Robotics Engineer For Drones In Gps-Denied Environments

Robotics Engineer for Drones in GPS-denied Environments Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
The position is part of the FireDrone project from the Laboratory of Sustainability Robotics (LSR), hosted by Empa. The team specializes in robotic systems for extreme environments, with a focus on aerial platforms, material integration, and robust autonomy. The FireDrone is the world's first drone designed to operate safely in environments up to 200 C, addressing critical needs in firefighting and industrial inspection. You will join a fast-moving team advancing cutting-edge autonomy in real-world deployment scenarios. Your tasks

• Design and implementation of an autonomy stack (including visual-inertial-odometry, obstacle avoidance, path planning) optimized for GPS-denied, high-temperature environments
• Integrate and fuse data from thermal, visual, and inertial sensors to improve navigation robustness and situational awareness
• Contribute to the design, development, and integration of hardware, perception, as well as field-testing to ensure reliable performance in operational deployments
• Develop and implement algorithms on flight controllers and companion computers and deploy on real hardware
• Document designs, decisions, and test results to support future development and validate software for future certification and commercialization pathways.

Your profile

• Degree (BSc, MSc or higher) in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 2+ years experience in Robotics Engineering
• Proven experience with autonomous navigation, state estimation, SLAM, or sensorfusion (ideally in constrained or GPS-denied settings)
• Proficiency in C++, Python; hands on experience with Linux OS; experience with common software engineering tools (e.g. Git, Docker, Build Systems, Software Packaging); experience with ROS1/ROS2, PX4, ModalAI's VOXL2 environments and design of PCBs is a plus
• Hands-on experience in robotic system integration, preferably with drones or embedded systems
• Motivated by real-world impact, comfortable with field deployments, and excited about working in a startup-like environment

Our offer We are offering a six-month position (with possibility of 6 month extension and possibility of subsequent transfer to the Spin-Off) at Empa to develop cutting-edge aerial robots operating in the world's most extreme conditions. You will be based at the Empa campus in Dübendorf, next to Zürich with access to a state-of-the-art drone research facility. The position offers a unique chance to contribute to the global leadership of Swiss robotics in safety and industrial innovation. Applications from candidates with a passion for field robotics and meaningful impact are highly encouraged.
We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered. Patricia Nitzsche , Stv. Leiterin Human Resources / Dep. Head Human Resources Questions? Dr Fabian Wiesemüller
Postdoctoral Fellow at the Laboratory of Sustainability Robotics

Ueberlandstrasse 129
8600 Dübendorf Empa as an employer Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities Creating added value for society International, multicultural working environment Freedom to create and develop Culture of inclusion and respect Excellent balance between different areas of life Multiple award-winning and certified employer Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc Good to know Empa website
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