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Sphere Defense

European counter-UAS interceptor developer

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/15/2026
No salary listed
Senior, Expert
Bachelor's, Master's
Brussels, Belgium
In Person
Software EngineeringEmbedded Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated experience in the role, owning complex systems based on Linux.
  • At least 8 years of experience in relevant roles.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
  • Experience with Embedded Linux (Yocto) and bare-metal/RTOS embedded systems.
  • Experience with Device Drivers and User-Space Embedded Applications development.
  • Experience with lab equipment (oscilloscope, multimeter, etc.) for board bring-up and debug.
  • Experience with implementing and maintaining CI/CD processes.
  • Proficient with System Design, designing complex, multi-processor systems.
  • Experience integrating sensors such as cameras, IMUs, rangefinders, etc.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills in written and spoken English.
  • Able to work in a high-ambiguity environment and willing to take up new challenges.
  • Must have the right to work in Belgium; visa sponsorship is not available.
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop autonomous countermeasures to protect allied countries from aerial threats.
  • Design, develop, and test high-performance, reliable embedded software systems encompassing sensing, processing, and actuation with low latency.
  • Work with the hardware team to bring up boards and systems, ensuring intended functional and performance requirements are met.
  • Troubleshoot and debug problems, addressing issues as they appear.
  • Establish CI/CD pipelines, focusing on quality assurance.
  • Mentor and support the team when needed.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with the PX4 Flight Controller or other flight controllers.
  • Proficiency in Rust.
  • Experience with Qualcomm, NVIDIA, or Ambarella chipsets.
  • Experience with server communication (REST, gRPC, etc.).
  • Experience with cameras and image sensors.
  • Experience with mobile app integration (BLE, WiFi).
  • French or Dutch language skills.
  • Ideally, experience working with flying robots.

About the company

Sphere Defense develops autonomous counter-UAS systems to defend airspace from drones. Its flagship product is a jet-powered interceptor guided by AI, designed for mass production with a European-made supply chain using local components. The system can autonomously detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones to protect critical infrastructure and security interests. The company emphasizes European sovereignty, opting for a jet engine over electric motors, and aims to scale production in Europe to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

City of Brussels, Belgium

Founded

N/A

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Ukraine's drone war keeps European militaries buying counter-UAS systems in 2026.
  • Axon's February 2026 minority investment gives Sphere Defense capital and defense-industry credibility.
  • Brussels recruiting in April 2026 shows aggressive team-building toward prototype and production readiness.

What critics are saying

  • Sphere Defense remains pre-revenue in September 2026, with no disclosed orders or fielded contracts.
  • Brussels hiring ads in April 2026 signal dependence on rapid technical execution before customer validation.
  • Diehl, AirShields, and other C-UAS rivals compress margins and can outspend Sphere Defense.

What makes Sphere Defense unique

  • Sphere Defense launched in Brussels in February 2026 with former Sky-Hero executives.
  • It builds jet-powered, AI-guided interceptor drones using European manufacturing and components.
  • BEDEX 2026 showcased a man-portable launch base for sovereign counter-UAS deployments.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Meal Benefits

Mobility Budget

Stock Options

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