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 Products include:
- 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
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
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
SKILLS & VALUES
- Hardware & Systems Excellence