Robotics & Electronics Engineer - (Subsea Robotics)
www.robocean.io
Introduction:
Based in the National Robotarium, Robocean is a marine nature tech company building the future of marine compensation delivery. We’re making seagrass restoration scalable, affordable, and accessible anywhere in the world, and we’re already delivering restoration projects for marine infrastructure companies and governments across the UK and Europe. Seagrass is a globally threatened but vital marine ecosystem, and Robocean is building the technology to restore it faster than ever before - at a scale of thousands of hectares per year, not dozens. As a small, ambitious team, we move fast, value strong ideas, and know that every decision really matters. This is a chance to join a mission-led company at the intersection of robotics, nature, where your work will have visible impact from day one.
Role Summary:
You will play a central role in developing, integrating, and testing the electronic and software systems that power our amphibious robots. This is a highly practical role spanning robotics software (ROS2), embedded systems, sensor integration, and real-world deployment. You will work within our engineering team to ensure seamless integration between software, electronics, and hardware, contributing across the full development cycle from prototype to field trials.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and optimise ROS2-based architectures for control, navigation, and telemetry.
- Design and implement user interfaces and dashboards for remote vehicle operation and data visualisation.
- Integrate and calibrate subsea sensors (IMU, DVL, GPS, sonar, cameras).
- Develop reliable systems for video streaming, data logging, and tethered communications.
- Prototype and integrate electronic systems including sensors, cameras, motors, and control hardware.
- Design and test power distribution and control systems.
- Support system-wide integration across mechanical, electrical, and software components.
- Participate in pool and open-water testing to validate and debug systems on deployed hardware.
- Contribute to rapid prototyping and iterative improvement of robotic platforms.
Essential Experience & Skills:
- Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to align software and hardware constraints to deliver integrated solutions.
- Proficiency in Python, C, and C++ across Linux (Ubuntu) and Windows environments.
- Hands-on experience with ROS and/or ROS2.
- Experience with Git/GitHub workflows.
- Solid understanding of electronics, microcontrollers, and communication protocols.
- Practical experience with system integration and real-world debugging.
Desirable Qualities & Skills:
- Experience with subsea or marine robotic systems, or similar marine applications.
- Experience in developing autonomous systems, or machine learning programs.
- Knowledge of PWM, motor control, and actuator systems.
- PCB design experience.
- Experience in building autonomous systems, and/or machine learning systems.
- Experience with CAD or mechanical integration.
- Experience in field testing robotic systems.
- Passion for oceans and nature conservation and restoration.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Robotics, Electronics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- Demonstrable experience in robotics, embedded systems, or electronic system design.
Why Join Robocean:
Robocean is the place to be if you want your work to matter every single day. We’re building the future of marine compensation delivery, creating the systems and technology that make seagrass restoration scalable, affordable, and accessible anywhere in the world — and we’re already delivering real restoration projects for marine infrastructure companies and governments across the UK and Europe. It’s a small, high-performing team where every decision matters, every contribution counts, and you’ll have a genuine impact on the direction of our technical development. If you want to work on hard problems at the intersection of robotics and nature, and help build scalable mission-led technology at a company with serious momentum and global ambition, Robocean is exactly where you want to be.
If you do not tick all of the boxes outlined above but feel like you would be a good candidate for this role, we encourage you to apply.
Location: National Robotarium, Heriot Watt Campus
Join Us: If you’re ready to make waves in the field of subsea robotics, apply to join Robocean today. With your help, we can rewild our oceans, and turn the tide on climate change.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- What do you do for fun?
- Do you currently live in Edinburgh or can you currently reliably commute for this role?
- Please provide a brief description of your skillset, why you are interested in this role, and why you think you would be a good fit for the position.
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh
