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
