Senior Mechanical Engineer – Quadcopter Systems

Harmattan AI; Vaud; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI in Lausanne is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the end-to-end mechanical architecture of flagship quadcopter platforms—from CAD concepts to production. You will design lightweight airframes, tackle heat and vibration, and drive parts through validation and production with cross-functional teams.

You will prototype, validate in lab, and collaborate with Industrialisation, Procurement and the production line to optimize parts for manufacturability.

Qualifications

• End-to-end ownership of electromechanical assemblies from CAD concepts through prototypes to production hardware.
• Experience with plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal and 3D printing, with supplier collaboration.
• Strong background in structural rigidity, heat dissipation and vibration isolation.
• Ability to design and document for high-throughput manufacturing.
• Proactive, collaborative, and able to work under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and modeling of quadcopter structures from concept to production.
• Lead packaging for electronics, wiring, power distribution, motors and sensors in custom airframes.
• Build prototypes and conduct lab validation including vibrational and thermal tests.
• Perform structural, modal, and thermal simulations and tolerance analyses.
• Coordinate with Industrialisation and procurement to optimize parts for manufacturing.
• Define assembly sequences, jigs and training to enable fast production.

Skills

End-to-End Ownership

DFM Grounding

Applied Physics & Problem Solving

High Ownership & Drive

Electromechanical Assemblies

Education

M.Sc. or B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA

Thermal Analysis

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.

We are seeking a high-drive, hands-on Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our dedicated Quadcopter Airframe team in Lausanne. In this role, you will own the end-to-end mechanical architecture of our flagship multirotor platforms—from initial CAD concept and structural design to payload packaging, physical prototyping, and production release.

From day one, you will take full ownership of real hardware: designing complex assemblies in SolidWorks, solving heat and vibration challenges, running lab validation, and driving parts through production alongside our cross-functional engineering teams.

What You Will Do

• Quadcopter & Subsystem Architecture: Lead the mechanical design and modeling of lightweight quadcopter structures, fuselages, chassis, motor mounts, and quick-release mechanisms in SolidWorks from concept to production.

• Electromechanical Packaging: Lead spatial layouts and enclosure design to integrate electrical components (PCBs, wire harnesses, power distribution, motors, and sensors) tightly into custom airframe volumes.

• Rapid Prototyping & Physical Testing: Build functional prototypes and execute hands-on lab validation—including vibrational testing, modal analysis, thermal chamber runs, drop testing, and assisting with flight tests.

• Simulation & Thermal Analysis: Perform structural (FEA), modal, and thermal simulations alongside tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure designs withstand extreme defense operational environments.

• DFM & Production Documentation: Partner with Industrialisation, Procurement, and suppliers to optimise parts for plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, and additive manufacturing.

• Assembly Enablement: Support Industrialisation engineers in defining assembly sequences, designing build jigs and fixtures, and training production operators to ensure high build quality and fast throughput.

What We Are Looking For

• Background: M.Sc. or B.Sc. (FH / HES / University of Applied Sciences) in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.

• Experience:

• End-to-End Ownership: Proven track record taking complex electromechanical assemblies from CAD concepts through functional prototypes to finished, physical production hardware.

• DFM Grounding: Practical design experience for plastic injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, and 3D printing, with direct supplier collaboration experience.

• Applied Physics & Problem Solving: Demonstrated skill in managing real-world physical constraints—including structural rigidity, heat dissipation, and vibration isolation.

• High Ownership & Drive: Proactive, responsive, and collaborative mindset—someone who takes full responsibility for their work and actively unblocks themselves under tight deadlines.

What We Offer

• Complete System Ownership: Own the complete mechanical architecture of flagship quadcopter platforms rather than being siloed on a single bracket or cover.

• Unmatched Execution Speed: Move from CAD design to physical shop-floor testing in days, backed by strong resources and quick decision-making.

• Direct Mission Impact: Design and build hardware that actively deploys with allied forces to solve critical defense challenges.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Work side-by-side with Electrical, Aerodynamics, Gimbal, and Production teams with complete visibility over how hardware moves from CAD to active flight.

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