Control & Flight Test Engineer

CDDS; Schlieren; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CDDS is seeking a Control & Flight Test Engineer to drive control, vision, and hardware for our interceptor drone platform. You will test, tune, and develop state estimation and control algorithms used in field deployments, working with cross-functional teams across control, vision, software, and hardware.

You will be the eyes and ears on customer demos and abroad field tests, ensuring algorithms translate into real-world performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Robotics, Control Engineering or similar with strong academic record (ETH Zürich or equivalent).
• Strong analytical mindset to derive, evaluate, and validate complex systems.
• Proficiency in Python and Linux; knowledge of SE(3) rotations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate low-latency guidance and control strategies.
• Push multi-sensor fusion for state estimation.
• Verify and test new computer vision approaches.
• Test and validate low-level control software and hardware changes.
• Raise risks and issues to the R&D team from the field.
• Analyse data, evaluate performance and failure modes of the full system during intercepts.

Skills

Mathematical depth

Python

Linux

State estimation

Control theory

Adaptability

Field testing

Education

PhD or MSc in Robotics or Control Engineering

Tools

ROS2

PX4

Ardupilot

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

Job description

Join us at CDDS to bring next-generation of control, state-estimation and computer cision algorithms into high-speed kinetic interceptor drones. CDDS specializes in developing low-collateral kinetic interceptors designed to neutralize malicious drones (Mavics, FPV racers and fast fixed wings). 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 Control & Flight Test Engineer to drive the control, vision, hardware and operational stack of our interceptor drone platform to the next level. You will test, tune and develop state-estimation, control and vision algorithms that directly determine successful target interception. You will act as the eyes and ears of the R&D team on customer demos and field tests abroad. You will gain a big insights in all our systems as you have to make sure that they are working such that it can be deployed to a user.

You will work closely with all teams, meaning control, vison, software and hardware experts — ensuring your and the teams algorithms translate directly into field performance.

Core Responsibilities

• Designing and validate low-latency guidance and control strategies
• Help to push our multi-sensor fusion algorithms for state estimation
• Verify and test new computer vision approaches
• Test and Validate Low-Level Control Software and Hardware Changes
• Raise risks and issues you see on the field to the R&D team
• Analyse data, evaluate performance and failure modes of our full tactical unit while doing intercepts

Requirements

We are looking for people who thrive on mathematical depth, rapid iteration, and hands-on flight testing. You take full ownership of field test — Aligning with the R&D team and your Safety Pilot.

Your Profile

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

Nice-to-Have

• ROS2, PX4, Ardupilot and real-time robotics software
• Fast-moving object interception / high-dynamics control
• Experience with Simulation Frameworks like Gazebo or Isaac Sim
• Background in drone flight testing or competitive robotics

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: ASAP

Environment: High-impact deep-tech startup working on real deployments