Robotics Software Engineer

Defence Technology

Defence Technology

Robotics Software Engineer

Defence Technology

Location

Hybrid — Amsterdam, Netherlands

Contract

Full time

Compensation

€50k – €65k + equity

Location

Hybrid — Amsterdam, Netherlands

Contract

Full time

Compensation

€50k – €65k + equity

We’re building the brains and infrastructure behind autonomous flight. From simulation environments to real-world integration, we bridge the gap between algorithms and the hardware that carries them.

This role focuses on implementing and integrating autonomy components that run in simulation and on real aircraft, working closely with more senior engineers and domain specialists.

What you’ll work on

As an Robotics Software Engineer, you’ll work on implementing, integrating, and testing autonomy behaviors across simulation and flight. You’ll collaborate closely with senior engineers, GNC specialists, and CV engineers to turn algorithms into working autonomous systems.

You won’t be expected to define the overall architecture—but you will be expected to understand it, work within it, and help improve it.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Implement autonomy components on top of a vanilla ArduPilot flight control implementation, issuing guidance commands from a companion computer

  • Contribute to our simulation and validation pipeline, including:

    • Gazebo-based simulation

    • SITL, HITL, and real-world flight testing

    • CI/CD checks that validate autonomy in simulation

  • Help build and maintain tooling for scenario automation and regression testing

  • Implement autonomy behaviors such as target tracking and interception guidance

  • Integrate GNC, perception, and mission logic into working systems

  • Contribute to on-board software for navigation, communications, and health monitoring

  • Support system bring-up, debugging, and verification in Linux-based environments

  • Participate in flight trials and assist with post-flight data analysisHelp ensure simulation realism and parity with flight performance

Our Stack (Today)

We’re explicit about this so there’s no guessing:

  • Simulation: Gazebo

  • Autopilot: ArduPilot

  • Vehicle & comms integration: MAVSDK

  • On-board autonomy: Python on a companion computer

  • OS: Linux

  • No ROS


You’re not expected to have used this exact stack before—but you are expected to ramp quickly and apply solid engineering mental models to new tools.

What We’re Looking For

CORE SKILLS

  • Solid background in software engineering for robotics or autonomous systems

  • Experience implementing and debugging non-trivial systems in production or field environments

  • Good Python experience

  • Comfortable working in Linux-based environments

  • Practical, hands-on engineering mindset

  • Willingness to work across simulation, testing, and real-world systems

  • Clear communication and ability to collaborate with senior engineers and specialists


NICE-TO-HAVES / PLUSES

  • Some C++ experience or interest in moving toward C++

  • Embedded systems experience (e.g. Nvidia Jetson, Raspberry Pi)

  • Exposure to SITL or HITL setups

  • Familiarity with flight control concepts or autopilot firmware

  • Exposure to computer vision or autonomy-adjacent data workflows

  • A1–A3 or A2 drone license
    (Not required, but supported and considered a perk of the role)

Why join us?

You’ll work on real autonomy systems that fly, in a small team where your contributions matter. This role offers hands-on exposure to simulation, flight testing, and autonomy integration, with clear room to grow toward senior-level system ownership over time.

If you enjoy practical engineering, learning by doing, and seeing your code leave the lab and take to the air, this role is for you.

The application process

Our application process consists of three short rounds, including a technical assessment that is respectful of your time. After three rounds, we hope to extend you a great offer. We aim to hire quickly to match the pace of our changing world.

Trusk Technology

Trusk is a young company, founded on the belief that Europe needs to be self-reliant for its defence. Warfare is changing. New doctrines are emerging around attritable drones. We’re countering the kamikaze drone threat with smart software on board of fast interceptor drones. This is but the beginning of fully autonomous systems that will dominate the battlefield of tomorrow.

Trusk is a young company, founded on the belief that Europe needs to be self-reliant for its defence. Warfare is changing. New doctrines are emerging around attritable drones. We’re countering the kamikaze drone threat with smart software on board of fast interceptor drones. This is but the beginning of fully autonomous systems that will dominate the battlefield of tomorrow.

Ready to apply?

Ready to apply?

Send your application now.

Send your application now.

Apply now

Frequently Asked
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the interview process exactly?

When do I start?

Do you sponsor visas?

I've never worked in a startup, is that a problem?

Can I work fully remote?

Do you only focus on Ukraine?

Background check, what's that all about?

What's the interview process exactly?

When do I start?

Do you sponsor visas?

I've never worked in a startup, is that a problem?

Can I work fully remote?

Do you only focus on Ukraine?

Background check, what's that all about?

What's the interview process exactly?

When do I start?

Do you sponsor visas?

I've never worked in a startup, is that a problem?

Can I work fully remote?

Do you only focus on Ukraine?

Background check, what's that all about?

Still have more questions? Email us

©2026 Trusk. All Rights Reserved.

©2026 Trusk. All Rights Reserved.

©2026 Trusk. All Rights Reserved.