About this role
Developing bespoke controllers for unmanned aerial systems through conception, design, simulation, physical integration, and feature iteration forms the core of daily operations. Engineers in this position take full end-to-end responsibility for building and validating state estimation, navigation, and guidance algorithms that elevate platform performance in contested environments.
Operating within a dedicated guidance, navigation, and control team at a defense artificial intelligence organization, this group builds capabilities that redefine machine perception and decision-making for UAS platforms. Professionals here collaborate closely with field engineers, flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and embedded hardware teams to bridge the gap between simulation and real-world performance.
Ideal candidates bring a strong academic foundation in engineering disciplines alongside substantial hands-on experience in algorithm development. Someone who thrives in a transparent culture, enjoys tackling unusual technical constraints, and wants to contribute to the protection of democratic nations will find a strong fit here.
What you will do
- Take full end-to-end ownership of custom controller development for unmanned aerial systems from initial conception through physical integration.
- Design, test, and implement robust state estimator algorithms capable of operating reliably in contested operational environments.
- Simulate navigation and guidance algorithm performance to help define appropriate sensor stacks including IMUs, GPS, and advanced image-based positioning systems.
- Analyze real sensor and test data to calibrate hardware components, validate performance metrics, and narrow the simulation-to-real gap.
- Support the specification and execution of targeted tests designed to evaluate navigation and guidance algorithms.
- Collaborate directly with interfacing disciplines such as flight mechanics, aerodynamics, testing, and embedded hardware and software.
What you need
- Hold a Master of Science or PhD degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrate at least 5 years of professional experience working in navigation, guidance, or state estimation development.
- Possess very strong practical skills using Matlab and Simulink.
- Maintain a solid background covering state estimation theory, aerodynamics, stability and control, and systems modeling.
- Exemplify excellent communication abilities to report and present technical findings clearly to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Exhibit solid software engineering capabilities by writing clean, well-structured code in Matlab, Python, Rust, Java, or modern C++.
Nice to have
- Hands-on experience with fixed-wing aircraft or drones
- Previous work with or contributions to open-source autopilots like Ardupilot or PX4
Benefits
- Competitive salary and VSOP options
- Relocation support up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
- Learning allowance of €500 yearly
- Gym membership and mental health support via Nilo.health
- Regular company events and monthly social allowances
- Enhanced parental leave including 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What kind of relocation support is available for this Munich-based role?
The company provides relocation support up to €2,500 along with 4 weeks of temporary accommodation to help you settle in Munich.
What core technologies and tools will I use in this position?
You will use Matlab and Simulink extensively, alongside writing clean code in languages like Python, Rust, Java, or modern C++. The work also involves sensor stacks such as IMUs, GPS, barometers, magnetometers, and image-based positioning systems.
What does the onboarding process look like for new engineers?
New hires participate in a hands-on onboarding program called Infraduction, where you build tooling and applications used across the company. This provides an opportunity to learn the tech stack and collaborate with other engineering teams from day one.