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 engineer the next generation of high-performance interceptor drones and platforms, pushing the limits of speed, durability, and real-world deployability.

Tasks

YOUR MISSION

We are looking for an exceptional Mechanical Engineer in Robotics to develop our next-generation counter-US interceptor platform. This includes fast prototyping of new hardware, testing new sensors and electrical components as well as optimizing the flight performance in real field tests.

You will work closely with perception, embedded, simulation, and control experts: Ensuring your contribution translate directly into field performance.

RESPONSIBILITY

• Assemble, modify, and maintain multirotor drone platforms for rapid iteration
• Integrate and validate sensors, and electrical components, on prototypes
• Bring up, configure, and tune flight control systems for stable and robust missions
• Plan and execute bench tests, ground tests, and flight tests
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, firmware, and integration issues discovered during testing
• Perform power, vibration, and thermal testing to validate system limits
• Iterate designs quickly based on test results, failures, and changing requirements

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in Automation, Robotics, Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent.
• 3+ years experience in rapid prototyping of robotics systems (design, commissioning, optimization).
• Proficiency in CAD for mechanical design and rapid iteration (preferably SolidWorks, NX, Onshape)
• Interest in robotics, fast prototyping, and manufacturing.
• Proven experience deploying reliable, high-availability systems.
• Experience with bench testing, HIL tests and field tests.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication in English.

NICE-TO-HAVES

• Hands-on experience with multirotor drone hardware (motors, propellers, ESCs, power systems)
• Strong understanding of flight control systems and sensor integration (IMU, GPS, barometer, magnetometer)
• Experience bringing up and tuning flight controllers (e.g. PX4, ArduPilot, custom FCs)
• Proficiency in rapid hardware prototyping and iterative testing, including crash recovery and rebuilds
• Solid knowledge of power management (LiPo batteries, PDBs, EMI/EMC considerations)
• Familiarity with communication links (RC, telemetry, MAVLink, radio modems)
• Experience with aerodynamics, CFD, and airfoil design

Benefits

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 (Zurich), on‑site
• Start date: ASAP
• Environment: Rapidly growing deep‑tech startup, high‑impact mission