Software Engineering · Bristol · Hybrid Remote

Principal Robotics Software Engineer - Autonomy

We focus on helping the world become a cleaner, greener, and safer place by deploying technology for good and accelerating the transition to renewable energy - Come join us!

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At Rovco and Vaarst, we have a bias for action and innovation, all while acting with integrity. Join us to work in an environment that values both creativity and ethical conduct, where visionary ideas come to life.

Location: Bristol, UK - Hybrid 2+ days in office per week

About Rovco/Vaarst

Rovco/Vaarst mission is to accelerate the energy transition to renewables with a focus on offshore wind. We’re using artificial intelligence, autonomy, computer vision and marine robotics to create a difference in the world with underwater technology for our clients in offshore renewable energy and the subsea industry.

Founded in 2015 we’ve announced funding of more than £50 million, been voted one of the most innovative and sustainable companies working towards net zero and won awards for Best use of AI and Best technology innovation.

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Discover your place in a hybrid team of 190+ people that’s growing rapidly and celebrates diversity knowing that every perspective is a valuable part of our success and that empowers you to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance

Principal Robotics Software Engineer - Autonomy

Are you ready to tackle some of the most challenging problems in maritime robotics? Do you thrive in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology? Join us as a Principal Robotics Software Engineer developing autonomous systems that revolutionize the clean energy industry.

Your responsibilities will include driving the technical direction and vision for navigation, planning, exploration, and control of robotic systems designed to operate in complex and challenging environments. To be successful you will have extensive experience building, deploying, and testing production-level autonomy solutions, encompassing all aspects of robotics systems development, including integration and extensive field trials.

As part of a collaborative team, you will lead and mentor through the entire software development life cycle: design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. You will champion building quality solutions through peer reviews, continuous improvement, and leveraging our continuous integration pipelines. Providing your deep robotics and software engineering expertise to a cross-functional team, collaborating with experts in Robotics, Perception, and Machine Learning. This collaboration is crucial for delivering innovative, robust, high-quality, and valuable products.

You'll use your understanding of cutting-edge research and the ability to work closely with researchers to translate novel ideas into tangible products. Ultimately your expertise and leadership will be pivotal in advancing clean energy technologies and the broader field of maritime robotics.

Objectives & Responsibilities:

Rovco is an exciting and dynamic environment meaning these are likely to change as we grow. Upon joining your objectives and responsibilities will include:

Architect and develop advanced autonomous robotic applications, with a key focus on the autonomous inspection of offshore wind farms.
Define the technical direction and vision for navigation, planning, exploration, and control of robotic systems in complex maritime environments.
Oversee all phases of product development, from initial concept and design through implementation, testing, and deployment.
Mentor a team of engineers, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and growth-oriented environment.
Champion quality through rigorous code reviews, unit testing, and continuous integration practices.
Work with cross-functional teams, including experts in Robotics, Perception, and Machine Learning, to deliver robust and high-quality products.
Write and maintain high-quality, efficient, and scalable code using modern C++ and Python.
Lead integration efforts and participate in extensive field trials to ensure reliability and performance.
Collaborate with product teams to define project requirements and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business goals.
Drive initiatives to enhance development processes, practices, and tools, staying at the forefront of industry trends.

You should apply if you have:

We know it’s tough, but please try to avoid the confidence gap. You don’t have to match all the listed requirements exactly to be considered for this role:

Expertise in software development, focusing on Robotics and Modern C++.
Proven track record of delivering successful robotic products and solutions in a professional setting, with significant industry experience.
Experience participating in and leading field trials of robotic systems (Marine field trials would be an advantage)
Proven track record of mentoring junior team members, and leading technical development

Technical Skills:

Expertise in developing production-level, modern C++ and Python software.
Advanced knowledge of robotics principles and techniques, including vehicle dynamics, control algorithms, sensor fusion, and state estimation.
Experience solving robotics problems, such as:
- Positioning and navigation of robotics vehicles within uncertain environment
- Mapping and path planning through unstructured terrains
- Vehicle dynamics and control of underactuated vehicles using PID, LQR, MPC etc.
- Interfacing with sensors and actuators, including writing drivers.

