Robotics Software Engineer (Founding Engineer), Groningen

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 sites.

Minimum Qualifications:

3+ years of experience in robotics software development, with a strong focus on UAVs or autonomous systems. Demonstrable proficiency in C, 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.