Robotics Software Engineer (Founding Engineer)

Scura; Groningen; On-site; EUR 60,487 - 69,750; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

1-2% equity

Performance-based salary review

Leadership in a mission-driven environment

Job summary

A technology firm in Groningen is seeking a Robotics Software Founding Engineer to architect software for next-generation aerial swarm systems. You will pioneer autonomy and control logic that enables UAVs to operate collaboratively. Responsibilities include designing simulation environments and integrating software with UAV hardware. Candidates should have 3+ years in robotics software development, proficiency in C++ and Python, and experience with ROS2. This role offers a competitive salary between €5,420 to €6,250 per month plus equity.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in robotics software development.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time robotics.
• Experience with ROS2 for distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement distributed control systems for UAV swarms.
• Integrate existing technologies for swarm intelligence.
• Design and manage simulation environments like Isaac Sim.

Skills

C++

Python

ROS2

Multi-agent systems

Swarm intelligence

Real-time operating systems

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Tools

Gazebo

AirSim

Isaac Sim

Unreal Engine

Job description

Applicants from within EU only. We do not prefer to sponsor visa.

About us

We are a small, capable technology company building scalable air defence systems, to Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS). We are building uncrewed systems to protect our cities and critical assets from proliferation of hostile UxVs. Large scale inspections of Dykes, waterways and disaster management are some of the emergent civilian applications of our swarm systems. We are in the business of knocking hostile armed threats, so 'Impact' has a very real meaning to us.

About you

You have failed a lot of times, you are stubborn. 9-5 is not your thing, you want to drive measurable change and growth. You deliver what you say. You make things happen.

The Role

Join us as a Robotics Software Founding Engineer to architect and build the core software capabilities for next-generation aerial swarm systems. You will be responsible for pioneering the cutting-edge autonomy, coordination, and control logic that enables fleets of UAVs to operate collaboratively and intelligently in real-world environments. This is a high-impact, hands-on role at the intersection of robotics, Edge AI, and scalable distributed systems, ideal for a technical leader passionate about realising ambitious ideas into applied technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and implement distributed control systems for autonomous multi-agent swarms, including real-time coordination, perception based self-organization, and robust flight control.
• Integrate existing technologies or identify bespoke needs in swarm intelligence—perception, localization, path planning, and collaborative decision-making—for rapid PoC development and future in-house scaling.
• Design and manage simulation environments like Isaac Sim to test, validate, and iterate swarm behaviors before hardware deployment.
• Integrate software with UAV hardware platforms, ensuring seamless operation across communication, sensing, and actuation layers.
• Lead early prototyping, architecture design, and real-time control for mission-critical demos and field deployments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, embedded, and AI systems to align transverse interfaces and requirements.
• Drive innovation by leveraging latest advancements in swarm robotics, AI, and multi-agent systems, translating them into product capabilities.
• Document architecture, algorithms, and system designs for reproducibility and future scaling.
• Travel to test site.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in robotics software development, with a strong focus on UAVs or autonomous systems.
• Demonstrable proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time robotics and simulation development.
• Hands-on experience with ROS2, DDS, or similar robotics middle ware for distributed systems.
• Excellent grasp of multi-agent systems, swarm intelligence, or distributed AI algorithms.
• Experience with UAV simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, AirSim, Isaac Sim, Unreal Engine).
• Strong knowledge of real-time operating systems (e.g., Linux, Zephyr, FreeRTOS) and embedded software integration.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills; ability to thrive in a fast-paced, early-stage environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Track record of delivering fielded robotics/autonomy systems or leading technical teams in early-stage startups.
• Experience of building real world solutions is preferred over an advanced degree from a top institution.
• Experience with reinforcement learning (RL/MARL) for autonomous agents.
• Background in sensor fusion, flight dynamics, and UAV control architectures.
• Familiarity with secure communication protocols (MQTT, UDP, DDS, WebRTC) and cloud-based simulation and edge deployment.
• Security clearance or eligibility (for defense-related projects).

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead the development of the core autonomy stack of a disruptive emerging swarm technology company.
• A competitive salary between €5.420 to €6.250 per month (excl. 8% allowance) + 1-2% equity (as SAR).
• Leadership in a mission-driven, high-growth environment.
• Direct impact on the architecture and deployment of scalable aerial swarm systems.
• We start with a fixed 1 year contract, followed by permanent contract with
• Salary reviewed based on performance of 1st year.

We have been at it for a while, building in shadows. Join us if you care about hard, real existential issues.