Hardware Engineer

NestAI builds the adaptive operating system for modern battlefield operations. Most AI systems are built once, validated at deployment, and expected to stay sufficient after that. That assumption holds until conditions change, and in defence, they always do. Our team develops adaptive intelligence for unmanned and command systems: AI that continuously learns from operational data and adapts to changing conditions, deployed in environments where there is no internet, no GPS, and failure is not an option. NestOS, our open, modular, and interoperable platform, enables this at scale and keeps capability evolution under sovereign European control.

Founded in 2025 by Peter Sarlin, whose previous company Silo AI became Europe's largest AI acquisition, NestAI has grown to over 200 engineers and scientists and partners with leading European defence forces and industry. We're ambitious about what we're building and honest with each other. The bar is high, and so are the standards we hold ourselves to. But this is also a place built on humility, trust, and looking after each other. If that sounds like the kind of work you want to do, keep reading.

Join us as a Hardware Engineer

You'll join our Edge HW team in Tampere, working closely with our Hardware Design Engineers and Mechanical Engineers, on the hardware that goes into our unmanned systems. The work is done closely together with our software teams. This is a hands-on role: you'll assemble, test, and prototype real hardware, with results you can see and touch, not just review on a screen. We're looking for someone ready to take on real technical responsibility and grow into a more senior role, learning from an experienced team along the way.

What you'll work on

Our Edge HW team designs, builds, and tests the hardware at the heart of unmanned systems built to perform in the field, not just the lab. In this role, you will:

• Assemble and test unmanned vehicle hardware (UxVs), from early prototypes through to field-ready builds
• Source and specify electronics hardware for unmanned vehicle projects
• Test electronics hardware in the lab, using measurement instruments, to confirm it performs as designed
• Prototype new electronics hardware and unmanned vehicle components as the team's technical needs evolve
• Take ownership of your own technical improvements, working directly with senior engineers to grow your skills and responsibilities over time
• Collaborate with Hardware Design Engineers and Mechanical Engineers, software teams, and field deployment engineers to take hardware from the bench to deployment
• Support the wider team's operations beyond your own project work

What we're looking for

If your background doesn't match every requirement but the work resonates with you, we'd encourage you to apply. How you think, learn, and take ownership matters more to us than ticking every box. Here is what we are looking for:

• Experience designing electronics, including reading and working from schematics
• Hands-on experience building, assembling, and working directly with electronics hardware
• Experience with electronics lab work, including using measurement instruments to test and validate hardware
• Experience running electronics testing activities to confirm hardware meets requirements
• Experience moving between hands-on lab testing and field testing, adapting as priorities and requirements shift
• Software experience is a plus
• Professional fluency in English

Nice to have:

• Experience with drones
• PCB layout experience
• Experience with Linux and embedded software or firmware
• Professional working proficiency in Finnish

Why join NestAI

Work alongside over 200 engineers and scientists, including 60+ PhDs. People who've built AI platforms, autonomous systems, and defence technology across Europe. Most of our people say the best thing about NestAI is the people you get to work with.

Work with real ownership. You identify what needs building, talk to the right people, and ship. Ownership here is the expectation, not a talking point.

Work at a pace where Monday's idea can be Friday's deployment. The problems we're solving are urgent, so the culture reflects it.

Work on systems that must operate with no connectivity, no GPS, and no margin for error. The problems we're solving are technically hard, genuinely novel, and they sit at the intersection of AI and the physical world.

Work at a company where the platform, the practices, and the standards are all being built right now. The people here get to define how things work and how they scale.

What we offer

We offer practical benefits to support your work and wellbeing:

• The chance to participate in the NestAI Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP)
• Occupational healthcare (currently provided by Mehiläinen)
• Epassi Flex benefit for sports, culture, commuting, and wellbeing
• Lunch benefit (25% tax-free coverage)
• Mental wellbeing services via Auntie
• Holiday allowance (50% of holiday salary)
• Phone benefit (subscription and device per company policy)
• Your choice of Mac or PC
• Regular team lunches and company events

We are continuously developing our benefits offering as we grow.

Good to know

This role requires a security clearance, which is standard for defence industry positions in Finland. The process is handled by the relevant authority and typically takes two to three months. You can start working at NestAI before the clearance is finalised. We are happy to answer any questions about the process during the recruitment.

Relocation support is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note, we can't accept applications sent via email.

NestAI is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all applicants on their skills, experience, and potential, regardless of background, identity, or personal characteristics. We believe the best teams are built from diverse perspectives, and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can do meaningful work.