Principal Software Engineer - Autonomy (full-time)

Kraken Works Limited

Whiteley, United Kingdom

2 days ago

Role details

Contract type

Permanent contract

Employment type

Full-time (> 32 hours)

Working hours

Regular working hours

Languages

English

Job location

Whiteley, United Kingdom

Tech stack

Artificial Intelligence

C++

Cloud Computing

Software Debugging

Linux

Distributed Systems

Middleware

Python

Motion Planning

Performance Tuning

Software Architecture

Sensor Fusion

Real Time Systems

Deep Learning

Kubernetes

Unreal Engine

Lidar

Docker

Job description

We're looking for a Principal Software Engineer - Autonomy to lead the development of high level autonomy capabilities across the Kraken fleet of autonomous vehicles.

This is a genuinely hands on, R&D led role where you'll be shaping how our vehicles think, decide and behave in the real world. You'll work across vessel guidance, mission frameworks, behaviours, obstacle avoidance and broader autonomy features, including applying modern AI techniques where they make sense.

You'll be comfortable moving between blue sky experimentation and mission critical production software, helping take ideas from prototype to deployment on real vehicles.

What you'll be doing

No two days are the same, but you'll typically be:

Leading the design and development of high level autonomous behaviours for unmanned vehicles
Designing, implementing and optimising algorithms for obstacle avoidance, path planning and mission level autonomy
Building robust autonomy software using C++, Python, ROS2, DDS and Linux based systems
Collaborating closely with perception, navigation and hardware teams to integrate end to end autonomy solutions
Writing clean, well structured and well documented code
Testing and validating autonomy software in simulation and on real vehicles
Providing technical leadership and mentoring to other engineers and researchers
Balancing R&D exploration with reliable, production ready delivery

Requirements

Do you have experience in Unreal Engine?, * Strong, hands on experience with C++ and Python, including software architecture and algorithms

A solid understanding of autonomous systems (motion planning, state estimation, behaviour-based control, etc.)
Experience working in Linux environments, including debugging and performance tuning
Knowledge of real-time systems, distributed computing and middleware
Experience delivering software in both R&D and production settings
A natural problem-solver who enjoys iterating and improving complex systems
Clear communication skills and the confidence to explain complex ideas simply

Nice to have

Proven experience with ROS / ROS2 and/or DDS
Sensor fusion experience (LiDAR, RADAR, cameras, IMUs)
Exposure to deep-learning-based perception
Experience with simulation tools (Gazebo, CARLA, Unreal Engine, etc.)
Embedded or real-time systems experience
Familiarity with cloud robotics, Docker and/or Kubernetes
Experience with PX4 / MAVLink
Background in defence, aerospace or maritime autonomy, * Can you evidence five years' continuous residency in the UK?
What are your salary expectations and notice period?
Can you evidence strong, hands on experience with C++ and Python, including software architecture and algorithms?
Can you evidence a solid understanding of autonomous systems (motion planning, state estimation, behaviour based control, etc?

Language:

Fluent English (required)

Benefits & conditions

You'll be working on genuinely cutting edge autonomy, seeing your work move from code to real-world vehicles. We value thoughtful engineering, curiosity, collaboration and giving people the space to do their best work.

If you're excited by autonomy, enjoy solving hard problems, and want to shape the future of unmanned systems, we'd love to hear from you.