Aerospace Engineer - Drone Systems Integration
Posted :
16/1/26
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. Raised €2M pre-seed in May 2025 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
Position details
- Location: Toulouse, France, with regular travel to Paris, operational sites, and deployment locations
- Reports to: Head of Product Hardware / CTO
- Position objective: Lead the development and integration of UAS platforms within Alta Ares’ counter-drone and ISR ecosystem. Ensure that drone architectures, guidance laws, and swarming capabilities meet operational requirements while enabling rapid deployment, field validation, and continuous improvement of mission-ready systems.
- Contract: Full-time, permanent position (CDI)
Role & Mission
Key Responsibilities
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 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
What We Offer
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