MRO & Operational Readiness Engineer (UAS Systems)

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 & 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