Senior Controls Engineer (GNC & Autonomy)

What we’re looking for

We are looking for a Senior Flight Software Engineer to shape the architectural design of our autonomous flight systems. In this role, you will bridge the gap between theoretical Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and production-grade software engineering. You will not simply configure existing autopilots; you will engineer the core logic that defines aircraft behavior. Your focus will be on translating complex flight dynamics and control algorithms into highly efficient, deterministic, and safety-critical C++ architectures within the autopilot (e.g. PX4/ArduPilot) ecosystem.

The day-to-day

1. GNC Algorithm Development & Tuning

• Control Laws: Design and implement advanced control strategies (e.g., Adaptive PID, LQR, or Model Predictive Control - MPC) to ensure stable flight in highly dynamic and wind-disturbed environments.
• State Estimation: Work extensively with the EKF (Extended Kalman Filter) within the flight stack to fuse data from IMUs, GNSS, Barometers, and Airspeed sensors for precise attitude and position estimation.
• Trajectory Planning: Develop guidance logic for complex maneuvers, including path following, dynamic obstacle avoidance, and energy-efficient cruising.

2. Flight Stack Architecture (e.g: PX4 / ArduPilot)

• Distributed GNC Strategy: Architect the system logic split, determining which control loops run on the Hard Real-Time Flight Controller (stabilization/safety) versus the High-Performance Companion Computer (complex autonomy).
• Flight Stack Extension: Modify PX4/ArduPilot firmware internals to expose custom APIs and flight modes, enabling advanced Offboard Control capabilities beyond standard configurations.
• High-Level Implementation: Develop robust GNC algorithms (e.g., Trajectory Optimization, MPC) on the companion computer, ensuring low-latency synchronization with the flight core via e.g. ROS 2/DDS or MAVLink.

3. Simulation & Validation

• SITL/HITL Pipelines: Understand and maintain high-fidelity Software-In-The-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) simulation environments to validate GNC logic before real flight.
• Flight Data Analysis: Analyze complex flight logs to debug and tune the whole aircraft from the software and autonomy side.

You should apply if you

• The Flight Stack: Expert-level proficiency in PX4 Autopilot or ArduPilot. You must understand the architecture.
• GNC Fundamentals: Deep understanding of rigid body dynamics, kinematics, feedback control theory, and sensor fusion math.
• Language: Proficiency in C++ for embedded systems and Python for analysis/scripting.
• Embedded Systems: Strong knowledge of RTOS concepts (threading, mutexes, interrupts, DMA) and bare-metal communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN/UAVCAN).
• Experience: 4+ years in embedded robotics or aerospace, with a specific focus on flight control.
• Real-world Experience: Comfortable conducting outdoor flight tests, including manual piloting and GCS mission monitoring.

What we offer

• Real impact & ownership: Shape high-tech defense systems and take responsibility from day one.

• Mission driven environment: Work on technologies that matter for European security 
  and sovereignty.

• Competitive package: Competitive salary, EGYM Wellpass, corporate benefits, and equity options aligned with role and level.

• Deep tech environment: Get hands-on experience with cutting-edge drone technology and real operational use cases.

• Grow fast: Steep learning curve for juniors, strategic influence and leadership opportunities for seniors.

•  Startup mindset meets defence innovation: flat hierarchies, fast decisions, and space for your ideas.

• Flexibility: Flexible hours, remote options, and relocation support.

• Strong team: International, driven colleagues and a culture built on exchange, trust, and shared success.