Robotics Software Engineer

Heriot-Watt University; Kilmarnock; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Robotics Software Engineer for the National Robotarium. In this role, you will lead robotic-oriented software engineering projects, collaborating with industry and research partners. The ideal candidate will have an MSc or PhD in Robotics or Computer Science, experience in C/C++ or Python, and strong software engineering skills. Join us to develop innovative AI solutions for various sectors, including health and renewable energy.

Qualifications

• Experience working on Robotics development.
• Fluency with Linux, Git, containerisation and CI/CD.
• Strong background in software engineering.

Responsibilities

• Gather user requirements and build robotic/AI solutions.
• Work within multi-disciplinary teams on various projects.
• Conduct customer visits and facilitate demonstrations.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Robotics development

Linux

Git

Docker

CI/CD

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Education

MSc/PhD in Robotics or Computer Science

Tools

ROS 1 or 2

Docker Compose

Ansible

Terraform

Job description

Overview

Description

Role: Robotics Software Engineer - The National Robotarium

Grade: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389 per annum

Contract Type: Full Time, 18 Months FTC, 35hrs per week

Purpose of Role

Working within the National Robotarium Engineering team, we are seeking to appoint a highly capable, flexible and driven Robotics Software Engineer to lead and execute projects with industry and research partners.

The projects will include robotic-oriented software engineering, development, and test in the main. However, opportunity will also exist to be involved with projects related to National Robotarium facilities, assisting startups and small businesses and outreach and public engagement programs.

Responsibilities

• Gather user requirements and build robotic/AI solutions.
• Clearly articulate potential solutions and explain the relative merits.
• Involvement in the development of proposals for new projects
• Development of Robotic and AI solutions on time and to cost budgets
• Work within multi-disciplinary teams, sometimes more than one team at a time
• Share technical findings with the engineering team as needed
• Work with project managers on projects and monitor and report progress
• Represent the National Robotarium within various forums
• Involvement in customer visits and demonstrations
• Involvement in schools outreach programs
• Collaborate with other Research Associates and Ph.D. students working on related projects

About Us

The National Robotarium is recruiting a Robotics Software Engineer to deliver the vision of the National Robotarium to ”become globally recognised as significant in Robotics and AI”. This is an opportunity to get involved at the very start of an incredibly exciting journey to help the development and the adoption of AI enabled Robotics into the economy and into society. Be involved in finding and developing solutions for health and social care, for renewable energy, for future travel, for medical needs and for today’s business needs. Work with partners from many sectors, industrial, health, hospitality, and renewables to create AI and Robotic solutions to real world problems. Develop your skills and knowledge in a dynamic and energetic environment.

Essential: Education, Qualifications and Experience

• MSc/PhD in Robotics or Computer Science
• Experience working on Robotics development
• Experience of working with
• C/C++ or Python
• ROS 1 or 2 or similar middleware
• Fluency with Linux, Git, containerisation (Docker) and CI/CD (GitHub/GitHub Actions)
• Strong background in software engineering
• Ability to
• work independently, and in a team
• research, analyse and present complex information effectively with good attention to detail
• quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment
• Experience of working in collaborative projects
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively
• Good knowledge and understanding of relevant legal, statutory and governance applications and turning them into good practice

Desirable

• Experience of working on/with
• Hardware and Software integration
• Docker Compose, Ansible, and Terraform
• Continuous Integration/Deployment
• Fleet-scale deployment or edge-computing experience
• Distributed systems across multiple networks
• Demonstratable experience in Software Engineering/Software Architecture
• Public speaking, STEM outreach or community leadership

How To Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday 29th September 2025. Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system with: (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers. Use our total rewards calculator to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.