System Architect (US)

System Architect (US)

The insights provided are generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Please independently verify any critical information before relying on it.

System Architect (US)

The insights provided are generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Please independently verify any critical information before relying on it.

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 System Architect, you will own the end-to-end architecture, system definition, and strategic implementation for our entire portfolio of robotic and autonomous defense systems—from long-term vision to field deployment. You will collaborate closely with executive leadership and technical leads, forming a critical partnership with the Product Manager to ensure efficiency and alignment across the organization.

This pivotal role drives strategic programs including anti-drone warfare, ISR and strike systems, equipment fusion (especially aeronautics), and C2 and AI.

Key Responsibilities

• System-of-Systems Design & Strategy: Translate complex strategic goals into global, system-of-systems designs. Define and champion the overall system architecture strategy across the enterprise, ensuring coherence from concept through deployment.

• Architectural Sizing & Verification: Ensure all systems meet defined needs and are correctly sized through rigorous verification of scope, complex system-of-systems simulations, and precise system sizing. Guide major technical investment decisions.

• Technical Leadership & Coordination: Coordinate large, multidisciplinary engineering organizations and provide overarching technical leadership across cross-functional design efforts (mechanical, electrical, software, GNC, ML, product). Ensure long-term performance, robustness, and strategic reliability across the enterprise.

• Specification & Integration Governance: Govern system integration standards and validation processes. Manage the complex process of specification management by ensuring all architectural prerequisites are met. Drive multi-system architecture reviews for enterprise design consistency.

• Continuous Improvement: Implement and institutionalize processes to enhance requirements traceability, system documentation standards, and validation workflows across the entire engineering organization.

Candidate Requirements

Experience & Education

• 10+ years of experience in systems engineering or architecture, with significant time in a senior or lead role.

• MSc in Engineering (any field); PhD is a plus.

• Experience in the defense sector is mandatory; experience with drones or autonomous platforms is a significant plus.

Domain Expertise

Strong knowledge in one or more of the following specializations:

• C2 (Command and Control) & AI

• ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance)

• Strike UAV and loitering munitions

• Anti-drone warfare / Counter-UAS

• UAV equipment and sensor fusion

Skills & Competencies

• Expert in defining and leading the full lifecycle of complex, multi-system and system-of-systems architectures.

• Strategic, analytical, and mission-driven with expertise in strategic requirements engineering and high-level trade-off analysis.

• Deep engineering understanding across mechanical, electrical, embedded, and enterprise software systems.

• Proven ability to coordinate large, multi-disciplinary engineering organizations and manage complex technical and strategic interfaces.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and technical documentation skills for both technical and executive audiences.

Location and Commitments

• Contract Type: Full-time / Permanent

• Work Schedule: Arlington, Virginia / On-site

• Compensation: $200K-$220K + equity + benefits

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