Robotics Engineer (Navigation), Autonomy Systems | Zurich

  • Karlsruhe, Germany
  • Full-Time
  • On-Site
  • 100,000-120,000 CHF / Year

Job Description:
  • On-site | Zurich
  • CHF 100,000 – CHF 120,000 + Equity
  • Robotics | Autonomy | Critical Infrastructure

Snapshot

Join a high-caliber, early-stage robotics startup building autonomous systems for real-world security and critical infrastructure environments.

This is not simulation work.
This is field deployment, safety constraints, and autonomy in the wild.

You'll own the navigation and autonomy stack end-to-end — from sensor integration to control — in a high-trust, high-ownership environment.

What You'll Do

  • Own navigation stack:

    • Sensor integration

    • State estimation & SLAM

    • Global planning & local control

  • Build end-to-end systems:

    • Drivers calibration fusion navigation control

  • Ensure performance, safety, and reliability in real environments

  • Deploy and iterate on robots in the field (not just simulation)

  • Make architecture decisions and operate with high autonomy

Tech Stack

  • C++ · Python · ROS 2
  • SLAM · Sensor Fusion · State Estimation
  • Navigation · Control Systems

What We're Looking For

  • Master's + 3+ years experience OR PhD (Robotics / Controls / Perception)
  • Proven experience building end-to-end robotics systems

  • Deep understanding of:

    • SLAM

    • State estimation

    • Planning & control

    • Systems integration

  • Hands-on field deployment experience (non-negotiable)

  • Strong ownership mindset + clear communication

Bonus:

  • Nav2, GTSAM, Ceres

  • Multi-sensor fusion (LiDAR / vSLAM)

  • Embedded systems / hardware integration

  • AI/ML in robotics (perception, embodied AI)

Compensation & Benefits

  • CHF 100,000 – CHF 120,000 base

  • Meaningful equity (early-stage upside)

  • Work with a highly technical, low-ego team

  • Access to best-in-class hardware & tooling

Location & Eligibility

On-site: Zurich (non-negotiable)

  • Open to international candidates

  • Work permit & relocation support available

  • English is sufficient (no German required)

Who Should NOT Apply

  • Only simulation or lab experience

  • No full-stack autonomy exposure

  • Limited ownership / module-only experience

  • Preference for remote work

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Has shipped navigation/localization systems in real environments

  • Thinks in systems, safety, and reliability — not just algorithms

  • Comfortable working close to hardware and field constraints

  • Thrives in high-ownership, ambiguity-driven environments

Why This Role

  • Build real-world robotics systems (not lab prototypes)
  • Own a critical part of the autonomy stack (SLAM planning control)
  • Work with a top-tier team (ex-Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, TUM, Helsing)
  • Join at pre-seed stage maximum ownership + equity upside
  • Contribute to systems impacting security, defense, and infrastructure resilience

If you've built robots that actually work in the real world — and want to push autonomy beyond the lab into environments where reliability truly matters — this is where you do it. Apply now...