Design & Simulation Engineer

Harmattan AI; Lausanne; Hybrid; CHF 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI in Lausanne seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own end-to-end mechanical architectures, run non-linear FE simulations, and drive physical validation of high-performance assemblies against demanding operational requirements.

You will develop CAD models, set up lab tests, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize payloads and ensure manufacturability, delivering production-ready hardware.

Qualifications

• Background requires B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with non-linear explicit finite element analysis for high-velocity impacts, dynamic loading, shocks, and material failure models.
• Deep understanding of mechanical hardware, structural mechanics, tolerances, thermal dissipation, and dynamic load transfer.
• Practical experience in setting up, executing, and analyzing data from physical prototype testing, environmental chambers, dynamic tracks, or field programs.
• CAD proficiency for complex assemblies and manufacturing processes (CNC, additive manufacturing, injection molding).
• Practical problem-solver with ownership of hardware deliverables and ability to balance analysis with timelines.

Responsibilities

• Run non-linear explicit finite element simulations for structural integrity and high-velocity responses.
• Create and maintain CAD models, structural housings, mechanisms, and drawings for production release.
• Write R&D test specs for environmental, drop, structural, and shock testing; manage lab setups and analyze sensor data.
• Advise multidisciplinary teams on physical constraints, payload optimization, and mechanical integration.
• Conduct system-level hazard analyses and safety evaluations for mechanical mechanisms and interfaces.
• Document hardware performance guidelines and support first-production validation and customer demos.

Skills

Non-linear FE analysis

High-velocity impact simulation

Dynamic load transfer

Thermal dissipation

R&D range testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Ownership & drive

Education

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Mechanical/Aerospace/Applied Physics

Tools

CNC machining

Additive manufacturing

Injection molding

Job description

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 looking for a hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team in Lausanne. You will handle the end-to-end design, numerical simulation, and physical validation of specialised mechanical and electromechanical structures to optimize system performance and match hardware capabilities to demanding operational requirements.

From day one, you will take ownership of mechanical architectures and physical assemblies. You will run non-linear explicit finite element simulations, build high-precision CAD models, set up lab and range tests, and see designs through to production and final delivery.

What You Will Do

• Structural & Dynamics Simulation: Run non-linear explicit finite element simulations to build predictive models for structural integrity, dynamic impact, vibration response, and high-velocity mechanical behavior against extreme physical operational environments.

• CAD Design & Drafting: Create and maintain complex CAD models, structural housings, mechanisms, and technical drawings for production release.

• Empirical Testing & Data Capture: Write R&D test specifications for environmental, drop, structural, and shock testing. Source specialized testing equipment, manage range and lab setups, and analyze sensor data to validate simulation accuracy.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Work directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams to advise on physical constraints, payload optimization, spatial layouts, and mechanical integration parameters.

• Safety & Hazard Assessments: Conduct system-level hazard analyses and safety evaluations for critical mechanical mechanisms and energetic system interfaces.

• Production & Field Support: Document hardware performance guidelines, assist with first-production validation, optimize designs for manufacturing processes, and provide technical support during end-user demos and customer engagements.

What We Are Looking For

• Background: B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline.

• Simulation Expertise: Hands-on experience with non-linear explicit finite element analysis applied to high-velocity mechanical impact, dynamic loading, shock waves, and material failure models.

• Mechanical Systems Knowledge: Deep understanding of mechanical hardware, structural mechanics, tolerance stack-ups, thermal dissipation, and dynamic load transfer.

• R&D Range & Lab Testing: Practical experience setting up, executing, and analyzing data from physical prototype testing, environmental chambers, dynamic test tracks, or field evaluation programs.

• CAD & Manufacturing: Solid proficiency in standard CAD software for complex assembly design, mechanical drafting, and manufacturing processes like CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or injection molding.

• Drive & Ownership: Practical problem-solver who takes full responsibility for hardware deliverables and balances physical analysis with project timelines.

What We Offer

• Direct exposure to high-performance mechanical design from early concepts through physical deployment.

• Regular opportunities to test and validate hardware in realistic operational test environments.

• Involvement with cross-functional technical teams and external stakeholders deploying mission-critical systems.

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