Autonomous UAV Robotics Software Engineer (Contract)

Mutable Tactics Ltd.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 92,000 - 166,000; Part time

Job summary

Mutable Tactics is seeking a Robotics Software Engineer on a contract basis to develop autonomous UAV systems. You will contribute to drone squad technology, focusing on safety, reliability, and real-time decision making in harsh environments.

The role requires MSc in automation/robotics, 2+ years in autonomous UAVs, and hands-on experience with ROS, Gazebo/IsaacSim, edge AI on Jetson or Raspberry Pi, and perception/navigation integration.

Qualifications

• MSc in automation and control, ML, robotics, or related field.
• 2+ years of proven experience with autonomous systems (UAVs in particular).
• 2+ years of proven experience in designing and implementing autonomous control systems for UAVs using ROS and simulation environments (Gazebo/IsaacSim).
• Experience integrating edge compute (e.g. Raspberry Pi 5 + AI or Nvidia Jetson) to a UAV.
• Knowledge of sensors, actuators, control systems, computer vision, and ML.
• Testing and validation of robotic systems in various environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI capabilities to orchestrate UAVs, including heterogeneous systems.
• Design and implement autonomous control for UAVs using ROS and simulators.
• Test, validate, and iterate robotic systems across environments.

Skills

Autonomous systems

Control systems

Computer vision & ML

Testing & validation

Edge compute integration

Drone perception & navigation

Education

MSc in automation and control, machine learning, robotics, or related field

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Gazebo

IsaacSim

Jetson/NVIDIA edge AI

Python

C++

Git & CI/CD

Linux

Job description

Robotics Software Engineer (contract)

Department

Behaviour

Job Type

Contract

Location

Cambridge

hybrid

Modality

Hybrid

Start Date

20/08/2026

screening questions

Empty

Job description

We are seeking a Robotics Engineer to join our team on a contract basis. The ideal candidate will have expertise in developing autonomous systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and contribute to our cutting-edge drone squad technology.

Who we are

Mutable Tactics is a pioneering technology company specializing in advanced autonomy for squad robotic systems. We’re blending cutting-edge computer vision, ML, multi-agent AI and probabilistic inference techniques into autonomous UxV solutions for complex, mission-critical operations. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of robotics and AI, with a strong focus on safety and ethical considerations in autonomous systems. Based in Cambridge we’re building a diverse team of talented individuals who share our passion for innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in autonomous systems. We offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment where creativity and problem-solving are highly valued.

About the Role

At MT we are developing AI capabilities to orchestrate UAVs together, even if heterogeneous (with different capabilities) or built by different OEMs to solve complex missions such as the ability to search enemy objectives, track and engage, autonomously. You will have the unique opportunity to shape AI capabilities in one of the most challenging environments: fast changing, resource constrained, secure, and with high generalization capabilities.

You should apply if you

Hold MSc in automation and control, machine learning, robotics, or related field

2+ years of proven experience with autonomous systems (UAVs in particular)

2+ years of proven experience in designing and implementing autonomous control systems for UAVs using ROS and simulation environments (e.g. Gazebo or IsaacSim)

Have experience integrating edge compute (e.g. Raspberry Pi 5 + AI or Nvidia Jetson) to a UAV

Integrate sensors and actuators for improved drone perception and navigation

Knowledge of control systems, computer vision, and machine learning

Conduct testing and validation of robotic systems in various environments

Core Technical Skills

Robotics Frameworks: ROS/ROS2, Nav2, MoveIt, Ardupilot, PX4, OMPL, PCL, Zenoh

Embedded Systems: PX4 Firmware, UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, MAVLink

Edge: Jetson, Qualcomm (QRB5), AIMET, TensorRT, Quantization (int4,int8), Quantization Aware Training, Pruning, Distillation.

Simulation: Gazebo, IsaacSim, UnReal Engine(AirSim), Foxglove Studio, RViz2.

Programming & Tools: C++, Python, Git, Docker, CI/CD, Linux, Docker/Podman

ML specific skills

Stochastic processes: behavior trees, FSMs, MDPs

Learning: RL, Bayesian networks (and BBP)

Scripting languages: PDDL, RDDL

Nice to Haves

Experience with SLAM, computer vision applied to UAVs

Knowledge of AI safety principles and practices

Knowledge of control systems, computer vision, and machine learning

Familiarity with hardware integration for UAVs

This is a contract position with the potential for extension based on project needs and performance. Join us in pushing the boundaries of autonomous drone technology and contribute to innovative solutions in the field of robotics.

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