Robotics Software Engineer

Unipart; Nuneaton; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Unipart is seeking a Robotics Software Engineer to contribute to the software development and testing of our Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and Fleet Management System (FMS). You will help refine onboard robot software and fleet control software, supporting live operations on-site in Cambridge/Nuneaton.

Reporting to the Robotics Engineering Lead, you will develop ROS-based software in C++17 and Python 3, integrate SocketCAN/CANopen interfaces, and collaborate with AMR stakeholders to meet

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience with ROS/ROS 2: robust experience developing with ROS and ROS 2, and a deep understanding of ROS 2 Lifecycle (Managed) Nodes and state-machine-driven robot controllers
• Languages and tooling: proficient in Modern C++ (C++17) and Python 3
• Working knowledge of mobile robotics
• Familiarity with version control using git
• A high degree of initiative and strong problem-solving capability
• The ability to work independently and contribute effectively as a member of a high-performance team
• Full UK driving licence
• Hardware interfacing: experience using SocketCAN and CANopen protocol stacks
• Experience with MQTT and WebSockets / Rosbridge protocols for integrating Fleet Management Systems (FMS) with Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) or PLCs
• Experience writing multi-robot path planning or routing algorithms (e.g., A*, graph routing, conflict resolution)
• Experience with serial-based communication (UART/USB), custom microcontroller packet protocols, and Arduino-based physical integration

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site support for live operations to ensure compliance with customer SLAs (Nuneaton)
• Develop, maintain, optimise and test software for AMR and FMS
• Design and deploy performance-optimised vision processing and localisation algorithms
• Hardware interfacing: practical knowledge of establishing and troubleshooting industrial protocols (such as CANopen, serial interfaces, and Ethernet networks)
• Work closely with the rest of the AMR stakeholders
• Adhere to business processes and methods

Skills

ROS/ROS2

C++17

Python 3

Mobile robotics

Git

Initiative

Independent worker

UK driving licence

SocketCAN/CANopen

MQTT/WebSockets

Rosbridge

Path planning

Serial/UART/USB

Arduino integration

Job description

Robotics Software Engineer

Location:Cambridge/Nuneaton

Hours:Permanent, full time, 40 hours per week

Salary:Up to £58,000 plus 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme

About the Role

Reporting to the Robotics Engineering Lead, you will contribute to the software development and testing of our Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and Fleet Management System (FMS), and support live system operation on-site and remotely. This involves contributing to the onboard software of the robots and the software that handles fleet behaviours.

As part of your key responsibilities, you'll:

• Provide on-site support for live operations to ensure compliance with customer SLAs (Nuneaton)

• Develop, maintain, optimise and test software for AMR and FMS

• Design and deploy performance-optimised vision processing and localisation algorithms

• Hardware interfacing: practical knowledge of establishing and troubleshooting industrial protocols (such as CANopen, serial interfaces, and Ethernet networks)

• Work closely with the rest of the AMR stakeholders

• Adhere to business processes and methods

About You

We'd love you to have the following skills and experience, but please apply if you think you'd be able to perform well in this role!

• Demonstrable experience with ROS/ROS 2: robust experience developing with ROS and ROS 2, and a deep understanding of ROS 2 Lifecycle (Managed) Nodes and state-machine-driven robot controllers

• Languages and tooling: proficient in Modern C++ (C++17) and Python 3

• Working knowledge of mobile robotics

• Familiarity with version control using git

• A high degree of initiative and strong problem-solving capability

• The ability to work independently and contribute effectively as a member of a high-performance team

• Full UK driving licence

• Hardware interfacing: experience using SocketCAN and CANopen protocol stacks

• Experience with MQTT and WebSockets / Rosbridge protocols for integrating Fleet Management Systems (FMS) with Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) or PLCs

• Experience writing multi-robot path planning or routing algorithms (e.g., A*, graph routing, conflict resolution)

• Experience with serial-based communication (UART/USB), custom microcontroller packet protocols, and Arduino-based physical integration

You may have experience in the following: Robotics engineer, Software engineer, Embedded software engineer, Autonomous mobile robots, AMR, Fleet management system, ROS, ROS 2, C++, Python, Robot navigation, Localisation, Path planning, CANopen, SocketCAN, MQTT, Automation engineer, Warehouse automation

About Unipart

We are a supply chain performance improvement partner. We Design, Make, Move, and Improve components in our customers' supply chains, keeping their operations and assets moving and working better, for longer. Through our commitment to continuously driving operational efficiencies, we improve performance - saving time, cost, and carbon. Our ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We believe that a great workplace is one where you can bring your whole self to work. Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and based entirely on merit. We define merit through a combination of technical skills and the core behaviours that help our people thrive at Unipart. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity that exceeds our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and subsequent legislation. Whether it's your age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, family status, or any other characteristic that makes you 'you' - it is your talent and potential that we value most. Adjustments for you: We want you to perform at your best. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are here to support you.