CAD & Mechatronics Prototyping Intern

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.

Contract Type: 6-month internship

Job Purpose

Within the technical team, you will participate in the design and realization of our prototypes, mainly drones and their onboard equipment. Your mission will be primarily focused on mechanical design using CAD, with parts manufactured mainly through 3D printing. Periodically, you will be involved in the integration and sizing of onboard electronics to validate prototypes end-to-end, from modeling to initial testing. You will then contribute to the production launch of validated products (DFM, optimizations, assembly lines, wiring diagrams).

Main Missions

CAD Design (core mission: 55%)

• Design and model mechanical parts and sub-assemblies using Fusion 360: structures, casings, mounts, fasteners, payload interfaces, etc.

• Integrate FDM additive manufacturing constraints from the design stage: orientation, thicknesses, assembly clearances and tolerances, inserts, support limitation

• Rapidly evolve designs based on printing and testing feedback (short iteration cycles)

• Create assemblies and manage CAD file versions

Rapid Prototyping (5%)

Execute short cycles: design → 3D printing → test → correction to quickly validate technical choices

• Analyze test results and field feedback to guide subsequent iterations

• Prepare prints using OrcaSlicer and assemble prototypes with a goal of continuous improvement

Industrialization and Production Launch (30%)

• Evolve validated prototypes towards an industrializable version by applying DFM / DFA principles (Design for Manufacturing / Design for Assembly)

• Optimize parts and sub-assemblies: weight, cost, number of parts, manufacturing time, choice of series production processes and materials

• Participate in the writing of assembly procedures and instructions

• Create wiring diagrams and associated electrical documentation

• Compile the product definition file: drawings, bills of materials, tolerances

Electronic Integration and Sizing (5%)

• Participate in the selection and sizing of onboard components (propulsion, ESCs, batteries, flight controller, sensors, wiring) according to prototype constraints: weight, space, power consumption, thermal

• Plan for card and component placement in CAD, cable routing, cooling, and maintenance accessibility

• Assemble, wire, and perform initial integration tests to validate prototype functionality

• Configure and parameterize systems via Mission Planner (calibrations, settings, pre-flight checks)

Testing and Documentation (5%)

• Participate in validation tests: bench tests, ground tests, and, where applicable, supervised flight tests

• Document designs, technical choices, and test results

• Regularly present work progress to the technical team

Profile Sought

Education

• Student at Bac+3 to Bac+5 level (engineering school, professional license, master's degree) in mechanical design, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or equivalent

• Internship (ideally end-of-studies)

Technical Skills

• Excellent command of a 3D CAD software, ideally Autodesk Fusion

• Knowledge of design rules for FDM 3D printing; experience with OrcaSlicer (or another slicer) is appreciated

• Basic knowledge of material strength, tolerancing, and material selection (PLA, PETG, ASA, nylon, filled composites)

• Foundations in onboard electronics: schematic reading, power supply and power, component sizing, soldering, and wiring

Assets

• Knowledge of the drone world (multirotors, fixed-wing, ArduPilot / PX4) is a big plus

• Basic knowledge of aerodynamics (lift, drag, airfoils, propellers) is a plus

• Mechatronics profile, capable of bridging mechanics, electronics, and software

• Personal or association projects in drones, robotics, or 3D printing

• An interest in aeronautics, space, or defense environments is appreciated

Personal Qualities

• Curiosity and a taste for prototyping and hands-on work

• Rigor and attention to detail, essential in a defense context where part reliability is critical

• Autonomy, initiative, and ability to work in a team