Software Engineer - Autonomy

We're looking for a Software Engineer - Autonomy to join our growing engineering team and help shape the future of autonomous maritime technology.

This is an exciting R&D-focused role developing high-level autonomy capabilities that are deployed across Kraken's autonomous vehicle platforms. You'll be working on some of the most challenging and innovative problems in autonomous systems, including vessel guidance, mission planning, obstacle avoidance and intelligent behaviours.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you'll design, develop and optimise autonomy software that operates in both experimental and mission-critical production environments. This position offers the opportunity to work on real-world autonomous systems from concept and research through to operational deployment.

• Develop and implement high-level autonomous behaviours for unmanned maritime vehicles
• Design, develop and optimise algorithms for obstacle avoidance, path planning and mission autonomy
• Develop software solutions using C++ and Python
• Work extensively with ROS2, DDS and Linux-based environments
• Collaborate with perception, navigation, systems and hardware engineers to integrate autonomy solutions
• Produce high-quality, maintainable and well-documented code
• Conduct testing and validation activities in both simulated and real-world environments
• Take ownership of assigned work packages, reporting progress and technical challenges
• Support the transition of autonomy capabilities from research into production deployments
• Develop tools and utilities to support wider software integration and development activities where required

• Strong experience with C++ and Python development
• Understanding of autonomous systems, including motion planning, state estimation and behaviour-based control
• Experience working within Linux environments
• Knowledge of real-time systems, distributed computing and communication middleware
• Experience developing software within both R&D and production environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively

• Experience with ROS or ROS2 and DDS-based systems
• Experience with sensor fusion technologies including LIDAR, RADAR, cameras and IMUs
• Awareness of deep-learning approaches for autonomous systems
• Experience using simulation environments such as Gazebo, CARLA or Unreal Engine
• Familiarity with embedded and real-time systems
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes or cloud-based robotics environments
• Familiarity with PX4 and MAVLink flight control systems
• Previous experience within maritime, aerospace, defence or autonomous technology sectors

• Take ownership of technical solutions and deliverables
• Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams
• Balance research activities with production software delivery
• Continuously improve software performance, reliability and capability
• Challenge assumptions and contribute innovative ideas
• Support the development of next-generation autonomy technologies
• Maintain high standards of software quality and engineering discipline

• Work on cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI-enabled technologies
• Solve complex technical challenges with real-world impact
• Contribute throughout the full product development lifecycle
• Collaborate with highly skilled engineers and technical specialists
• Influence the future direction of autonomous maritime capability
• Grow your career in a fast-paced and innovative engineering environment

• 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
• After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annual 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.