Aerospace Engineer - Drone Systems Integration

About Alta Ares

Alta Ares is a deeptech startup founded in 2024, building real‑time AI for defense operations (ISR, C‑UAS). Our primary clients are NATO‑aligned militaries, with regular deployments during live exercises. Raised €2M pre‑seed in May 2025.

• Real‑time AI ISR module deployable on drones and tactical platforms
• Full‑stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military‑grade AI models
• Data fusion and trajectory prediction

Position Details

• Location: Paris or Toulouse, France, with regular travel to operational sites and deployment locations
• Reports to: Head of Product Hardware
• Position objective: Lead the development and integration of UAS platforms within Alta Ares’ counter‑drone and ISR ecosystem. Ensure that drone architectures, guidance laws, and swarming capabilities meet operational requirements while enabling rapid deployment, field validation, and continuous improvement of mission‑ready systems.
• Contract: Full‑time, permanent position (CDI)

Role & Mission

UAS Development & Integration

• Design drone platform architectures for counter‑drone and ISR missions
• Develop and optimize guidance laws and flight control algorithms
• Integrate diverse UAS systems into Alta Ares’ product ecosystem
• Conduct aerodynamic analysis and performance optimization

Swarming & Autonomous Operations

• Develop drone swarming capabilities and coordination algorithms
• Design multi‑agent mission architectures for coordinated operations
• Implement distributed decision‑making and communication protocols

Rapid Deployment & Operations

• Enable rapid deployment of diverse drone systems in operational environments
• Conduct field testing and validation in operational conditions
• Analyze operational requirements and translate them into technical specifications
• Provide technical support for deployment teams

Requirements

Candidate profile

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace engineering focused on UAS/drone systems
• Expertise in platform architecture, guidance laws, control theory, and swarming
• Strong foundation in flight dynamics and autopilot systems
• Experience with rapid prototyping and field deployment
• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink
• Familiarity with PX4, ArduPilot, or proprietary flight control systems
• Strong problem‑solving and operational analysis skills
• Hands‑on, pragmatic approach with a startup mindset
• Excellent communication skills for technical and operational audiences
• Comfortable working in field and operational conditions

Nice to Have

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or related field
• Experience in defense, military UAS, or counter‑drone systems
• Background in swarm robotics or distributed autonomous systems
• Knowledge of NATO standards, airspace regulations, and UAS certification
• UAS operator certification or piloting experience
• Exposure to multi‑domain deployments or ISR missions