Senior Software Engineer - Autonomy

We’re looking for a Senior Software Engineer – Autonomy to play a key role in developing and deploying high‑level autonomy capabilities across Kraken’s autonomous vehicle platforms.

This is a hands‑on, R&D‑led role encompassing vessel guidance, mission frameworks and behaviours, obstacle avoidance, and other advanced autonomy capabilities, including the application of modern AI techniques. You’ll work across the full software lifecycle — from research and prototyping through to robust, mission‑critical production deployments.

Reporting to the Principal Engineer – Autonomy, you’ll take ownership of defined work packages while collaborating closely with perception, navigation, and hardware teams.

• Developing and implementing high‑level autonomous behaviours for unmanned vehicles
• Designing and optimising algorithms for:
• • Obstacle avoidance
  • Path planning
  • Mission‑level autonomy
• Building robust autonomy software using C++ and Python
• Working extensively with ROS2, DDS, and Linux‑based systems
• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver integrated autonomy solutions
• Producing high‑quality, well‑documented code suitable for production deployment
• Conducting testing and validation in simulated and real‑world environments
• Taking ownership of assigned work packages, reporting on progress and blockers
• Balancing R&D experimentation with production‑level optimisation and reliability

• Strong experience developing software in C++ and Python
• Understanding of autonomous systems, including:
• • Motion planning
  • State estimation
  • Behaviour‑based control
• Experience working with Linux, including debugging and performance tuning
• Knowledge of real‑time systems, distributed computing, and middleware frameworks
• Experience delivering software across both R&D and production environments
• Strong problem‑solving skills with an iterative, experimental mindset
• Clear verbal and written communication skills

• Hands‑on experience with ROS or ROS2 and/or DDS‑based systems
• Sensor fusion exposure (LIDAR, RADAR, cameras, IMUs)
• Awareness of deep‑learning‑based perception systems
• Experience using simulation tools such as Gazebo, CARLA, or Unreal Engine
• Familiarity with embedded or real‑time systems
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, or cloud‑based robotics solutions
• Knowledge of PX4 and MAVLink flight control systems
• Background in defence, aerospace, or maritime autonomy

• Takes ownership and delivers to a high technical standard
• Works collaboratively and communicates clearly across disciplines
• Manages workload effectively in a complex R&D environment
• Approaches challenges pragmatically and proactively
• Maintains professionalism in both internal and external interactions

• Work on real autonomous systems operating in demanding environments
• Contribute to cutting‑edge autonomy deployed on live platforms
• Balance advanced R&D with real‑world, production software
• Collaborate with experienced engineers across autonomy, perception, and systems

• 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
• After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annua leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
• Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
• Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
• Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
• Life assurance 3x salary
• Group Income Protection 3x salary, subject to eligibility
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
• Professional membership reimbursement

Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance.  Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.

Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all.  Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.