Senior Mechanical Engineer- Quadcopter Systems

Harmattan Ai

Lausanne

On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for senior mechanical engineers who design and build real-world drone systems with end-to-end ownership, particularly those with experience in defense or autonomous systems.

Best fit for

Individuals with deep knowledge of DFM techniques and supplier collaboration in manufacturing
— “Practical design experience for plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, and 3D printing, with direct supplier collaboration experience.”
Engineers who thrive in high-ownership environments and can manage physical constraints effectively
— “Demonstrated skill in managing real-world physical constraints—including structural rigidity, heat dissipation, and vibration isolation.”

Things to consider

The role requires full ownership of hardware, including prototyping and testing, which may demand significant independent problem-solving.
— “From day one, you will take full ownership of real hardware: designing complex assemblies in SolidWorks, solving heat and vibration challenges, running lab validation, and driving parts through production.”
Geographic alignment is critical, as the role is based in Lausanne and likely involves on-site work.
— “join our dedicated Quadcopter Airframe team in Lausanne.”

How to stand out

Highlight experience in transitioning designs from concept to production-ready hardware in your resume.
— “Proven track record taking complex electromechanical assemblies from CAD concepts through functional prototypes to finished, physical production hardware.”
Emphasize your ability to perform structural, modal, and thermal simulations in your application materials.
— “Perform structural (FEA), modal, and thermal simulations alongside tolerance stack-up analyses.”
Showcase your DFM expertise and supplier collaboration in your portfolio or interview responses.
— “Partner with Industrialisation, Procurement, and suppliers to optimize parts for plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, and additive manufacturing.”
Demonstrate your capability in rapid prototyping and physical testing with specific examples.
— “Build functional prototypes and execute hands-on lab validation—including vibrational testing, modal analysis, thermal chamber runs, drop testing.”

Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Senior

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

What success looks like

Proven track record taking complex electromechanical assemblies from CAD concepts through functional prototypes to finished, physical production hardware.

Typical background

M.Sc or B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.

Skills & requirements

Required

SolidworksFinite Element Analysis (fea)Mechanical EngineeringUAV DesignElectromechanical PackagingRapid PrototypingThermal AnalysisDesign For Manufacturing (dfm)

Preferred

LangchainLanggraph

Stack & domain

SolidworksPlastic Injection MoldingCNC MachiningSheet MetalAdditive ManufacturingLangchainLanggraphLeadershipProblem SolvingCollaborationResponsibilityDefenseAutonomous SystemsAISoftware Development

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 seeking a high-drive, hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our dedicated Quadcopter Airframe team in Lausanne. In this role, you will own the end-to-end mechanical architecture of our flagship multirotor platforms—from initial CAD concept and structural design to payload packaging, physical prototyping, and production release.
From day one, you will take full ownership of real hardware: designing complex assemblies in SolidWorks, solving heat and vibration challenges, running lab validation, and driving parts through production alongside our cross-functional engineering teams.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Quadcopter & Subsystem Architecture: Lead the mechanical design and modeling of lightweight quadcopter structures, fuselages, chassis, motor mounts, and quick-release mechanisms in SolidWorks from concept to production.
Electromechanical Packaging: Lead spatial layouts and enclosure design to integrate electrical components (PCBs, wire harnesses, power distribution, motors, and sensors) tightly into custom airframe volumes.
Rapid Prototyping & Physical Testing: Build functional prototypes and execute hands-on lab validation—including vibrational testing, modal analysis, thermal chamber runs, drop testing, and assisting with flight tests.
Simulation & Thermal Analysis: Perform structural (FEA), modal, and thermal simulations alongside tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure designs withstand extreme defense operational environments.
DFM & Production Documentation: Partner with Industrialisation, Procurement, and suppliers to optimize parts for plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, and additive manufacturing.
Assembly Enablement: Support Industrialisation engineers in defining assembly sequences, designing build jigs and fixtures, and training production operators to ensure high build quality and fast throughput.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Background: M.Sc http://M.Sc. or B.Sc http://B.Sc. (FH / HES / University of Applied Sciences) in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
Experience:
4+ years of hardcore, hands-on UAV design and development experience (demonstrated track record with physical drone airframes, multirotors, or flight hardware), OR
6+ years of overall mechanical engineering experience in complex Robotics, Autonomous Systems, or high-density Electromechanical hardware.
End-to-End Ownership: Proven track record taking complex electromechanical assemblies from CAD concepts through functional prototypes to finished, physical production hardware.
DFM Grounding: Practical design experience for plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, and 3D printing, with direct supplier collaboration experience.
Applied Physics & Problem Solving: Demonstrated skill in managing real-world physical constraints—including structural rigidity, heat dissipation, and vibration isolation.
High Ownership & Drive: Proactive, responsive, and collaborative mindset—someone who takes full responsibility for their work and actively unblocks themselves under tight deadlines.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.

Source: Harmattan Ai careers (Ashby)