The Role
Design, implement, and validate state-estimation and low-latency guidance/control algorithms for high-speed interceptor drones. Port Python simulations to high-performance C++/Rust, develop multi-sensor fusion and MPC/RL strategies, run HIL tests and real-world flight experiments, adapt PX4, maintain simulation pipelines, and profile system performance.
Summary Generated by Built In
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.
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 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: 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.
Before uploading your cover letter, please merge your last transcript and the cover letter into one pdf and upload it together as one file.
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 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: 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.
Before uploading your cover letter, please merge your last transcript and the cover letter into one pdf and upload it together as one file.
Skills Required
- PhD or MSc in Robotics, Control Engineering, Computer Science or similar (from ETH Zurich or equivalent)
- Strong analytical mindset with ability to derive, evaluate, and validate models
- Deep understanding of classical and 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 mission demands
- ROS2, PX4, and real-time robotics software
- MPC, reinforcement learning, and trajectory optimization experience
- Computer vision and event camera experience
- Experience with simulation frameworks (Gazebo, Isaac Sim) and HIL testing
- Background in drone flight testing or competitive robotics
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The Company
What We Do
CDDS AG develops autonomous interceptor drones designed to neutralize Group 1 and Group 2 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) threats. Utilizing onboard AI and real-time decision-making, their systems detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones independently, providing scalable, AI-driven defense for critical infrastructure with minimal collateral impact.
