Software Engineer - Gimbal

Harmattan AI; Paris; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to own gimbal control and GNC software on embedded hardware in Paris. You will work with cross-functional teams across software, hardware, and test benches to drive development from concept to field evaluation.

The role requires 4+ years in embedded software and strong C/C++ proficiency, with hands-on lab and field testing. You will contribute to rigorous system design and mentor junior engineers while enabling state-of-the-art autonomous

Qualifications

• Strong academic foundation or proven, verifiable track record in delivering complex software for robotic/embedded systems.
• Solid experience in embedded software development (C/C++, MCU, embedded Linux) where real-time constraints and low-level debugging matter.
• Strong grasp of robotics concepts, linear algebra, and mathematics (quaternions, matrices, attitude, pose, estimation).
• Familiarity with GNC frameworks and robotic architectures (autopilots for drones, rovers, or autonomous vehicles).
• Demonstrated ability to navigate, understand, and enhance large-scale robotic codebases.
• Methodical, rigorous, and investigative approach to diagnostic resolution (calibration, telemetry analysis).

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize embedded software running on custom MCUs and embedded Linux platforms with real-time requirements.
• Own gimbal control algorithms and the GNC software framework; lead initiatives for next-gen multi-axis systems and sensor integrations.
• Develop PC tools and diagnostics to analyze telemetry logs, calibration, and motor/IMU communication.
• Lead flight test preparations, run lab experiments, and perform post-flight telemetry analysis to validate performance.
• Define and implement rigorous software architecture and protocols for cross-functional engineering collaboration.
• Mentor junior team members as the team grows.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

MCU/Embedded Linux

GNC/Robotics

Real-time debugging

Telemetry/Diagnostics

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.