Senior Robotics Software Engineer

Vaarst focuses on making the world a cleaner, greener and safer place by deploying technology for good. We’re using techniques in artificial intelligence, autonomy, computer vision and marine robotics to create a difference in the world with underwater technology for our clients in offshore wind and the subsea industry.

Founded in 2021 by our sister company Rovco, we’ve announced funding of more than £30 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.

Discover your place in a hybrid team of 150+ people that celebrates diversity knowing that every perspective is a valuable part of our success and that empowers you to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance.  

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

Are you a robotics software engineer eager to tackle complex challenges and develop autonomous systems? Join our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in creating innovative solutions for maritime robotics, including the autonomous inspection of offshore wind farms, supporting the clean energy transition.

You will help drive the technical direction and vision for navigation, planning, exploration, and control of robotic systems operating in complex and challenging environments. You will use your extensive experience building, deploying, and testing production-level autonomy solutions. This role encompasses 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. Championing building quality solutions through peer reviews, continuous improvement, and leveraging our continuous integration pipelines. You will provide 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.

Your thorough understanding of research and the ability to work closely with researchers to translate novel ideas into tangible products will be pivotal in advancing clean energy technologies and the broader field of maritime robotics.

Objectives & Responsibilities:

Vaarst is an exciting and dynamic environment meaning these are likely to change as we grow, upon joining your objectives and responsibilities will include: 

• Drive innovation in the development of autonomous robotic systems, architecting and implementing advanced features for marine applications, optimising performance for scalability and efficiency.
• Write and maintain high-quality, efficient, and scalable code using modern C++. Champion rigorous quality standards, including comprehensive code reviews, unit testing, and continuous integration practices.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers and fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented environment with technical reviews and constructive feedback.
• Collaborate with product teams to define project requirements and objectives. Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate and align various components and systems.
• Lead and participate in all phases of the product lifecycle, from initial concept and design through to implementation, testing, and deployment. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and product quality.

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):

• Experience in software development, focusing on Robotics and Modern C++.
• Delivered successful robotic products and solutions in a professional setting, with significant industry experience.
• Participated in and led field trials of robotic systems.
• mentored junior team members, and led 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 environments
• Mapping and path planning through unstructured terrains
• Vehicle dynamics and control of underactuated vehicles using PID, LQR, MPC 
• 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

At Vaarst, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Our hybrid-remote approach and state-of-the-art Bristol Office Hub provide a welcoming space designed to nurture your creativity, productivity and well-being.

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

• Flexible, hybrid working so you can work when is best for you
• 25 days annual leave to start with increasing to 35 days after 6 years + bank holidays
• Private medical insurance, including Dental, optical which can be extended to your family
• 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 4X base 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
• Flexible working options including, reduced hours, job share, phased return to work, term time working, compressed hours
• We’re a sociable, tight-knit team with monthly socials
• Hybrid working, Most teams work in our offices 2+ days a week to collaborate and be hands on with our technology. When you do visit our Bristol office is 10 minute walk from the train station, with a balcony, fresh fruit, snacks and drinks in the office