Kraken Technology Group is looking for a talented Software Engineer - Autonomy to help develop the next generation of autonomous capabilities that power our cutting-edge unmanned marine vehicles.
This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of marine autonomy, developing advanced software for mission planning, vessel guidance, obstacle avoidance, autonomous behaviours, and AI-driven technologies. You'll join a highly skilled engineering team, contributing across research, prototyping, testing, and production deployment environments.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Software Engineer - Autonomy, you will:
- Develop and implement high-level autonomous behaviours for unmanned vehicles.
- Design and optimise algorithms for path planning, obstacle avoidance, and mission autonomy.
- Work extensively with C++, Python, ROS2, DDS, and Linux-based systems.
- Collaborate with perception, navigation, hardware, and software engineering teams.
- Develop, test, and maintain high-quality software for autonomous platforms.
- Conduct validation activities in both simulated and real-world environments.
- Take ownership of work packages, managing delivery and reporting progress.
- Support the transition of innovative R&D concepts into robust operational solutions.
- Develop tools and utilities that support wider integration and development activities.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Strong commercial experience with C++ and Python development.
- Understanding of autonomous systems, including motion planning, state estimation, and behaviour-based control.
- Experience working in Linux environments.
- Knowledge of real-time systems, distributed computing, and communication middleware.
- Experience delivering software in both R&D and production environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Desirable
- Experience with ROS or ROS2 and DDS-based systems.
- Knowledge of sensor fusion technologies including LIDAR, RADAR, cameras, and IMUs.
- Experience with deep learning and AI-based perception systems.
- Familiarity with simulation environments such as Gazebo, CARLA, or Unreal Engine.
- Experience with embedded or real-time systems.
- Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud robotics platforms.
- Experience with PX4 and MAVLink flight control systems.
- Previous experience in maritime, aerospace, defence, or autonomous vehicle sectors.
Why Join Kraken?
- Work on genuinely innovative autonomous marine technology.
- Contribute to the development of advanced AI and autonomy solutions.
- Collaborate with a passionate team of engineers and technical specialists.
- Enjoy exposure to the full software lifecycle from concept through deployment.
- Be part of a growing organisation shaping the future of autonomous maritime operations.
What we provide
- 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
Important to know
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.
Apply Today
If you're passionate about robotics, autonomy, AI, and developing software that solves real-world challenges, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and help us build the future of autonomous marine technology.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Have you been a resident of the UK for the past 5 years?
- What is your notice period?
- What are your salary expectations?
- Do you have experience working with autonomous systems, robotics, or unmanned vehicles?
- Have you worked with ROS, ROS2, DDS, or similar robotics frameworks?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person
