Pyrotechnics Engineer H/F

ABOUT ALTA ARES Alta Ares is an air defense Neoprime. We build AI-guided interceptors to counter drones and cruise missiles, along with the software platform that powers them. Our customers are NATO-aligned militaries and defense institutions, and our systems are regularly deployed during live exercises and operational demonstrations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Founded in 2024, we have grown to 90 people, raised over $60M, and increased revenue 40× this year. We are now entering a new phase of international expansion, industrial scaling, fundraising, and product development. ROLE & MISSION As a Pyrotechnics Engineer, you will own the integration, testing, qualification, and regulatory compliance of pyrotechnic and military payloads across Alta Ares' airborne systems. Working closely with Mechanical, Avionics, Systems, and Test teams, you will ensure payloads are safely and reliably integrated onto drones and interceptor platforms, from initial design through flight testing and operational deployment. This is a highly hands-on role combining engineering, testing, certification, and field operations in a fast-moving environment. PAYLOAD & PYROTECHNIC INTEGRATION - Lead the integration of pyrotechnic and military payloads onto airborne platforms - Define mechanical, electrical, and functional interfaces between payloads and vehicles - Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful integration - Support architecture trade-offs, supplier interactions, and system-level integration decisions TESTING & QUALIFICATION - Plan and execute ground tests, integration tests, and qualification campaigns - Define test procedures, acceptance criteria, and qualification requirements - Analyze test results, investigate anomalies, and drive corrective actions - Support flight test preparation, execution, and post-flight analysis REGULATORY COMPLIANCE & DOCUMENTATION - Prepare and maintain technical, safety, and qualification documentation - Manage regulatory authorizations required for testing and operation of pyrotechnic systems - Conduct risk assessments, hazard analys, and safety reviews - Ensure compliance with applicable defense, aerospace, and pyrotechnic regulations OPERATIONAL SUPPORT - Contribute to operational demonstrations, deployments, and field-testing activities - Capture lessons learned and feed improvements into future product iterations CANDIDATE PROFILE EXPERIENCE - 3–8 years of experience in pyrotechnics, aerospace, defense, or a related field - Direct experience integrating military or pyrotechnic payloads onto drones, UAVs, missiles, aircraft, or other airborne platforms - Experience leading integration, testing, and qualification activities - Experience managing technical documentation and regulatory approvals for pyrotechnic or military systems - Experience in a safety-critical aerospace or defense environment SKILLS & QUALITIES - Strong understanding of pyrotechnic systems and airborne payload integration - Hands-on engineer comfortable working with hardware and testing activities - Able to independently drive integration and qualification campaigns - Rigorous approach to safety, documentation, and regulatory compliance - Strong cross-functional communication and coordination skills - Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate autonomously in a fast-growing company - High integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive defense technologies