Software Engineer (Flight Software)

DCS Recruitment Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative robotics start-up is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to develop safety-critical software for autonomous systems. You will design core software components, collaborate with experts, and ensure high-performance operations across AI-enabled platforms. The ideal candidate has a degree in a relevant field and proven experience in robotics software, particularly in safety-critical environments. This position offers up to £65,000 and benefits, within a dynamic start-up culture.

Benefits

Salary sacrifice pension with 5% company match

Generous holiday allowance

EV car scheme

Cycle to Work

More benefits planned as the business continues to scale

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing software for robotics or autonomous systems, ideally safety-critical or mission-critical.
• Strong understanding of algorithms in perception, motion planning, control, and decision-making.
• Knowledge of safety-critical standards (e.g. DO-178C, ISO 26262, IEC 61508).

Responsibilities

• Develop robotic software algorithms for perception, planning, control, and decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate components into complex robotic systems.
• Conduct robust testing, optimisation, and validation to meet safety requirements.

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

Python proficiency

Robotics frameworks experience (e.g. ROS, Gazebo)

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Agile methodologies

CI/CD

TDD

Job description

Flight Software Engineer - Robotics & Autonomous Systems

Up to £65,000 + Excellent Benefits | Full-Time | Permanent (Anonymous Client - Cutting‑Edge Robotics Start‑Up)

Are you excited by the challenge of building safety‑critical software for next‑generation autonomous systems?

Our clientm, an innovative, fast‑growing robotics start‑up, is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to help develop advanced assurance and autonomy systems used across AI‑enabled robotic platforms.

This is an opportunity to work on genuinely groundbreaking technology within a mission‑driven organisation shaping the future of autonomous safety.

The Role

As a Flight Software Engineer, you will design and build core robotics software components that enable safe, predictable, and high‑performance operation of autonomous systems. You'll work across perception, planning, control, and decision‑making, collaborating with experts in embedded engineering, AI/ML, and systems architecture.

You will play a key role in developing software that meets the highest safety standards, rigorously tested, deeply validated, and engineered for real‑world, high‑stakes applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop robotic software algorithms for perception, planning, control, and decision‑making across the autonomy stack.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to integrate components into complex robotic systems.
• Conduct robust testing, optimisation, and validation to meet strict safety and performance requirements.
• Improve development processes, tools, and methodologies to support high‑reliability robotics engineering.
• Stay up to date with the latest advances in robotics software and apply innovative techniques to production systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and support team growth.

Skills & Experience

• Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience developing software for robotics or autonomous systems, ideally safety‑critical or mission‑critical.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python, with hands‑on experience in robotics frameworks (e.g. ROS, Gazebo, MoveIt).
• Strong understanding of algorithms in perception, motion planning, control, and decision‑making.
• Experience with development practices such as Agile, CI/CD, TDD.
• Knowledge of safety‑critical standards (e.g. DO‑178C, ISO 26262, IEC 61508) is beneficial.
• Excellent debugging, problem‑solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

Working Culture

This role suits someone who enjoys the pace and ownership of a start‑up environment. You'll thrive if you:

• Love solving complex technical challenges
• Enjoy working collaboratively and adapting quickly
• Are comfortable wearing multiple hats as the company scales
• Embrace responsibility and want to help build something from the ground up
• Can commit to occasional extended hours during key phases - not as standard, but because progress matters

Benefits

• Salary sacrifice pension with 5% company match
• Generous holiday allowance
• EV car scheme
• Cycle to Work
• More benefits planned as the business continues to scale

DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality.