Software Engineer - Gimbal

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

We are seeking an Software Engineer (4+ years of experience) to join our multidisciplinary, high-caliber Gimbal team in Paris. In this role, you will take ownership of gimbal control and GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) software running on custom hardware platforms and embedded Linux/microcontrollers. Working closely with Software, GNC, Mechanical, Hardware, and Test Bench/Industrialization teams, you will drive critical developments from initial concept to full realization, spending time both at the desk/lab and conducting field test evaluations every few weeks.

Responsibilities

• Software & Firmware Development: Design, build, and optimize embedded software running on custom microcontrollers (MCU) and embedded Linux platforms where real-time execution is critical.
• Gimbal & GNC Ownership: Take full ownership of gimbal control algorithms, master the GNC software framework, and lead ongoing initiatives for next-generation multi-axis systems and new sensor integrations.
• Diagnostics & Performance Tooling: Develop PC software tools and diagnostic utilities to analyze telemetry logs, system friction, calibration, and motor/IMU communication.
• Testing & Field Operations: Lead flight test preparations, participate in lab experiments (oscilloscopes, prototype boards), and perform post-flight telemetry analysis to validate system performance.
• System Architecture & Rigor: Define and implement rigorous protocols and software architecture to ensure peak system integrity, performance, and seamless collaboration across engineering disciplines.
• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members as senior initiatives expand.

Candidate Requirements

• Educational Background: Strong academic foundation or proven, verifiable track record of delivering complex software for robotic/embedded systems.
• Technical Expertise: Solid experience in embedded software development (C/C++, MCU, embedded Linux) where real-time constraints and low-level debugging matter. Strong grasp of core robotics concepts, linear algebra, and mathematics (e.g., quaternions, matrices, attitude, pose, reference/setpoint, estimation). Familiarity with GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) frameworks and robotic architectures (such as autopilots for drones, rovers, or autonomous vehicles).
• Proven Accomplishments & Attributes: Demonstrated ability to navigate, understand, and enhance large-scale robotic codebases. Methodical, rigorous, and investigative approach to diagnostic resolution (calibration, friction, telemetry analysis). Adaptability & Mobility: Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced environment; comfortable balancing desk coding with hands-on lab and field test activities. Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of working effectively across cross-functional engineering teams (Hardware, Mechanics, GNC).

Commitment

Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI's mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure operational excellence.