Robotics & Control Engineer

You want to help build Europes resilience You want to protect people and critical infrastructure ultimately saving the lives of thousands

You want to work at the frontier of high-performance autonomous systems

Join us at CDDS to bring next-generation control guidance and state-estimation algorithms into high-speed kinetic interceptor drones.

CDDS (Counter-Drone Defense Systems) specializes in developing low-collateral kinetic interceptors designed to neutralize malicious drones. Our solutions are built for precision and safety minimizing risk to surroundings while effectively countering unauthorized or threatening unmanned aerial systems. We work at the cutting edge of counter-drone technology delivering reliable protection for critical assets and environments.

Tasks

Your Mission

We are looking for an exceptional Robotics & Control Engineer to drive the control stack of our interceptor drone platform. You will architect and implement state-estimation and control algorithms that directly determine successful target interception taking them from Python-based simulation to robust deployable C/Rust systems.

You will work closely with perception embedded simulation and hardware experts ensuring your algorithms translate directly into field performance.

Core Responsibilities

• Designing and validating low-latency guidance and control strategies in Python-based simulation environments before porting them to high-performance C/Rust
• Developing multi-sensor fusion algorithms for state estimation including uncertainty modelling and robust gating under latency asynchronous updates and drift
• Investigating MPC and reinforcement-learning-based strategies for trajectory generation and interception point control
• Modelling aerodynamic effects and motor dynamics
• Maintaining simulation pipelines (Docker GPU-accelerated dev-containers)
• Adapting and extending the PX4 autopilot stack for custom interceptor behaviour
• Running HIL tests and profiling system performance
• Conducting real-world flight experiments analysing data and evaluating performance and failure modes

Requirements

We are looking for people who thrive on mathematical depth rapid iteration and hands-on flight testing. You take full ownership of your subsystem from modelling to real-world validation.

Required

• PhD or MSc in Robotics Control Engineering Computer Science or similar field with strong academic record (from ETH Zürich or equivalent)
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to derive evaluate and validate models
• Deep understanding of classical & optimal control Kalman filtering state estimation and linear algebra (rotations and transformations in SE(3))
• Proficiency in Python and C
• Comfortable in fast-paced high-ownership environments with long hours when the mission demands it

Nice-to-Have

• ROS2 PX4 and real-time robotics software
• MPC RL trajectory optimization
• Computer vision and event cameras
• Fast-moving object interception / high-dynamics control
• Simulation frameworks like Gazebo or Isaac Sim
• Background in drone flight testing or competitive robotics

Benefits

Why CDDS

• Direct impact on mission-critical technology shaping Europes security landscape
• Fast-moving startup environment with high ownership
• Work with a highly technical ambitious and hands-on team
• Real-world testing deployments and customer demonstrations
• Attractive compensation

Details

• Location: Close to Zurich Hardbrücke (Zurich City)
• Start date: ASAP
• Environment: Rapidly growing deep-tech startup high-impact mission

If your interested in the position please apply via this form.

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