Software Engineer (Robotics)

Online Oceans; Christchurch; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Online Oceans in Southampton is seeking a seasoned software engineer to own large parts of SentryOS, the Linux-based system powering Scout platforms. You will build, test and release services that run at sea, ensuring fault recovery and safe OTA updates over satellite links.

The role requires 5+ years building software for robots or embedded systems, deep Linux expertise, and strong Python skills. This is a hybrid, full-time position with competitive compensation in a remote maritime environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years building software for robots, drones or embedded systems.
• Deep, practical Linux, including systemd, networking, serial and embedded boards.
• Strong Python.
• Software you have shipped that runs on hardware in the field.

Responsibilities

• Build and harden SentryOS services, watchdogs, logging and self-recovery so a Scout can clear its own faults without anyone going out to it.

Skills

Robotics software

Linux (embedded)

Python

Hardware in the loop

Job description

Build SentryOS, the Linux software on every Scout, and the testing and release process that prove each version before it goes to sea.

Every Scout runs SentryOS on a Linux SBC alongside the flight control software. SentryOS drives the autopilot, manages power, comms and sensors, and has to recover from faults on its own, because a Scout is often hundreds of miles from the nearest engineer. Scouts hold station for weeks on solar power, keep working in sea state 6 and talk to shore over Starlink and Iridium. You will own large parts of SentryOS, from the services on the boat to the tests and release process that let us update it safely while it is at sea.

What you will do

• Build and harden SentryOS services, watchdogs, logging and self-recovery so a Scout can clear its own faults without anyone going out to it.
• Integrate the flight control software over MAVLink for missions, station keeping and collision avoidance.
• Keep Starlink and Iridium links reliable, and keep satellite data use low on long missions.
• Build simulation and hardware-in-the-loop tests, and the release process that depends on them.
• Ship software updates safely to Scouts at sea over satellite links.
• Investigate faults from boats at sea using their logs, and fix the root cause.
• Join sea trials and watch your software run on the water.

What you will bring

• 5+ years building software for robots, drones or embedded systems.
• Deep, practical Linux, including systemd, networking, serial and embedded boards.
• Strong Python.
• Software you have shipped that runs on hardware in the field.
• Patience for debugging from logs and evidence when you cannot get your hands on the hardware.

Southampton. Hybrid. Full time. Competitive salary.