Autonomy Engineer Autonomous Systems Project Lead

Sunreef Yachts; Ras Al Khaimah; On-site; AED 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Exposure to international standards

Growth-oriented environment

Work on innovative, sustainable yacht/

Job summary

Sunreef Yachts is seeking an experienced Autonomy Engineer / Project Lead to drive autonomous systems for next-generation yachts. You will define the architecture, manage integration, and lead multi-disciplinary teams to deliver safe autonomous solutions.

Responsibilities include leading navigation, collision avoidance, docking, route planning, and sensor integration with ROS/ROS2, Python, C/C++, and Linux. Strong leadership and offshore-boat robotics experience are valued.

Qualifications

• 5+ years leading autonomous vehicle or robotics projects.
• Proven ability to manage complex multidisciplinary programs.
• Experience with sensor technologies and autonomy platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead autonomous system projects including navigation, collision avoidance, auto-docking, and route planning.
• Define and manage overall autonomy system architecture across sensors, control, and propulsion.
• Coordinate software, electronics, mechanical, and automation teams.
• Collaborate with PLC/HMI teams while owning system integration and direction.
• Integrate and calibrate LiDAR, radar, AI cameras, GPS/RTK, IMU, and other sensors.
• Develop sensor fusion, SLAM, AI perception, and real-time path planning for operations.
• Support software integration using Python, C/C++, ROS/ROS2, Linux, MATLAB/Simulink.

Skills

Autonomous navigation systems

AI perception / computer vision

Sensor fusion / real-time control

Embedded systems / industrial comms

Electronics & automation architectures

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics/Mechatronics/EE

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Python

C/C++

Linux

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Job Description:

Sunreef Yachts is seeking an experienced Autonomy Engineer / Project Lead to lead the development and integration of advanced autonomous systems for next-generation yachts and intelligent mobility platforms. The role focuses on defining the overall autonomous architecture, managing system integration, and coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver reliable and safe autonomous solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead autonomous system projects including autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, auto-docking, route planning, remote operation, and intelligent control systems.
• Define and manage the overall autonomy system architecture, ensuring seamless integration between sensors, control systems, propulsion, communications, and onboard electronics.
• Coordinate and supervise technical activities across software, electronics, mechanical, and automation teams.
• Work closely with Sunreef’s existing PLC programming and HMI development teams, who will handle PLC software and interface implementation, while taking ownership of the overall autonomous system integration, technical direction, and project leadership.
• Integrate and calibrate advanced autonomous sensing technologies including LiDAR, radar, AI cameras, stereo vision systems, GPS/RTK, IMU, sonar, thermal cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and laser scanners.
• Develop and oversee sensor fusion, computer vision, AI perception, SLAM, obstacle detection, and path-planning systems for real-time autonomous operations.
• Support embedded software and autonomy platform integration using technologies such as Python, C/C++, ROS/ROS2, Linux, and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Manage communication and networking architectures including CAN Bus, NMEA 2000, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, RS485, MQTT, and TCP/UDP protocols.
• Lead testing, diagnostics, troubleshooting, simulation, and validation activities including field and sea-trial testing.
• Collaborate with suppliers, technology partners, and equipment manufacturers for integration and system optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading autonomous vehicle, robotics, automation, or intelligent mobility projects.
• Proven experience managing complex multidisciplinary engineering projects involving autonomous systems and advanced sensor technologies.
• Strong technical understanding of:
  • Autonomous navigation systems
  • AI-based perception and computer vision
  • Sensor fusion and real-time control systems
  • Embedded systems and industrial communications
  • Electronics and automation architectures
• Hands-on experience with LiDAR, radar systems, AI cameras, GPS/RTK positioning, and industrial communication protocols.
• Strong leadership, project coordination, and technical decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience in robotics, automotive autonomy, drones, industrial automation, or electric mobility is considered a strong advantage.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work on innovative and sustainable projects
• Supportive and growth-oriented work environment
• Exposure to international standards and advanced technologies