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Harmattan AI is a defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following a $200M Series B at $1.4B valuation, the company is expanding engineering teams to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.
As Director of Engineering, you will build and lead an engineering organization from the ground up, owning the full technical chain from airframe, propulsion, avionics, launcher, and ground segment through flight test and trials. You will take systems through qualification into series production and build the supplier ecosystem to sustain operations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Standing up the engineering group and hiring key engineering roles
- Acting as project manager for key milestone delivery
- Owning the full technical chain across all disciplines
- Managing managers while staying close to engineering work; running regular design reviews across multiple disciplines
- Developing a supplier base and engineering ecosystem
This is a leadership role requiring deep technical credibility. You will remain engaged across every discipline in the group, taking written positions on cross-module questions that others won't close.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Educational Background: MSc in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or strongly related field (track record of building organizations can outweigh degree)
- Proven Leadership: Engineer who progressed into management and then into managing managers
- Experience: 10+ years total, with at least 4 years in engineering management; demonstrated ability to stand up or materially scale an engineering site, including hiring at pace
- Track Record: Experience taking hardware systems through qualification and into series production; background in UAV, autonomous systems, or advanced robotics preferred
- Technical Engagement: Credible across every discipline without claiming depth in any; able to take written positions on cross-module technical questions
- Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI's autonomous defense systems mission
