Aerospace Engineer - Drone Systems Integration

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: Paris or Toulouse, France, with regular travel to operational sites and deployment locations
• Reports 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 & Mission

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 them into technical specifications
• Provide technical support for deployment teams

Requirements

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.

• 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