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 a System Architect, you will own the end-to-end architecture, system definition, and strategic implementation for our entire portfolio of robotic and autonomous defense systems—from long-term vision to field deployment. You will collaborate closely with executive leadership and technical leads, forming a critical partnership with the Product Manager to ensure efficiency and alignment across the organization.
This pivotal role drives strategic programs including anti-drone warfare, ISR and strike systems, equipment fusion (especially aeronautics), and C2 and AI.
Key Responsibilities
System-of-Systems Design & Strategy: Translate complex strategic goals into global, system-of-systems designs. Define and champion the overall system architecture strategy across the enterprise, ensuring coherence from concept through deployment.
Architectural Sizing & Verification: Ensure all systems meet defined needs and are correctly sized through rigorous verification of scope, complex system-of-systems simulations, and precise system sizing. Guide major technical investment decisions.
Technical Leadership & Coordination: Coordinate large, multidisciplinary engineering organizations and provide overarching technical leadership across cross-functional design efforts (mechanical, electrical, software, GNC, ML, product). Ensure long-term performance, robustness, and strategic reliability across the enterprise.
Specification & Integration Governance: Govern system integration standards and validation processes. Manage the complex process of specification management by ensuring all architectural prerequisites are met. Drive multi-system architecture reviews for enterprise design consistency.
Continuous Improvement: Implement and institutionalize processes to enhance requirements traceability, system documentation standards, and validation workflows across the entire engineering organization.
Candidate Requirements
Experience & Education
10+ years of experience in systems engineering or architecture, with significant time in a senior or lead role.
MSc in Engineering (any field); PhD is a plus.
Experience in the defense sector is mandatory; experience with drones or autonomous platforms is a significant plus.
Domain Expertise
Strong knowledge in one or more of the following specializations:
C2 (Command and Control) & AI
ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance)
Strike UAV and loitering munitions
Anti-drone warfare / Counter-UAS
UAV equipment and sensor fusion
Skills & Competencies
Expert in defining and leading the full lifecycle of complex, multi-system and system-of-systems architectures.
Strategic, analytical, and mission-driven with expertise in strategic requirements engineering and high-level trade-off analysis.
Deep engineering understanding across mechanical, electrical, embedded, and enterprise software systems.
Proven ability to coordinate large, multi-disciplinary engineering organizations and manage complex technical and strategic interfaces.
Exceptional communication, presentation, and technical documentation skills for both technical and executive audiences.
Location and Commitments
Contract Type: Full-time / Permanent
Work Schedule: Arlington, Virginia / On-site
Compensation: $200K-$220K + equity + benefits
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
