Chief Systems Architect - Robotics & Defense

Harmattan AI; Vaud; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI in Vaud, Switzerland, is seeking a Chief Engineer to own architecture and system definition for a robotic platform, from concept to field deployment. You will coordinate across mechanical, electrical, software, GNC, and ML teams to ensure performance and reliability.

The role requires 10+ years in system engineering within robotics/defense, an MSc in Engineering, and proven leadership of full lifecycle projects; PhD is a plus. Strong documentation and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in system engineering within robotics, aerospace, or defense sectors.
• MSc in Engineering (any field); PhD is a plus.
• Proven experience leading full system lifecycles (concept → prototype → validation).
• Strong background in system architecture, requirements engineering, and trade-off analysis.
• Broad engineering culture with understanding of mechanical, electrical, and embedded systems.
• Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and managing technical interfaces.
• Rigorous, structured, and mission-driven mindset with strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
• Bonus: Experience with UAS or defense systems.

Responsibilities

• System Architecture: Transform system requirements into architectures solutions.
• Technical Coordination: Lead cross-functional design across mechanical, electrical, software, GNC, and ML teams.
• Trade-Off & Design Analysis: Conduct feasibility studies, trade-off analyses, and system-level simulations to guide technical choices.
• Integration & Validation: Oversee system integration, prototyping, and validation, ensuring performance targets are achieved.
• System Reviews: Drive design and architecture reviews, maintaining consistency between requirements, design, and testing.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement processes to enhance requirements traceability, system documentation, and validation workflows.

Skills

System architecture

Requirements engineering

Trade-off analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Technical coordination

Education

MSc in Engineering

PhD (bonus)

Job description

Harmattan AI in Vaud, Switzerland, is seeking a Chief Engineer to own architecture and system definition for a robotic platform, from concept to field deployment. You will coordinate across mechanical, electrical, software, GNC, and ML teams to ensure performance and reliability.

The role requires 10+ years in system engineering within robotics/defense, an MSc in Engineering, and proven leadership of full lifecycle projects; PhD is a plus. Strong documentation and communication are essential.