Aerospace Engineer - Drone Systems Integration About Alta AresAlta 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 platformsCounter-UAS solution enabling autonomous drone takeover under GNSS-denied environmentFull-stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military-grade AI modelsData fusion and trajectory predictionPosition detailsLocation: Paris or Toulouse, France, with regular travel to operational sites and deployment locationsReports to: Head of Product Hardware 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 & MissionUAS Development & IntegrationDesign drone platform architectures for counter-drone and ISR missionsDevelop and optimize guidance laws and flight control algorithmsIntegrate diverse UAS systems into Alta Ares' product ecosystemConduct aerodynamic analysis and performance optimizationSwarming & Autonomous OperationsDevelop drone swarming capabilities and coordination algorithmsDesign multi-agent mission architectures for coordinated operationsImplement distributed decision-making and communication protocolsRapid Deployment & OperationsEnable rapid deployment of diverse drone systems in operational environmentsConduct field testing and validation in operational conditionsAnalyze operational requirements and translate them into technical specificationsProvide technical support for deployment teamsCandidate profileYou 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.5+ years of experience in aerospace engineering focused on UAS/drone systemsExpertise in platform architecture, guidance laws, control theory, and swarmingStrong foundation in flight dynamics and autopilot systemsExperience with rapid prototyping and field deploymentProficiency in Python, C/C++, MATLAB/SimulinkFamiliarity with PX4, ArduPilot, or proprietary flight control systemsStrong problem-solving and operational analysis skillsHands-on, pragmatic approach with a startup mindsetExcellent communication skills for technical and operational audiencesComfortable working in field and operational conditionsNice to HaveAdvanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or related fieldExperience in defense, military UAS, or counter-drone systemsBackground in swarm robotics or distributed autonomous systemsKnowledge of NATO standards, airspace regulations, and UAS certificationUAS operator certification or piloting experienceExposure to multi-domain deployments or ISR missions About Alta AresAlta 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 platformsCounter-UAS solution enabling autonomous drone takeover under GNSS-denied environmentFull-stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military-grade AI modelsData fusion and trajectory predictionPosition detailsLocation: Paris or Toulouse, France, with regular travel to operational sites and deployment locationsReports to: Head of Product Hardware 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 & MissionUAS Development & IntegrationDesign drone platform architectures for counter-drone and ISR missionsDevelop and optimize guidance laws and flight control algorithmsIntegrate diverse UAS systems into Alta Ares' product ecosystemConduct aerodynamic analysis and performance optimizationSwarming & Autonomous OperationsDevelop drone swarming capabilities and coordination algorithmsDesign multi-agent mission architectures for coordinated operationsImplement distributed decision-making and communication protocolsRapid Deployment & OperationsEnable rapid deployment of diverse drone systems in operational environmentsConduct field testing and validation in operational conditionsAnalyze operational requirements and translate them into technical specificationsProvide technical support for deployment teams Candidate profileYou 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.5+ years of experience in aerospace engineering focused on UAS/drone systemsExpertise in platform architecture, guidance laws, control theory, and swarmingStrong foundation in flight dynamics and autopilot systemsExperience with rapid prototyping and field deploymentProficiency in Python, C/C++, MATLAB/SimulinkFamiliarity with PX4, ArduPilot, or proprietary flight control systemsStrong problem-solving and operational analysis skillsHands-on, pragmatic approach with a startup mindsetExcellent communication skills for technical and operational audiencesComfortable working in field and operational conditionsNice to HaveAdvanced degree in Aerospace Engineer