Payload Integration Engineer

At Kraken, we develop cutting-edge autonomous maritime systems that push the boundaries of innovation at sea. We’re looking for a talented Payload Integration Engineer to join our multidisciplinary Payload Engineering Team and play a key role in delivering advanced payload capabilities across our autonomous vessel platforms.

You will be responsible for the integration, design, testing, and validation of prototype payloads, ensuring they operate safely, reliably, and effectively in demanding maritime environments. This role is ideal for engineers with a background in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering who enjoy solving complex technical challenges and taking concepts from initial design through to operational deployment.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop and execute integration plans for a wide range of prototype payloads, including sensor systems, specialised maritime equipment, and mission-specific technologies
• Design robust mechanical and electrical integration solutions suitable for maritime environments
• Assess third-party equipment for compatibility with autonomous maritime platforms
• Engineer solutions to improve the reliability, survivability, and effectiveness of non-marinised equipment operating in harsh conditions
• Manage payload development through the engineering lifecycle, from concept and prototyping through to validation and deployment
• Collaborate closely with software, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration and functionality
• Develop system architectures spanning hardware, software, communications, and networked systems
• Ensure all integrations comply with relevant maritime standards, regulations, and environmental requirements
• Lead payload testing, troubleshooting, validation, and performance assessments during factory acceptance testing and sea trials
• Produce technical documentation including design reviews, integration plans, test procedures, and trial reports

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience
• Experience in mechanical design, electrical design, or systems engineering within a relevant engineering environment
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic development environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
• A proactive attitude and willingness to take ownership of technical challenges
• Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)

Desirable experience

• Proficiency with CAD software and the production of engineering drawings
• Experience creating electrical schematics and manufacturing documentation
• Knowledge of maritime communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN Bus, and NMEA 2000
• Understanding of IP networking architectures and data routing principles
• Experience working with unmanned or autonomous systems
• Knowledge of small boat systems and marine operations
• Previous rapid prototyping and product development experience
• Exposure to integration and testing activities in field or operational environments

How you’ll work

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver integrated payload solutions
• Apply practical engineering judgement to develop innovative solutions to complex problems
• Support testing and deployment activities both in-house and during sea trials
• Take ownership of design, documentation, and delivery milestones
• Maintain high standards of technical quality, safety, and professionalism
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement

Pulled from the full job description

• Flexitime
• Referral programme
• Sick pay
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking
• Additional leave, Why join us?
• Work on advanced autonomous maritime technologies at the forefront of industry innovation
• Contribute directly to mission-critical engineering programmes
• Be part of a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary engineering team
• Gain exposure across mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering disciplines
• Enjoy genuine ownership and responsibility from concept through to deployment
• Help shape the future of maritime autonomy

What we provide

• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• Flexible working arrangements, subject to business requirements
• Private Medical Insurance
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Income protection
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Professional development and training opportunities

Important to know

Due to the nature of our work, applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)., * Additional leave

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Referral programme
• Sick pay