Chief Engineer

Harmattan AI•Washington, DC

35d•$140,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

As Chief Engineer, you will bridge the gap between complex subsystems and operational mission requirements. You will define and validate the architecture that integrates software, AI/ML, and operator workflows into a cohesive, resilient C2 system. Your mandate: ensure the entire platform functions reliably in the field, interoperable, testable, and ready for deployment.

Requirements

B.S./M.S. in Systems Engineering, Aerospace, Computer Science, or related.
5–10 years in defense, aerospace, or robotics programs; proven integration of multiple subsystems into mission-critical platforms.
Requirements management, system modeling, risk analysis, and interface design.
Operator-first, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing trade-offs under constraints.
Eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance (Secret level or above preferred).
100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Define end-to-end system architecture, interface control documents (ICDs), and data flows.
Lead integration planning across backend, AI/ML, and UX components.
Ensure interoperability with TAK, STANAG, and DoD standards.
Conduct trade studies, risk assessments, and configuration control.
Develop simulation and field-test plans validating performance and reliability.
Support mission exercises and collect operator feedback to drive design evolution.
Work closely with Product, AI/ML, and UX teams to translate operator needs into technical requirements.
Participate in design and risk reviews, providing pragmatic engineering judgment.