Senior Robotics Automation Engineer at Harmattan AI (Orly, France)
Harmattan AI· Orly, 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, implement, and optimize automation systems for defense manufacturing, focusing on robotics, digital integration, and lean processes. The role involves leading automation projects to maximize OEE, connect platforms to ERP/MES, and standardize architectures while ensuring high reliability and safety.
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
We are looking for a skilled and forward-thinking Senior Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automation systems at our production site, the model for our future global manufacturing sites. You’ll lead automation projects that enable cost-effective, high-volume, and defense-grade production through robotics, digital integration, and lean processes.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Automation Systems
- Design and deploy automated solutions across key manufacturing and test processes.
- Translate manual tasks into robust automated stations (robotics, sensors, actuators, software).
- Own equipment specifications, commissioning, and validation with suppliers and integrators.
Performance & Reliability
- Maximize OEE through improved uptime, performance, and first-pass yield.
- Analyze real-time data and fault logs to drive continuous improvement.
- Support maintenance and production teams in troubleshooting and system optimization.
Digital Integration
- Connect automation platforms to ERP/MES for live traceability and performance data.
- Build OEE dashboards and enable predictive maintenance through data and IoT tools.
- Contribute to digital twin and simulation projects for capacity and layout planning.
Innovation & Standardization
- Evaluate and prototype new automation and robotics technologies.
- Standardize automation architectures and documentation for replication in future factories.
- Train technical staff and provide user-friendly system documentation.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- Degree in Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or equivalent.
- 5+ years experience in manufacturing automation (design, commissioning, optimization).
- Strong command of robotics, PLCs, sensors, motion systems, and automation safety standards (CE).
- Interest in Industry 4.0, collaborative robotics, and machine learning applications.
- Proven experience deploying reliable, high-availability systems.
- Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication in French and English, 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.