereign MLOps (Gamma Ulixes).

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-driven**: Directly contribute to European and allied defense autonomy in a critical domain.
- **Cutting-edge tech**: Work on AI, computer vision, autonomous flight, edge computing, and defense-grade hardware.
- **Rapid growth**: Company raised €50M in 2026, tripling headcount timeline; many open engineering and operations roles.
- **Culture**: Described as a “deeptech startup” with a hybrid workspace (combination of remote and on-site); main offices in Paris and Toulouse, plus international hubs.
- **Perks**: Not detailed publicly, but typical for defense tech includes competitive compensation, equity, and mission-critical work. Engineering culture emphasized in job postings.
- **Ideal for**: Engineers (embedded, robotics, GNC, data, ML), test pilots, production managers, defense sales, compliance, and talent acquisition specialists.

## Sources
1. [altaares.com](https://www.altaares.com/)
2. [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/alta-ares)
3. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alta-ares)
4. [jobs.workable.com](https://jobs.workable.com/company/dTjqj5nvsJLNhfSDY12XbG/jobs-at-alta-ares)
5. [thecompanycheck.com](https://www.thecompanycheck.com/company/b/alta-ares/l5u43z56vx1ldmfss)

## Other roles at Alta Ares

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