Head of Product Hardware H/F

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
• Counter-UAS solution enabling autonomous drone takeover under GNSS-denied environment
• Full-stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military-grade AI models
• Data fusion and trajectory prediction

Location: Paris, France, with frequent travel to operational theaters, customer sites, manufacturing partners, and field testing locations

Reports to: Head of Engineering

Position objective: Own end-to-end hardware product development for one of Alta Ares\' flagship counter-drone systems. Drive the complete product lifecycle from concept to operational deployment, balancing rapid iteration based on operational feedback with robust, defense-grade engineering. Ensure system readiness, reliability, and manufacturability while supporting field testing and deployment in operational theaters

Role & Mission

Product Ownership & Strategy

• Own end-to-end product development for assigned counter-drone system
• Define product roadmap based on operational feedback from Ukraine and customer requirements
• Drive product specifications, architecture decisions, and technical trade-offs
• Balance innovation, cost, manufacturability, and time-to-market
• Report to Head of Hardware / Engineering on product progress, risks, and strategic decisions

Hardware Development & Engineering

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts (mechanical, electrical, RF, sensors)
• Drive system architecture and design for operational robustness
• Oversee development from concept through prototyping, testing, and production transfer
• Ensure Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
• Manage integration of subsystems and third-party components

Field Testing & Iteration

• Collaborate with deployment teams and end-users to gather operational feedback
• Analyze field performance data to drive continuous improvement
• Manage rapid iteration cycles based on evolving threats and user needs
• Coordinate field testing in operational theaters (including Ukraine)
• Balance battle-tested evolution with product stability

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Software/AI teams on hardware-software integration
• Work with Manufacturing to ensure producibility and production readiness
• Collaborate with Sales on customer requirements and technical presentations
• Interface with Supply Chain on component selection and sourcing
• Coordinate with Compliance on certifications and export control

Technical Leadership

• Build and mentor engineering teams working on the product
• Establish engineering best practices and documentation standards
• Foster culture of innovation, rigor, and operational focus
• Manage external engineering partnerships and vendors

Requirements

Candidate profile

• 8+ years in hardware product development, with at least 3 years leading complex products
• Proven track record shipping electromechanical systems end-to-end
• Experience in defense, aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems
• Background managing multidisciplinary technical teams
• Demonstrated success with rapid iteration and field deployment

Nice to Have

• Experience with counter-drone, UAS, or ISR systems
• Knowledge of rapid iteration and field deployment in operational theaters
• Exposure to NATO standards, airspace regulations, and defense certification
• Familiarity with high-reliability production and supply chain management
• Experience collaborating with international or multicultural engineering teams