Mechanical Engineer (Test & Validation)

Alta Ares
Alta Ares

Other Engineering

Toulouse, France

Posted on Jun 8, 2026

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

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

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