Robotics Engineer

Cessna Aircraft Company; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance with every other Fri

30 days annual leave

Pension

Life assurance

Employee assistance program

Onsite golf course and football pitch

Job summary

Textron Specialized Vehicles is seeking a Robotics Engineer in Ipswich to develop and optimise autonomous systems for Jacobsen turf equipment. You will work on localisation, navigation and motion planning with sensor fusion and real-time constraints.

The role focuses on turning prototype autonomy into production-ready capabilities, integrating algorithms into the ROS2 stack and collaborating with Validation and Simulation teams to ensure field performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.
• Proficiency in localization, navigation and motion planning.
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 or similar frameworks; sensor fusion and real-time systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize localization algorithms using sensor fusion (RTK GPS, IMU, LiDAR, camera).
• Design and implement navigation and path planning algorithms for autonomous turf equipment.
• Develop and optimize motion planning and trajectory generation for smooth, safe operation.
• Integrate algorithms into the autonomy stack (ROS2 or equivalent).
• Collaborate with Validation teams to analyse field data and improve performance.
• Support simulation and digital-twin validation efforts.

Skills

Localization

Navigation

Motion planning

C++

Python

ROS/ROS2

Sensor fusion

Real-time systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Robotics

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Job description

Robotics Engineer (Job Number: 344271)

About Us

Textron Specialized Vehicles are a global manufacturer of golf cars, utility and personal transportation vehicles, side-by-sides, all-terrain vehicles, professional turf-care equipment, and ground support equipment.

At Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd, we design and manufacture professional turf-care equipment under the brands of Ransomes and Jacobsen. Our mission is to be the premier supplier of high-quality and environmentally conscious turf equipment, providing superior performance for our customers. From prestigious championship golf courses to the World Cup, for more than a century, the most important turf in the world has been manicured by our brand.

We recognise that our success, and future success, is tied directly to our people. We are looking for a Robotics Engineer to join the Company in Ipswich, Suffolk.

About the Role

As a Robotics Engineer, you will develop and optimise the core autonomy algorithms for Jacobsen vehicles, with a focus on localisation, navigation and motion planning. This role focuses on algorithm development, system performance and real-world behaviour, supporting the transition from prototype systems to field-ready, production-ready autonomous capability.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and improve localisation algorithms, including sensor fusion (RTK GPS, IMU, LiDAR, camera) and fallback strategies;
• Design and implement navigation and path planning algorithms, including coverage planning and route optimization;
• Develop and optimise motion planning and trajectory generation, improving turn performance, smoothness, and transitions;
• Implement and tune algorithms such as A, Hybrid A, DWA, MPC, or similar;
• Integrate algorithms into the autonomy stack (ROS2 or equivalent);
• Work with Test & Validation teams to analyse field data, debug issues, and improve system performance;
• Support development and validation using simulation and digital twin environments;
• Other duties as required.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics/Mechatronics or similar.

A minimum of five years’ experience in robotics, autonomy, or control systems, or similar roles.

Required Skills:

Experience with localisation, navigation, and motion planning algorithms;

Proficiency in C++ and/or Python;

Experience with ROS/ROS2 or similar frameworks;

Understanding of sensor fusion techniques;

ExperienCe with real-time systems and algorithm optimization;

Self-motivating and able to work with low levels of supervision to defined objectives;

Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Experience with outdoor or off-road autonomous systems;

Knowledge of RTK GPS, IMU integration, and LiDAR-based localisation;

Familiarity with coverage planning and path optimisation problems;

Experience with simulation tools (e.g. Isaac Sim, Gazebo);

Exposure to AI/ML approaches in perception or planning.

What we Offer

• Work life balance promoted with every other Friday off;
• 30 days annual leave;
• Competitive rate of pay, reviewed annually;
• Enhanced Company pension;
• Life assurance of four times your annual salary;
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program for you and your immediate family;
• Access to Textron University’s self-service training platform;
• Eye care scheme;
• Discounts on gym memberships, shopping and travel through Perks at Work;
• Onsite golf course and football pitch;

Recruiting Company Textron Specialized Vehicles