Robotics Engineer

Textron, Inc.; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance: every other Friday

30 days annual leave

Competitive pay

Enhanced pension

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Program

Textron University training

Eye care

Perks at Work discounts

Onsite golf course and football pitch

Vaccination voucher

Job summary

Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd designs and manufactures turf-care equipment and autonomous systems. We seek a Robotics Engineer to develop core autonomy algorithms for Jacobsen vehicles, focusing on localisation, navigation, and motion planning in Ipswich, Suffolk.

The role involves integration into the autonomy stack, collaboration with validation teams, and advancing prototypes to production-ready systems with real-time performance considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/Robotics or related field.
• Minimum of five years' experience in robotics, autonomy or control systems.
• Experience with localisation, navigation and motion planning algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise localisation algorithms with sensor fusion for autonomy stacks.
• Design and implement navigation and path planning for autonomous vehicles.
• Develop and optimise motion planning and trajectory generation.
• Integrate algorithms into the autonomy stack (ROS2 or equivalent).
• Collaborate with Test & Validation to analyse field data and improve performance.
• Support simulation and digital twin validation environments.
• Undertake other duties as required.

Skills

Localisation & navigation

Motion planning

Sensor fusion

C and/or Python

ROS/ROS2

Real-time systems

Problem-solving

Self-motivation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics/Mechatronics or similar

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

Job description

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.,

• 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 optimisation;
• 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 optimisation;
• Self-motivating and able to work with low levels of supervision to defined objectives;
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills;
• Desirable 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. 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.

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;
• Winter flu vaccination voucher.