Design & Simulation Engineer

Harmattan Ai

Lausanne, Switzerland

On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to candidates with strong simulation and CAD expertise working in defense systems.

Best fit for

Candidates with advanced degrees and hands-on simulation experience in mechanical systems
— “B.Sc or M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline”
Individuals who thrive in cross-functional teams and take ownership of complex hardware deliverables
— “take full responsibility for hardware deliverables and balances physical analysis with project timelines”
Engineers with practical R&D testing and data analysis skills for validating mechanical designs
— “analyze sensor data to validate simulation accuracy”

Things to consider

The role requires physical validation and lab setup, implying limited remote flexibility
— “set up lab and range tests, and see designs through to production and final delivery”
Candidates must be prepared for a demanding work environment with high expectations
— “operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected”

How to stand out

Highlight experience with non-linear explicit finite element simulations in high-velocity scenarios
— “non-linear explicit finite element simulations to build predictive models for structural integrity, dynamic impact, vibration response, and high-velocity mechanical behavior”
Emphasize CAD design capabilities for complex assemblies and production-ready models
— “create and maintain complex CAD models, structural housings, mechanisms, and technical drawings for production release”
Showcase a track record of managing empirical testing and data capture for mechanical validation
— “write R&D test specifications for environmental, drop, structural, and shock testing”
Demonstrate expertise in mechanical integration and spatial optimization for defense systems
— “advise on physical constraints, payload optimization, spatial layouts, and mechanical integration parameters”
Demonstrate ability to conduct system-level safety assessments and hazard analyses
— “conduct system-level hazard analyses and safety evaluations for critical mechanical mechanisms”

Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

successful completion of mechanical architectures and physical assemblies
validated simulation accuracy through empirical testing

Typical background

B.Sc or M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics

Skills & requirements

Required

Finite Element AnalysisCAD DesignMechanical EngineeringStructural MechanicsDynamic Load TransferThermal DissipationR&D Range Testing

Preferred

Non-linear Explicit Finite Element AnalysisHigh-velocity Mechanical Impact

Stack & domain

Non-linear Explicit Finite Element AnalysisCADR&D Range & Lab TestingMechanical Systems KnowledgeStructural MechanicsTolerance Stack-upsThermal DissipationDynamic Load TransferProblem-solvingTeamworkCommunicationDefense SystemsMechanical EngineeringElectromechanical Structures

About the role

Original posting from Harmattan Ai via Ashby

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.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team in Lausanne. You will handle the end-to-end design, numerical simulation, and physical validation of specialised mechanical and electromechanical structures to optimize system performance and match hardware capabilities to demanding operational requirements.
From day one, you will take ownership of mechanical architectures and physical assemblies. You will run non-linear explicit finite element simulations, build high-precision CAD models, set up lab and range tests, and see designs through to production and final delivery.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Structural & Dynamics Simulation: Run non-linear explicit finite element simulations to build predictive models for structural integrity, dynamic impact, vibration response, and high-velocity mechanical behavior against extreme physical operational environments.
CAD Design & Drafting: Create and maintain complex CAD models, structural housings, mechanisms, and technical drawings for production release.
Empirical Testing & Data Capture: Write R&D test specifications for environmental, drop, structural, and shock testing. Source specialized testing equipment, manage range and lab setups, and analyze sensor data to validate simulation accuracy.
Cross-Functional Integration: Work directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams to advise on physical constraints, payload optimization, spatial layouts, and mechanical integration parameters.
Safety & Hazard Assessments: Conduct system-level hazard analyses and safety evaluations for critical mechanical mechanisms and energetic system interfaces.
Production & Field Support: Document hardware performance guidelines, assist with first-production validation, optimize designs for manufacturing processes, and provide technical support during end-user demos and customer engagements.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Background: B.Sc http://B.Sc. or M.Sc http://M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline.
Simulation Expertise: Hands-on experience with non-linear explicit finite element analysis applied to high-velocity mechanical impact, dynamic loading, shock waves, and material failure models.
Mechanical Systems Knowledge: Deep understanding of mechanical hardware, structural mechanics, tolerance stack-ups, thermal dissipation, and dynamic load transfer.
R&D Range & Lab Testing: Practical experience setting up, executing, and analyzing data from physical prototype testing, environmental chambers, dynamic test tracks, or field evaluation programs.
CAD & Manufacturing: Solid proficiency in standard CAD software for complex assembly design, mechanical drafting, and manufacturing processes like CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or injection molding.
Drive & Ownership: Practical problem-solver who takes full responsibility for hardware deliverables and balances physical analysis with project timelines.
WHAT WE OFFER
Direct exposure to high-performance mechanical design from early concepts through physical deployment.
Regular opportunities to test and validate hardware in realistic operational test environments.
Involvement with cross-functional technical teams and external stakeholders deploying mission-critical systems.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.

Source: Harmattan Ai careers (Ashby)