Robotics & Control Engineer

CDDS AG seeks a Senior Robotics & Control Engineer in Zürich to develop guidance and state-estimation algorithms for kinetic interceptor drones.

This position focuses on advancing control, guidance, and state-estimation systems for high-speed kinetic interceptor drones. The company specializes in low-collateral kinetic interceptors designed to neutralize malicious drones, operating at the cutting edge of counter-drone technology to provide reliable protection for critical assets and environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement state-estimation and control algorithms, transitioning from Python simulations to robust C++ or Rust deployment.
• Develop and validate low-latency guidance strategies in Python environments before porting them to high-performance C++ or Rust.
• Create multi-sensor fusion algorithms for state estimation, handling uncertainty, latency, asynchronous updates, and drift.
• Explore model predictive control (MPC) and reinforcement learning approaches for trajectory generation and interception point control.
• Model aerodynamic effects and motor dynamics.
• Maintain simulation pipelines using Docker and GPU-accelerated development containers.
• Adapt and extend the PX4 autopilot stack for custom interceptor behaviors.
• Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests and profile system performance.
• Perform real-world flight experiments, analyze data, and evaluate performance and failure modes.

Requirements

• PhD or MSc in Robotics, Control Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with a strong academic record, preferably from ETH Zürich or an equivalent institution.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to derive, evaluate, and validate models.
• Deep understanding of classical and optimal control, Kalman filtering, state estimation, and linear algebra, including rotations and transformations in SE(3).
• Proficiency in Python and C++.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment, including working long hours when the mission requires it.

Nice to have

• Experience with ROS2, PX4, and real-time robotics software.
• Knowledge of MPC, reinforcement learning, and trajectory optimization.
• Experience with computer vision and event cameras.
• Experience with fast-moving object interception or high-dynamics control.
• Experience with simulation frameworks like Gazebo or Isaac Sim.
• Background in drone flight testing or competitive robotics.

What the company offers

• 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.
• Opportunities for real-world testing, deployments, and customer demonstrations.
• Attractive compensation.

About the company

CDDS AG is a rapidly growing deep-tech startup with a high-impact mission. The team is highly technical, ambitious, and hands-on.

• Rapidly growing deep-tech startup with a high-impact mission.
• Highly technical, ambitious, and hands-on team.

How to apply

Documents to submit:

• Cover letter
• Transcript