(Senior) System software engineer

You want to help build Europe's resilience. You want to protect people and critical infrastructure - ultimately saving the lives of thousands. You want to work at the frontier of high-performance autonomous systems. At CDDS, you'll build the software platform that connects our next-generation interceptor drones with sensors and operators, the nervous system of a counter-drone defense network protecting critical infrastructure and, ultimately, saving lives. We're looking for a strong all-around software engineer to: Build the platform that fuses radar, sensors, and third-party data into a single, real-time operational picture Integrate our drones with external systems at low latency, under conditions where reliability isn't optional Design fleet-management tooling to monitor, configure, and coordinate drones operating in the field This is real-time, safety-critical software with actual physical stakes. You'll work close to hardware, close to operators, and close to the mission. We move fast and priorities shift as the threat landscape does. Tasks What you will own Architect the ground-segment platform that fuses radar and multi-sensor data into a real-time operational picture, under latency budgets where milliseconds decide outcomes Build the integration layer connecting our drones to third-party sensors and platforms, designing the plugins and data interfaces that make it work reliably in the field Design and own fleet-management and provisioning tooling that commands and coordinates a live interceptor fleet Profile, tune, and harden system performance so it holds up under real-world load Work close to the field: see your code deployed on real hardware, in front of real customers Requirements REQUIREMENTS MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field from a top-tier university, with an outstanding track record 3+ years of professional experience building production software, with deep, demonstrable Python expertise Fluency in Linux-based development environments Solid grounding in software security fundamentals NICE TO HAVE Experience integrating with command and control (C2) systems Experience working with radar feeds or other external sensors Knowledge of networking protocols and secure communication Comfort living in a bash CLI Benefits WHY CDDS Direct impact on a mission‑critical technology shaping Europe’s security landscape Fast‑moving startup environment with high ownership Work with a highly technical, ambitious, and hands‑on team Real‑world testing, deployments, and customer demonstrations Attractive compensation DETAILS Location: Hardbrucke (Zurich), on‑site Start date: when you are ready Environment: Rapidly growing deep‑tech startup, high‑impact mission