Mechanical Engineer (Test & Validation)

About Alta Ares

Alta Ares is a deeptech startup founded in 2024, building real-time AI for defense operations — ISR, C-UAS, and autonomous systems. Our clients are NATO-aligned militaries and defence institutions, with regular deployments during live exercises and operational demonstrations. We raised €2M seed in May 2025, 50M in June 2026, and are expanding fast.

Our product suite includes:

• Real-time AI ISR module deployable on drones and tactical platforms

• Counter-UAS solution enabling autonomous drone takeover in GNSS-denied environments

• Full-stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military-grade AI models

• Data fusion and trajectory prediction

Role & Mission

Test Bench Design & Development

• Design and develop mechanical test benches and validation setups

• Define instrumentation and measurement methods for accurate testing

• Ensure test environments replicate real-world operational conditions

Validation & Testing

• Define and execute validation protocols (fatigue, vibration, shock, thermal)

• Conduct mechanical testing and evaluate system performance under stress

• Ensure repeatability and reliability of test results

Performance Analysis & Improvement

• Analyze test data to identify weaknesses, failure modes, and performance limits

• Provide actionable insights to improve system robustness and durability

• Support iterative design improvements based on test results

Design Collaboration & Industrialization

• Work closely with design and engineering teams to improve robustness and manufacturability

• Contribute to design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing approaches

• Support the transition from prototype to production

Quality Assurance & Production Support

• Implement QA/QC methods and tools for production

• Define inspection procedures and acceptance criteria

• Ensure consistency and reliability of manufactured systems

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with product requirements, standards, and regulations

• Write detailed test reports and technical documentation

• Maintain traceability of validation activities and results

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Candidate profile

You are a Mechanical Engineer with strong experience in testing and validation of mechanical systems. You are hands-on, detail-oriented, and driven by understanding how systems behave under real-world constraints.

• Experience in mechanical testing and validation (fatigue, vibration, shock, thermal)

• Experience designing and building test benches and instrumentation setups

• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and failure modes

• Experience analyzing test data and deriving actionable insights

• Familiarity with QA/QC processes in production environments

• Ability to work closely with design and manufacturing teams

• Strong documentation and reporting skills

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Nice to Have

• Experience in aerospace, drones, robotics, or defense systems

• Familiarity with industry standards and qualification processes

• Experience with environmental testing equipment and labs

• Knowledge of materials science and structural analysis

• Experience in fast-paced or startup environments