Autonomous Systems Engineer (all genders)

Stark Defence; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Defence is seeking a Guidance Engineer in the United Kingdom. This role focuses on developing GNSS denied navigation and terminal guidance for autonomous drones, utilizing C++ and the ROS 2 framework.

The ideal candidate has a degree in robotics or software engineering, with 3-6 years of experience in relevant roles. Applicants must also be eligible for UK Security Clearance and willing to work in Devon 2-3 days a week.

Qualifications

• 3 - 6 years of relevant experience in similar roles.
• Applicants MUST be eligible for UK Security Clearance.
• Willingness to be in Devon 2-3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Designing and testing control and navigation algorithms.
• Programming different control algorithms using C++ and ROS 2 framework.
• Integrating ROS2 packages into an autonomous system with MAVLink.

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

Experience in Embedded Systems

Problem-solving skills

Familiarity with ROS2

Experience with MAVLink protocols

Education

Bachelor´s or Master´s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or Software Engineering

Tools

NVIDIA Jetson

Autopilots (Ardupilot / Px4)

Job description

About Us

STARK is bringing its expertise in software-defined unmanned systems to the maritime domain. Traditional fleets alone cannot safeguard this vast, critical space. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) extend naval reach at lower cost and reduced risk to personnel.

Our maritime family of systems is AI-enabled and built for reliable performance in the harshest seas, delivering NATO a fully integrated hardware–software capability for scalable ISR and strike operations.

Your mission

Reporting directly to the Head of the Control team, the Guidance Engineer role will spearhead the development of GNSS denied navigation and terminal guidance for autonomous drones using best-practices and know-hows.

Responsibilities

• Designing and testing control and navigation algorithms
• Programming different control algorithms using C++ and ROS 2 framework, with Test driven development
• Integrating all ROS2 packages into one autonomous system that works with MAVLink protocol to control autopilot
• Deployment into NVIDIA Jetson ecosystem
• Writing/preparing documentation for algorithms, testing and systems
• Support the team on the upcoming challenges
• Apply problem solving skills to reach team goals in fast past start-up environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor´s or Master´s degree in Robotics, computer sicence, software engineering, or similar relevant areas of expertise
• 3 - 6 years of relevant experience in similar roles
• Excellent use of C/C++
• Experience in Embedded Systems
• Prior experience programming ROS2
• Experience working with MAVLink protocols
• Experience with any sort of Autopilots (Ardupilot / Px4) will be considered a plus
• Experience with NVIDIA Jetson
• Applicants MUST eligible for UK Security Clearance and willing to be in Devon 2-3 days per week