Software Engineer - Robotics

Mars; Stanford Dingley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading stealth robotics company in the UK is seeking a passionate Robotics Software Engineer. The role involves designing, developing, and integrating advanced software for next-generation underwater robotic platforms. Candidates should possess strong skills in C++, Python, and ROS/ROS2, along with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field. This opportunity offers a chance to contribute to exciting projects in the robotics sector, focusing on autonomy and perception for submersible systems.

Qualifications

• British Citizens or lived in the UK for a minimum of 5 years required for SC clearance.
• 4+ years of experience in embedded systems or robotics software development.
• Experience working in field conditions, including support for testing and sea deployments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software for autonomous underwater vehicles using ROS/ROS2.
• Select and integrate a variety of sensors and actuators into control frameworks.
• Implement autonomy algorithms such as SLAM and path planning.

Skills

C++

Python

ROS/ROS2

Embedded systems development

Real-time systems

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

STM32

ESP32

Arduino

Pixhawk

Job description

A once in a lifetime opportunity has arisen for a passionate Robotics Software Engineer to join a stealth robotics company based in the Oxfordshire area. This amazing business and AUV submersible robot have massive potential across a range of different industry sectors. The Robotics Software Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of advanced software for next‑generation underwater unmanned platforms using C++, Python on ROS/ROS2. This role will play a pivotal part in driving control, autonomy, perception, and mission‑critical software for submersible robotic systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, and development of software for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), leveraging ROS/ROS 2 and other robotic middleware.
• Integration and selection of a wide array of sensors (e.g., sonar, cameras, Doppler velocity logs, IMUs) and actuators into robust, modular control frameworks.
• Implementation of autonomy algorithms, including SLAM, path planning, adaptive control, and real‑time obstacle avoidance, with focus on GNSS denied localisation.
• Development of real‑time systems for data acquisition, onboard processing, and underwater communication (acoustic, RF, optical).
• Testing and validation, including hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulations and live sea trials, ensuring robust performance in challenging marine environments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including systems, mechanical, and electrical engineers to ensure cohesive and reliable system integration.
• Maintain clear and concise documentation, and manage source control using tools like Git/GitLab.

Qualifications

Candidates must be British Citizens or have lived in the UK for a minimum of 5 years, due to needing SC clearance. Our client will not offer sponsorship and will not hire anyone here in the UK on a visa of any type.

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in embedded systems, robotics software, or unmanned systems development.
• Strong expertise in C++, Python, and software development for real‑time systems.
• Experience with ROS or ROS 2, including custom nodes, launch files, and integration with hardware.
• Experience with embedded software development such as STM32, ESP32, and Arduino. Bonus if you have worked with Pixhawk.
• Ability to work in field conditions, including support for field testing and sea deployments.

Preferred Experience

• Domain Experience in maritime, defence, or subsea robotics industries.
• Knowledge of machine learning, underwater SLAM, or AI for autonomy in constrained environments.
• Familiarity with underwater navigation, acoustic communications, or environmental sensing.

If you are passionate about both robotics, in particular autonomous underwater or submersible vehicle and unmanned vehicle industry, and you love software engineering within this space, please get in touch ASAP.

MARS Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and positively welcomes applications from suitably qualified applicants regardless of race, colour, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other protected status. Suitable candidates for the role will be contacted within 3 working days.