MRO & Operational Readiness Engineer (UAS Systems)

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 & Responsibilities

MRO Program Management & Operational Deployment

• Structure, lead, and deploy a comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) program for drone fleets

• Deploy MRO operations across multiple regions and countries while accounting for logistical, environmental, and operational constraints

• Define preventive and corrective maintenance strategies to ensure long-term system availability

• Anticipate long-term storage challenges (up to one year or more) and guarantee the operational readiness of systems after storage periods

Quality Control & Product Reliability

• Define and implement quality control procedures for drone platforms and avionics subsystems

• Establish and execute validation procedures covering all system components, including:

  • Embedded electronics

  • Sensors

  • Radio communication modules

  • Batteries

  • Mechanical assemblies

  • Additively manufactured parts

• Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and operational requirements

• Integrate reliability engineering principles into production processes, focusing on robustness, repeatability, and durability

Testing, Validation & Environmental Qualification

• Define and execute validation strategies, including:

  • Performance testing

  • Accelerated aging testing

  • Destructive and non-destructive testing

• Lead or conduct environmental qualification campaigns, including:

  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing

  • Vibration and shock testing

  • IP rating validation (dust and water ingress protection)

  • Thermal stress and long-term storage qualification

• Verify system reliability, safety, and long-term performance before operational deployment

Non-Conformance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify, analyze, and track non-conformities across production, testing, and operational phases

• Conduct root cause analyses and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)

• Implement and maintain full traceability systems covering components, batches, and configurations

• Produce and maintain quality documentation and detailed validation reports

• Actively contribute to continuous product and process improvement initiatives

Requirements

Candidate Profile

• Engineering degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Industrial Quality Engineering

• Experience in product quality, validation, testing, reliability engineering, or maintenance of complex systems

• Solid understanding of UAV, avionics, or embedded electronic systems

• Experience developing and executing test and validation strategies, including environmental qualification campaigns

• Ability to analyze failures and solve complex technical issues

• Experience structuring and deploying processes across multi-site or international environments

• Hands-on mindset and ability to work effectively with physical systems in demanding field conditions

Nice to Have

• Experience working with drone platforms or avionics systems

• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS/EN9100 quality standards

• Experience with accelerated aging methodologies and product qualification processes

• Experience performing destructive and non-destructive testing

• Familiarity with EMC, vibration, shock, IP, and environmental testing

• Background in demanding industries such as defense, aerospace, or other mission-critical systems

• Knowledge of rapid manufacturing processes, including 3D printing and prototyping

• Experience with fleet management, operational support, or MRO programs