
Harmattan AI · Zurich
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...
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 looking for a Machine Learning Engineer to join our Semantic Scene Understanding team in Paris. In this role, you will
design the core algorithms to extract semantic information in real-time from the theatre of operations as seen through the
different cameras of our different UAVs, to improve the operator’s scene understanding.
Responsibilities
classification tailored to aerial imagery.
vectorization, trafficability analysis, and dynamic obstacle mapping.
cohesive Common Operational Picture (COP).
pruning, and hardware acceleration to meet strict real-time compute constraints.
Candidate Requirements
highly desirable.
involving aerial (EO/IR) imagery.
technologies that bring a strategic edge to allied nations.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with software engineers and hardware
teams.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
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 As a Machine Learning Engineer on our Foundational team in Paris, you will build the "brain" of our tactical robots. You will design and scale large-scale, multi-modal foundational models that learn robust representations of the battlefield using Self-Supervised Learning (SSL) from massive amounts of unlabelled Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) data. Your work provides the critical foundational weights that our Edge AI team distills into hyper-accurate models running on tactical hardware. RESPONSIBILITIES * Multi-Modal SSL Architecture Design: Design neural network architectures (Vision Transformers) and loss functions (Masked Autoencoders, Contrastive Learning) to jointly learn from paired and unpaired EO and IR data. * Distributed Training Infrastructure: Manage and optimise training pipelines across multi-node GPU clusters, handling mixed-precision training and data loading. * Representation Evaluation: Develop metrics and linear-probing benchmarks to prove the latent space captures useful semantic features before distillation. * Data Strategy: Audit existing EO/IR data lakes and implement cross-attention mechanisms to fuse diverse sensor features. * Cross-Functional Collaboration: Sync with Data Engineers on ingestion pipelines and collaborate with the Edge AI team to ensure high-performance model handoffs. Candidate Requirements * Educational Background: A PhD or a highly research-focused MS in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, or Applied Mathematics. * Proven Experience: Minimum of 5-6 years of experience for senior levels. Experience training and scaling deep learning vision models (ViTs, CNNs) from scratch in multi-GPU/multi-node environments. Successful application of novel SSL or multi-modal architectures (e.g., CLIP, MAE, DINO) to real-world, non-standard imaging data (IR, SAR, or hyperspectral). * Technical Proficiency: Hardcore PyTorch engineering skills combined with deep mathematical intuition for representation learning. Knowledge of system-level languages (C++, Rust, or Go) and resource optimisation for edge computing. * Complexity & Leadership: Ability to architect state machines for fault-tolerant data pipelines and mediate technical trade-offs between hardware and algorithm teams. * Commitment & Mindset: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission of providing an ethical defence edge to allied countries. A hybrid researcher-engineer mindset that treats data quality as seriously as algorithm design We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. TEAM AND ROLE * Architect a breakthrough energy technology – Play a defining role in designing and integrating the systems that will power the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion plant, influencing decisions that shape the future of clean energy. * Solve some of the most complex engineering challenges in fusion – Work across magnet design, HTS technology, manufacturing, structural integration, and controls, turning cutting-edge science into real hardware * Move fast and build what matters – Join a highly ambitious, multidisciplinary team that combines cutting-edge simulation with hands-on engineering, turning bold ideas into real hardware on the path to commercial fusion. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION * You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world. * You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. * Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. * Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent. YOUR IMPACT You will contribute to the development of joint and cable technologies for Proxima’s magnet programme, with a strong focus on hands-on prototyping, manufacturing, and testing at our labs based in Villigen and Böttstein. You will play a key role in the design, fabrication, and iterative improvement of joints, cables, and other related components for magnet prototypes and future HTS magnets. You will operate at the interface between mechanical, electrical, and experimental domains, contributing to rapid prototyping cycles and integration of components into experimental setups. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Design and develop mechanical and electro-mechanical components related to joint and busbar systems * Design and implement early concepts of superconducting cables * Build, assemble, and test prototypes in close collaboration with the workshop * Support manufacturing and integration of components into magnet prototypes and experimental setups * Iterate on designs based on test results, measurements, and experimental feedback * Contribute to the development of manufacturing processes and tooling for joint fabrication * Participate in experimental activities, including setup, instrumentation, and data acquisition * Collaborate with engineers and technicians across mechanical, electrical, and materials domains WHO YOU ARE * Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field * Strong hands-on experience in prototyping, manufacturing, or experimental work * Experience with CAD tools (ideally CATIA; experience with NX, SolidWorks, or Onshape also relevant) * Good understanding of electrical or electromagnetic systems (e.g. current flow, resistive losses, basic circuit behavior) * Comfortable working in a workshop and laboratory environment * Pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset with ability to iterate quickly * Strong team player, able to work across disciplines NICE TO HAVE * Experience with electromechanical systems, sensors, or instrumentation * Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, assembly, soldering, etc.) * Experience in R&D or prototype development environments * Exposure to thermal, electrical, or materials characterization INTERVIEW PROCESS * Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) * Technical Screening (30 min) * Technical Panel (2x60 min) * Practical On-site *This role sits at L2 of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information. At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.
WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. TEAM & ROLE * Architect a breakthrough energy technology – Play a defining role in designing and integrating the systems that will power the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion plant, influencing decisions that shape the future of clean energy. * Solve some of the most complex engineering challenges in fusion – Work across magnet design, HTS technology, manufacturing, structural integration, and controls, turning cutting-edge science into real hardware * Move fast and build what matters – Join a highly ambitious, multidisciplinary team that combines cutting-edge simulation with hands-on engineering, turning bold ideas into real hardware on the path to commercial fusion. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION * You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world. * You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. * Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. * Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent. YOUR IMPACT In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape the future control architecture of next-generation integrated systems, moving beyond isolated equipment toward fully coordinated plant-wide operation. You will lead the modernization of power management strategies, working on advanced automation challenges that directly improve system efficiency, stability, and responsiveness. This position offers the chance to develop innovative diagnostics and predictive maintenance solutions, giving you a visible impact on reliability, operational performance, and the long-term evolution of the plant’s technology landscape. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Design and develop control architectures for integrated electrical and automation systems * Implement and optimize advanced control algorithms to ensure stable and efficient system performance * Lead the integration and coordination of multiple subsystems to enable seamless, synchronized operation * Contribute to the modernization of power management strategies within the plant, improving reliability and efficiency * Implement advanced diagnostics and monitoring tools to support predictive maintenance and early fault detection WHO YOU ARE * You have a University (Higher education) degree in Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science or equivalent * You have a strong background in electrical engineering, control systems, or a related field, with hands-on experience in industrial environments * You are comfortable working with PLC/PAC/IPC systems * You are adaptable and motivated to grow with evolving technologies and increasing system complexity * Knowledge of superconductors is a plus INTERVIEW PROCESS * Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) * Technical Screening (30 min) * Technical Panel (3x60 min) *This role sits at L2 of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information. At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.