You want to help build Europe’s 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.
Tasks 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 Your Profile
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 (ETH Zürich or equivalent preferred)
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to derive, evaluate, and validate
models
Deep understanding of:
o Classical & optimal control
o Kalman filtering and State Estimation
o Linear algebra (Rotations and transformations in SE(3))
Proficiency in Python and C++
Comfortable in fast-paced, high-ownership environments
Nice-to-Have
Experience with:
o ROS2, PX4, and real-time robotics software
o MPC, RL, trajectory optimization
o Computer vision and Event-cameras
o Fast-moving object interception / high-dynamics control
o Simulation Frameworks like Gazebo or Isaac Sim
Background in drone flight testing or competitive robotics
Benefits Why CDDS
Direct impact on a mission-critical technology shaping Europe’s 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: Schlieren (Zürich), on-site
Start date: March or tbd
Environment: Rapidly growing deep-tech startup, high-impact 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.
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