Senior Robotics & Autonomy Engineer (Individual drone autonomy)
Swarmer · Full-time · Posted 1d ago
Swarmer develops software that makes drones autonomous and allows them to operate together, in large, coordinated teams — no pilots needed. Our technology has been battle-tested in Ukraine — the world’s most intense proving ground for drone warfare.
In March 2026, we became the first Ukrainian defense startup to go public on NASDAQ, following a $15M Series A — the largest investment in a Ukrainian defense tech company since the start of the war.
Working at Swarmer means operating at the intersection of engineering rigor and frontline reality. The problems and environments are complex, and the stakes are very real. We built this software to enable democratic nations to defend themselves.
If you are motivated by building resilient systems that matter and by seeing the direct impact of your work, you’ll find purpose here.
We’re looking for a Senior Robotics & Autonomy Engineer to design, develop, and optimize the onboard autonomy and perception systems for individual drones on our multi-vendor platform.
You’ll work at the intersection of robotics, computer vision, and embedded systems, making sure each drone operates reliably and intelligently in GNSS-denied, EW-contested conditions.
Develop new features in core domains: navigation, flight control, sensor fusion, and photogrammetry.
Adapt existing algorithms to new challenges, such as new sensor types or path planning with additional constraints.
Turn R&D algorithms into production-ready solutions: find bottlenecks, handle edge cases gracefully, and make them reliable in the field.
Optimize onboard performance for latency, power consumption, and data throughput on a real-time, resource-constrained companion computer.
Build and maintain simulation environments and digital twins, and measurably close the gap between simulation and real flights.
Support field tests for your features: work with our test-range team, stay available online during flights, and travel to the test site occasionally.
4+ years in robotics or autonomy engineering, ideally with UAVs or mobile robots.
Strong Python on Linux. Experience with C/C++ and embedded systems is highly valued.
Solid grounding in linear algebra, control theory, probability, and numerical methods.
Hands-on experience with state estimation, path planning, or flight control algorithms.
Practical knowledge of drone physics.
PX4, ArduPilot, or another MAVLink flight stack.
Basic computer vision or photogrammetry.
Basic electronics: reading schematics, using a multimeter, debugging sensors and power.
English at B2 level or higher.
Would be an advantage:
Contributions to PX4 or ArduPilot, or custom firmware changes.
Airframe integration: sensor calibration, tuning, flight controller setup.
VIO, visual navigation, or navigation integrity in GNSS-denied conditions.
Experience in defense or EW-contested environments.
You’ve built, flown, crashed and debugged your own drones.
A chance to shape the core autonomy and perception systems at the heart of Ukraine’s defense tech ecosystem and its international expansion.
Fast-paced, high-stakes environment where your contributions yield immediate, tangible impact on the frontline.
Agile, highly skilled team driven by engineering rigor and mission-critical goals.
Attractive compensation package including 20 paid vacation days, comprehensive health insurance, and paid sick leave.
Flexible working arrangements depending on operational and security requirements.
Benefits of the defense sector (military reservation, etc.).
✔️ Recruiter Screen → ✔️ Technical Interview → ✔️ Management Interview → ✔️ Security check → ✔️ Offer
Ready to Apply?
New Zealand