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Principal Software Engineer
Location: Fareham
Permanent – Full Time
Hybrid/Flexi Working
£70,000 - £90,000

Our client is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of advanced autonomy capabilities for unmanned systems. This hands‑on, R&D‑driven position involves shaping how autonomous vehicles think, plan, and behave in real-world environments.

You’ll work across mission frameworks, guidance, behaviours, obstacle avoidance, and AI‑enhanced autonomy, taking concepts from early experimentation through to reliable, production‑ready deployment. This role also provides technical leadership and mentorship within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the design and development of high‑level autonomous behaviours for unmanned vehicles.
Design, implement and optimise algorithms for path planning, obstacle avoidance, and mission autonomy.
Build robust autonomy software using C++, Python, ROS2, DDS, and Linux-based systems.
Integrate autonomy with perception, navigation and hardware systems.
Write clean, structured and well‑documented code.
Test and validate autonomy software in simulation and real‑world environments.
Provide technical leadership, mentoring and guidance to engineering and research staff.
Balance exploratory R&D with dependable, production‑ready delivery.About You

Essential:

Strong hands‑on experience in C++ and Python, including architecture and algorithms.
Strong understanding of autonomous systems (motion planning, state estimation, behaviour‑based control).
Experienced in Linux debugging, optimisation and performance tuning.
Knowledge of real‑time systems, distributed computing and middleware.
Background delivering software in both R&D and production settings.
Strong communication skills and a practical, problem‑solving mindset.
Desirable:

Experience in ROS/ROS2, DDS,
Sensor fusion,
Deep learning perception,
Simulation tools (Gazebo, CARLA, Unreal),
Embedded/real‑time systems,
Cloud robotics,
Docker/Kubernetes, PX4/MAVLink,
Defence/aerospace/maritime autonomy.
Benefits

25 days holiday
Flexible working hours
Private medical insurance
Pension scheme
Life assurance
Health care cash plan
Cycle to Work
Professional membership reimbursement
Free parkingInterested?

If you’re ready to apply your expertise to a dynamic engineering environment and contribute to innovative vessel design projects, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to take the next step in your career.

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