Principal Software Engineer - Perception / SLAM

at  Vaarst

JOIN VAARST AS A PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER – TRANSFORMING OFFSHORE WINDFARM INSPECTIONS WITH CUTTING-EDGE ROBOTICS!

Location: Hybrid - Bristol, UK 2 days in office per week
Salary: £100,000+
About Vaarst:
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.

GROW TOGETHER WITH VAARST, YOU MAY HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THE FOLLOWING, IF YOU DON’T THESE ARE AREAS YOU’LL DEVELOP IN.

• Developing and deploying Robotic Autonomous Systems.
• Robotics sensors such as Cameras, IMU, GPS, Sonar, Lidar, etc.
• 3D and Video data, including mesh and point clouds.
• Web development technologies, such as: Flask, TypeScript, React, Three.js, Electro

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be the strategic and technical leader, guiding cross-functional teams through the entire software development lifecycle. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading Development: Strategize and spearhead the creation of new capabilities for our SubSLAM X2 Camera system and autonomous systems, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Provide mentorship to team members, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and growth.
• Hands-On Engineering: Engage in designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining high-quality software primarily using C++ and Python, adhering to best practices in software engineering.
• Agile Collaboration: Work within an Agile framework, conducting peer reviews, continuous improvement, and integration to deliver robust solutions.
• Field Trials and Real-World Impact: Lead and participate in field trials to test and evaluate new functionalities, directly contributing to the advancement of clean energy technologies

(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 production-level software development with modern C++ and Python.
• Proven track record of delivering successful products and leading technical development teams.
• Experience with Computer Vision techniques, such as SLAM, Visual Odometry, and Structure from Motion.
• Familiarity with Git, Docker, Jenkins, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing.
• Solid experience with Linux/Ubuntu environments.
• Experience with ROS or similar distributed systems.
• Proficiency in libraries such as Eigen and Numpy.
• Knowledge of ARM and embedded 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