Embedded Gimbal Engineer - Real-Time Robotics & GNC

Harmattan AI; Paris; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI in Paris seeks a Software Engineer (4+ years) to own gimbal control and GNC software running on custom hardware and embedded Linux. You will collaborate with Software, GNC, Mechanical, Hardware, and Test teams to bring concepts to field-ready systems.

You will design and optimize embedded software for MCUs, lead diagnostics tooling, and guide junior engineers while supporting rigorous testing and flight evaluations.

Qualifications

• Strong background in embedded software for robotic systems.
• Experience with real-time constraints and low-level debugging.
• Proficiency in C/C++, MCU and embedded Linux.
• Knowledge of GNC frameworks and autopilot architectures.
• Experience delivering complex software for robotic/embedded systems.
• Ability to work across cross-disciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Own gimbal control and GNC software.
• Develop diagnostics and telemetry tooling.
• Lead flight test preparations and data analysis.
• Define software architecture with rigorous protocols.
• Mentor junior engineers and support field evaluations.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

MCU

Embedded Linux

RTOS

GNC

Robotics concepts

Mathematics

Debugging

Education

Strong STEM background

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.

About The Role

We are seeking an Software Engineer (4+ years of experience) to join our multidisciplinary, high-caliber Gimbal team in Paris. In this role, you will take ownership of gimbal control and GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) software running on custom hardware platforms and embedded Linux/microcontrollers. Working closely with Software, GNC, Mechanical, Hardware, and Test Bench/Industrialization teams, you will drive critical developments from initial concept to full realization, spending time both at the desk/lab and conducting field test evaluations every few weeks.

Software & Firmware Development

Design, build, and optimize embedded software running on custom microcontrollers (MCU) and embedded Linux platforms where real-time execution is critical.

Gimbal & GNC Ownership

Take full ownership of gimbal control algorithms, master the GNC software framework, and lead ongoing initiatives for next-generation multi-axis systems and new sensor integrations.

Diagnostics & Performance Tooling

Develop PC software tools and diagnostic utilities to analyze telemetry logs, system friction, calibration, and motor/IMU communication.

Testing & Field Operations

Lead flight test preparations, participate in lab experiments (oscilloscopes, prototype boards), and perform post-flight telemetry analysis to validate system performance.

System Architecture & Rigor

Define and implement rigorous protocols and software architecture to ensure peak system integrity, performance, and seamless collaboration across engineering disciplines.

Mentorship

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members as senior initiatives expand.

Candidate Requirements

Educational Background

Strong academic foundation or proven, verifiable track record of delivering complex software for robotic/embedded systems.

Technical Expertise

Solid experience in embedded software development (C/C++, MCU, embedded Linux) where real-time constraints and low-level debugging matter.

Strong grasp of core robotics concepts, linear algebra, and mathematics (e.g., quaternions, matrices, attitude, pose, reference/setpoint, estimation).

Familiarity with GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) frameworks and robotic architectures (such as autopilots for drones, rovers, or autonomous vehicles).

Proven Accomplishments & Attributes

Demonstrated ability to navigate, understand, and enhance large-scale robotic codebases.

Methodical, rigorous, and investigative approach to diagnostic resolution (calibration, friction, telemetry analysis).

Adaptability & Mobility

Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced environment; comfortable balancing desk coding with hands-on lab and field test activities.

Communication & Collaboration

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of working effectively across cross-functional engineering teams (Hardware, Mechanics, GNC).

Commitment

100% dedication to Harmattan AI's mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure operational excellence.

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