Principal Software Engineer

Marine Resources Recruitment Ltd; Fareham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of advanced autonomy capabilities for unmanned systems. The role requires strong experience in C++ and Python, where you'll work on high-level autonomous behaviors and integrate autonomy with hardware systems. This is a hybrid position in Fareham, offering a salary between £70,000 and £90,000, alongside benefits such as private medical insurance and flexible working hours.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Flexible working hours

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Health care cash plan

Cycle to Work

Professional membership reimbursement

Free parking

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience in C++ and Python, including architecture and algorithms.
• Strong understanding of autonomous systems (motion planning, state estimation, behaviour-based control).
• Background delivering software in both R&D and production settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of high‑level autonomous behaviours for unmanned vehicles.
• Design, implement and optimise algorithms for path planning, obstacle avoidance, and mission autonomy.
• Test and validate autonomy software in simulation and real-world environments.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux debugging

Strong communication skills

Tools

ROS2

Docker

Simulation tools

Job description

Overview

Principal Software Engineer
Location: Fareham
Permanent – Full Time
Hybrid/Flexi Working
£70,000 - £90,000

Our client is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of advanced autonomy capabilities for unmanned systems. This hands‑on, R&D‑driven position involves shaping how autonomous vehicles think, plan, and behave in real-world environments.

You’ll work across mission frameworks, guidance, behaviours, obstacle avoidance, and AI‑enhanced autonomy, taking concepts from early experimentation through to reliable, production‑ready deployment. This role also provides technical leadership and mentorship within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of high‑level autonomous behaviours for unmanned vehicles.
• Design, implement and optimise algorithms for path planning, obstacle avoidance, and mission autonomy.
• Build robust autonomy software using C++, Python, ROS2, DDS, and Linux-based systems.
• Integrate autonomy with perception, navigation and hardware systems.
• Write clean, structured and well‑documented code.
• Test and validate autonomy software in simulation and real‑world environments.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and guidance to engineering and research staff.
• Balance exploratory R&D with dependable, production‑ready delivery.

About You

Essential

• Strong hands‑on experience in C++ and Python, including architecture and algorithms.
• Strong understanding of autonomous systems (motion planning, state estimation, behaviour‑based control).
• Experienced in Linux debugging, optimisation and performance tuning.
• Knowledge of real‑time systems, distributed computing and middleware.
• Background delivering software in both R&D and production settings.
• Strong communication skills and a practical, problem‑solving mindset.

Desirable

• Experience in ROS/ROS2, DDS,
• Sensor fusion,
• Deep learning perception,
• Simulation tools (Gazebo, CARLA, Unreal),
• Embedded/real‑time systems,
• Cloud robotics,
• Docker/Kubernetes, PX4/MAVLink,
• Defence/aerospace/maritime autonomy.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday
• Flexible working hours
• Private medical insurance
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health care cash plan
• Cycle to Work
• Professional membership reimbursement
• Free parking

Interested?
If you’re ready to apply your expertise to a dynamic engineering environment and contribute to innovative vessel design projects, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to take the next step in your career.

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