Principal Robotics Software Engineer

at  Vaarst

JOIN US IN DEPLOYING TECHNOLOGY FOR GOOD AND ENJOY A SUPPORTIVE, INCLUSIVE, AND DIVERSE WORKPLACE WHERE YOUR INDIVIDUALITY IS CELEBRATED.

Location: Bristol, UK - Hybrid 2+ days per week
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.
Take a look at one of our products in action
SubSLAM X2 - Unlocking the Future of Marine Robotics - YouTube
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.

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
  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

VAARST 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.

(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 developmen

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 offic