About the role
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.
Alta Ares designs and manufactures defence systems: interceptor drones, ground control stations and C-UAS equipment.
Responsibilities
- Define the Alta Ares product design Look & Feel (shapes, materials, colours, finishes, markings) and apply it consistently across the whole product range.
- Design the aesthetics of our products and give them a distinctive identity in the market.
- Ensure a high level of perceived quality: handling, transport, packaging and unboxing experience.
- Design for field use: battery access, carry handles, handling and deployment, operation with gloves and in degraded conditions.
- Build DFx (Manufacturing, Assembly, Usability, Serviceability) into every design, working closely with Mechanical Engineering, Industrialisation and Production.
- Produce sketches, renders, CMF specifications, 3D CAD models and prototypes, and take part in design reviews through to industrialisation.
- Turn feedback from operators, customers and demo teams into design improvements.
- Manage external design and DFM partners: write their specifications, review their work and integrate their recommendations.
- Support Marketing with visual assets for customers and trade shows.
Skills and experience
- 5+ years as an Industrial Designer on physical products: rugged equipment, electronics, defence, aerospace, outdoor or similar.
- Experience covering the full process, from concept to an industrialised product.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or equivalent) and in rendering tools (KeyShot or similar).
- Experience of manufacturing processes (injection moulding, machining, sheet metal, 3D printing, composites) and of DFM/DFA principles.
- Hands-on experience with prototyping and testing with users.
- Able to work across R&D, Production and Product in a fast-moving environment.
- Fluent in English, French preferred
Nice to have
- Experience with defence, military or field-deployed equipment.
- Knowledge of human factors and ergonomics standards (e.g. MIL-STD-1472).
- Experience building a product design Look & Feel from scratch.