Software Engineer - Mission Execution

Harmattan Ai
Lausanne, Switzerland
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-to-senior level software engineers with experience in real-time systems and a focus on mission-critical applications, who thrive in collaborative, high-impact environments in Lausanne.

Best fit for

  • Individuals who have previously worked on distributed systems or robotics and value rigorous engineering practices
    — “Experience building and shipping production software: Ideally with distributed or real-time systems”
  • Engineers with a background in aerospace, defense, or simulation frameworks who are mission-driven
    — “Experience in aerospace or defense. Familiarity with simulation frameworks.”

Things to consider

  • The role demands a high level of commitment to the company's mission and vision
    — “Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI's mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans”
  • The position requires a balance between system design and operational reliability
    — “Set and defend a high quality bar: CI/CD pipelines, testing, code review standards, observability, and release discipline.”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize experience with real-time systems and highlight contributions to production-grade software
    — “Write production-grade C++ and Python that runs in real-time and resource-constrained environments”
  • Showcase a track record of integrating algorithms with clean and reliable software infrastructure
    — “Partner with Mission Planning, and product teams to ensure algorithms are integrated cleanly, tested thoroughly, and deployable in the field.”
  • Highlight collaboration with mission planning and simulation teams in past roles
    — “Work closely with the Mission Planning engineer, simulation engineers and product teams to make sure our systems are reliable, testable, and predictable in live operations.”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

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

What success looks like

  • building mission execution infrastructure
  • developing scalable backend services
Typical background
m.s. or ph.d. in computer science, robotics, aerospace engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

C++PythonCi/cd PipelinesTestingDebugging

Preferred

RoboticsEmbedded SoftwareAerospaceSimulation Frameworks

Stack & domain

C++PythonSystem DesignConcurrencyTestingDebuggingRoboticsAerospaceDefense

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.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Software Engineer, Mission Execution, you'll build the software backbone that carries mission plans from the planner to the field. You'll own the infrastructure that executes missions on autonomous robots and multi-agent systems. You'll work closely with the Mission Planning engineer, simulation engineers and product teams to make sure our systems are reliable, testable, and predictable in live operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design and build the mission execution infrastructure that turns planned missions into reliable, real-time behavior across fleets of autonomous systems.
  • Develop scalable backend services and APIs for mission guidance, orchestration, agents communication, and execution.
  • Set and defend a high quality bar: CI/CD pipelines, testing, code review standards, observability, and release discipline.
  • Write production-grade C++ and Python that runs in real-time and resource-constrained environments.
  • Partner with Mission Planning, and product teams to ensure algorithms are integrated cleanly, tested thoroughly, and deployable in the field.
  • Analyze logs and telemetry from tests and live operations to find failure modes and drive systemic fixes.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

  • Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Technical skills: Strong coding in C++ and Python, with solid software engineering fundamentals (system design, concurrency, testing, debugging).
  • Experience building and shipping production software: Ideally with distributed or real-time systems.
  • Nice to have: Experience in robotics, embedded software, or video game development (game engines, simulation, deterministic replay, tooling). Experience in aerospace or defense. Familiarity with simulation frameworks.
  • Mindset: Strong communication skills, Rigor, ownership, and a strong instinct for quality.
  • Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI's mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure operational excellence.

We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.

Source: Harmattan Ai careers (Ashby)

Similar roles

More roles at Harmattan Ai