Control & Test Engineer

CDDS AG seeks a Control & Test Engineer in Zürich to develop low-level flight control stacks and lead field tests for kinetic interceptor drones.

This position focuses on implementing advanced control, guidance, and state-estimation algorithms for high-speed kinetic interceptor drones. The engineer will bridge the gap between theoretical algorithm design and practical field deployment, ensuring the technology performs reliably under strict hardware constraints.

Responsibilities

• Lead and organize field tests and technical customer demonstrations.
• Develop and maintain the low-level control stack.
• Optimize the existing software to maximize performance within limited CPU and memory resources.
• Customize and extend the PX4 flight stack.
• Design and tune the low-level flight controller.
• Write clean, maintainable code suitable for resource-constrained environments.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline with strong academic results.
• Proficiency in C++ programming.
• Hands-on experience with flight stacks such as PX4, Betaflight, or iNAV.
• Strong debugging capabilities for complex systems.
• Willingness to travel frequently for field operations.

Nice to have

• Practical flight experience with UAVs.
• Familiarity with ROS2 and real-time robotics software.
• Knowledge of Model Predictive Control (MPC), Reinforcement Learning (RL), or trajectory optimization.
• Experience with computer vision and optical sensors.
• Background in high-dynamics control or fast-moving object interception.
• Proficiency with simulation tools like Gazebo or Isaac Sim.
• Experience in drone flight testing or competitive robotics.
• Valid driver’s license.

What the company offers

• Direct contribution to mission-critical security technology in Europe.
• A fast-paced startup culture with significant individual ownership.
• Collaboration with a highly technical and ambitious team.
• Opportunities for real-world testing, deployments, and customer interactions.
• Competitive compensation package.

About the company

CDDS AG is a rapidly growing deep-tech startup dedicated to developing low-collateral kinetic interceptors that neutralize malicious drones. The company operates in a high-velocity environment that prioritizes rapid prototyping and hands-on flight testing, allowing employees to make a tangible impact on Europe’s security landscape.

• Fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Focus on rapid prototyping and practical flight testing.
• High-impact mission within a deep-tech startup.

How to apply

Documents to submit:

• Cover letter
• Transcript