Mechanical Engineer (Test & Validation)
About Alta Ares
Alta Ares is a deeptech startup founded in 2024, building real-time AI for defense operations — ISR, C-UAS, and autonomous systems. Our clients are NATO-aligned militaries and defence institutions, with regular deployments during live exercises and operational demonstrations. We raised €2M seed in May 2025, 50M in June 2026, and are expanding fast.
Our product suite includes:
- Real‑time AI ISR module deployable on drones and tactical platforms
- Counter‑UAS solution enabling autonomous drone takeover in GNSS‑denied environments
- Full‑stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military‑grade AI models
- Data fusion and trajectory prediction
Role & Mission
Test Bench Design & Development
- Design and develop mechanical test benches and validation setups
- Define instrumentation and measurement methods for accurate testing
- Ensure test environments replicate real‑world operational conditions
Validation & Testing
- Define and execute validation protocols (fatigue, vibration, shock, thermal)
- Conduct mechanical testing and evaluate system performance under stress
- Ensure repeatability and reliability of test results
Performance Analysis & Improvement
- Analyze test data to identify weaknesses, failure modes, and performance limits
- Provide actionable insights to improve system robustness and durability
- Support iterative design improvements based on test results
Design Collaboration & Industrialization
- Work closely with design and engineering teams to improve robustness and manufacturability
- Contribute to design‑for‑test and design‑for‑manufacturing approaches
- Support the transition from prototype to production
Quality Assurance & Production Support
- Implement QA/QC methods and tools for production
- Define inspection procedures and acceptance criteria
- Ensure consistency and reliability of manufactured systems
Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure compliance with product requirements, standards, and regulations
- Write detailed test reports and technical documentation
- Maintain traceability of validation activities and results
Candidate profile
You are a Mechanical Engineer with strong experience in testing and validation of mechanical systems. You are hands‑on, detail‑oriented, and driven by understanding how systems behave under real‑world constraints.
- Experience in mechanical testing and validation (fatigue, vibration, shock, thermal)
- Experience designing and building test benches and instrumentation setups
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems and failure modes
- Experience analyzing test data and deriving actionable insights
- Familiarity with QA/QC processes in production environments
- Ability to work closely with design and manufacturing teams
- Strong documentation and reporting skills
Nice to Have
- Experience in aerospace, drones, robotics, or defense systems
- Familiarity with industry standards and qualification processes
- Experience with environmental testing equipment and labs
- Knowledge of materials science and structural analysis
- Experience in fast‑paced or startup environments