Proficiency in ROS and Linux/Ubuntu environments, with experience in integration and deployment of robotics systems.
Familiarity with advanced robotics tools and libraries such as OpenCV, PCL, Eigen, Numpy, and Docker.

Benefits

People join Rovco/Vaarst because they are excited by the possibility of leaving their own mark on the world and developing solutions that solve real world problems. Although we share the same vision, we value varied perspectives, and we adapt to fit different people from all walks of life. Not only does that make for a genuinely awesome team of colleagues, but it also makes day-to-day life more interesting, and it’s how we keep evolving and getting better at what we do.

What’s in it for you? You’ll get to work with a passionate, smart and highly driven team with an incredible range of skills.

In addition, you’ll get an extensive range of benefits so you can focus on doing your very best work:

Flexible working options including compressed hours
Hybrid working, up to 3 days from home
33 days annual leave increasing 2 days a year up to 43 days after 6 years
Private medical insurance, including Dental & Optical
Career and learning development through paid courses, conferences and events
Curiosity fund – up to £500 to spend on learning which is not role related
Up to 10% company bonus
Pension up to 6% company contribution
Life assurance paid at 4X salary
Volunteering day, to give back to your local community
Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
Cycle to work scheme
Recognition & rewards for doing great work and living our values and behaviours

Join Rovco in our mission to make the world a cleaner, greener and safer place by deploying technology for good.

Interview Process

At Rovco/Vaarst, we've designed a straightforward interview process to ensure the best fit for both you and the company. We have adopted anonymised recruitment. This means that your name, date of birth and other personal details will not be seen by the hiring team.

Application: Begin by submitting your application with your CV, highlighting your skills and experience relevant to the job. Answer key questions on elements that are important to the role.
Talent Partner Interview: We will tell you more about the role, the team and Rovco’s mission. This is a two-way conversation; we want to learn about your motivation, what you can bring to Rovco, and provide answers to your questions.
Aptitude Test: Demonstrate your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and workplace personality through an aptitude test
Technical Interview: Engage in a 45 minute technical interview with our VP of Robotics and Autonomy We'll discuss our technologies, key skills, and team dynamics. As always, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Team Interview: Engage in a 1.5 hours interview with a few team members. Experience the role firsthand and share your skills and experience. We'll our demo our technology and you'll meet your future colleagues.
Offer! If you are successful in the process, you'll receive an offer to join Rovco and become part of our team.

We value the diversity of our teams and are committed to supporting and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, knowing that every perspective is a valuable part of our success. Should you require any reasonable adjustment throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let a member of the Talent team know.

Join Rovco, pioneer technology for a sustainable world, apply now.

Department: Software Engineering
Locations: Bristol
Remote status: Hybrid Remote

Colleagues

India Gore

HR Advisor

Gordon Low

Subsea Robotics Manager

Fraser Moonie

COO

Lena Tuzen

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Company culture

As an organisation, we know that in order to achieve our goals we need to attract, develop and retain only the very best people and encourage their growth through our company.

As a fast-growing business in an ever-changing environment, we truly recognise how important it is to be aware of our roots, to visualise the mission we are working towards and to embrace our values to help us reach our common goal as a team.

About Rovco

Rovco & Vaarst are a global provider of ROV and hydrographic services, supported by unique artificial intelligence-based technology products. We have a vast track record in supplying services and technology to the Offshore Energy industry across the globe.

We invest in research and development, creating technology to support our clients. Our vision is to provide truly autonomous collaborative subsea robotics to perform Offshore Energy services.

Founded in 2015

Co-workers 180+

Turnover £20M+

Software Engineering · Bristol · Hybrid Remote

Principal Robotics Software Engineer - Autonomy

We focus on helping the world become a cleaner, greener, and safer place by deploying technology for good and accelerating the transition to renewable energy - Come join us!

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