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.