Machine Learning Research Engineer – Visual Navigation

Harmattan AI; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI is seeking an ML Research Engineer in the Visual Navigation team to shape the technical direction for autonomous defense drones. You will work from Paris, Lausanne, or Zurich and focus on ML model development, data curation, and onboard inference on drones.

The role requires a STEM degree and proven Deep Learning & Computer Vision expertise, with strong Python and PyTorch/Lightning skills. You will collaborate across teams on a real-time localization pipeline and MLOps pipelines.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in researching and productizing Deep Learning models for Computer Vision.
• Experience with drones, robotics, or autonomous vehicles.
• Proficiency in Python and DL frameworks (PyTorch/Lightning) and edge deployment optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design deep learning models to analyze drone environments across modalities.
• Embed models on heterogeneous on-board platforms and optimize latency vs accuracy.
• Collaborate with VIO, Navigation, and Embedded Software teams on a real-time localization pipeline.

Skills

Deep Learning & CV

Drone/Robotics CV

Python programming

Education

STEM degree (CS/ML/Robotics/Math)

Tools

Python

PyTorch/Lightning

MLOps

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.

As an ML Research Engineer in the Visual Navigation team, you will join us at an early stage to heavily influence our technical direction. Operating out of Paris, Lausanne or Zurich, you will focus on developing Machine Learning models to enable our drones to navigate on the battlefield, with responsibilities ranging from data curation and model architecture definition to onboard inference on our drones.

Responsibilities

• DL Algorithm Development: Design deep learning models to analyze a drone's environment in multiple modalities and enable its localization through time and space.


• Edge AI Optimization: Embed models on heterogeneous platforms with limited shared compute. Optimize trade-offs between model speed and accuracy to minimize pipeline latency.


• Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with the VIO, Navigation, and Embedded Software teams to build a robust, real-time localization pipeline, communicating trade-offs clearly to stakeholders.


• Research & Innovation: Stay at the absolute frontier of scientific trends in Deep Learning to introduce cutting-edge methodologies to the team.


• Pipeline Management & MLOps: Build, heavily modify, and manage training, evaluation, and MLOps pipelines while ensuring reproducibility, robust logging, and version control.


• Validation & Field Testing: Actively participate in real-world flight tests. Analyze in-field failures to continuously iterate and improve deployed models.

Candidate Requirements

• Educational Background: Strong academic record with a STEM degree (e.g., Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, Mathematics).


• Deep Learning & Computer Vision Expertise: Proven track record of researching and productizing Deep Learning models for Computer Vision in the industry (Drones, Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, etc.)


• Technical Competence: Proficiency in Python and DL frameworks (PyTorch/Lightning). Experience with MLOps and edge deployment optimization.

Professional Attributes:

• Highly structured, analytical, and research-oriented.


• Excellent communicator able to translate complex algorithmic benchmarking to downstream users and stakeholders.


• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with a hands-on, “no-task-is-too-small” mentality.


• Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision, and growth plans, ready to go the extra mile for operational excellence.

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