Aerospace Engineer - Drone Systems Integration

Alta Ares; Paris; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Alta Ares is seeking a hands‑on aerospace engineer with deep expertise in UAS systems and operational deployment to drive mission-ready solutions. You will design architectures, develop guidance and control algorithms, and integrate diverse drone systems into a cohesive product ecosystem.

The role requires strong fundamentals in flight dynamics, rapid prototyping, and field deployment, with proficiency in Python, C/C++, and MATLAB/Simulink, and familiarity with PX4/ArduPilot.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace engineering focused on UAS/drone systems.
• Expertise in platform architecture, guidance laws, control theory, and swarming.
• Strong foundations in flight dynamics and autopilot systems.
• Experience with rapid prototyping and field deployment.

Responsibilities

• Design drone platform architectures for counter-drone and ISR missions.
• Develop and optimize guidance laws and flight control algorithms.
• Integrate diverse UAS systems into Alta Ares’ product ecosystem.
• Conduct aerodynamic analysis and performance optimization.
• Develop drone swarming capabilities and coordination algorithms.
• Design multi-agent mission architectures for coordinated operations.
• Implement distributed decision‑making and communication protocols.
• Enable rapid deployment of diverse drone systems in operational environments.
• Conduct field testing and validation in operational conditions.
• Analyze operational requirements and translate them into technical specifications.

Skills

UAS systems

Guidance and control theory

Swarming

Operational analysis

Python

C/C++

MATLAB/Simulink

Field deployment

Startup mindset

Communication skills

Education

Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, robotics, or related field

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

Proprietary flight control systems

Job description

About Alta Ares

Alta Ares is an air defense Neoprime. We build AI-guided interceptors to counter drones and cruise missiles, along with the software platform that powers them.

Our customers are NATO-aligned militaries and defense institutions, and our systems are regularly deployed during live exercises and operational demonstrations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Founded in 2024, we have grown to 90 people, raised over $60M, and increased revenue 40× this year. We are now entering a new phase of international expansion, industrial scaling, fundraising, and product development.

About Alta Ares

Alta Ares is a deeptech startup founded in 2024, building real-time AI for defense operations (ISR, C-UAS). Our primary clients are NATO-aligned militaries, with regular deployments during live exercises. Products include:

• Real-time AI ISR module deployable on drones and tactical platforms

• Counter-UAS solution enabling autonomous drone takeover under GNSS-denied environment

• Full-stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military-grade AI models

• Data fusion and trajectory prediction

Role & Mission

UAS Development & Integration

• Design drone platform architectures for counter-drone and ISR missions

• Develop and optimize guidance laws and flight control algorithms

• Integrate diverse UAS systems into Alta Ares’ product ecosystem

• Conduct aerodynamic analysis and performance optimization

Swarming & Autonomous Operations

• Develop drone swarming capabilities and coordination algorithms

• Design multi-agent mission architectures for coordinated operations

• Implement distributed decision‑making and communication protocols

Rapid Deployment & Operations

• Enable rapid deployment of diverse drone systems in operational environments

• Conduct field testing and validation in operational conditions

• Analyze operational requirements and translate them into technical specifications

• Provide technical support for deployment teams

Candidate profile

You are a hands‑on aerospace engineer with deep expertise in UAS systems and operational deployment. You thrive in fast‑paced environments where you combine technical depth, operational analysis, and rapid prototyping to deliver mission‑ready systems.

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace engineering focused on UAS/drone systems

• Expertise in platform architecture, guidance laws, control theory, and swarming

• Strong foundation in flight dynamics and autopilot systems

• Experience with rapid prototyping and field deployment

• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink

• Familiarity with PX4, ArduPilot, or proprietary flight control systems

• Strong problem‑solving and operational analysis skills

• Hands‑on, pragmatic approach with a startup mindset

• Excellent communication skills for technical and operational audiences

• Comfortable working in field and operational conditions

Nice to Have

• Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, robotics, or related field

• Experience in defense, military UAS, or counter‑drone systems

• Background in swarm robotics or distributed autonomous systems

• Knowledge of NATO standards, airspace regulations, and UAS certification

• UAS operator certification or piloting experience

• Exposure to multi‑domain deployments or ISR missions

Skills & Values

Aerospace & Systems Expertise

Operational Pragmatism

Innovation & Autonomy

Technological Sovereignty