Principal Robotics Engineer – C++

Description:

Wave Recruitment is seeking a Principal Robotics Engineer – C++ to serve as a technical lead within the autonomy division of a high-impact startup. Based in Redhill with a hybrid working arrangement, this contract-based role offers a rare opportunity to play a foundational role in shaping next-generation uncrewed aerial systems (UxVs) and autonomous drone technologies. The ideal candidate will bring a strong systems-thinking mindset, elite programming skills, and hands-on experience with robotics platforms and autonomy frameworks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the software architecture design for platform-level UxV autonomy, including compute hardware, sensor integration, and communication layers.

• Guide the prototyping and evaluation of both off-the-shelf and customized drone platforms to determine performance, cost-effectiveness, and integration feasibility.

• Select and integrate onboard compute solutions (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, ARM/x86) and autonomy frameworks (e.g., ROS2, PX4, MAVSDK).

• Design and implement middleware in C++ for real-time interfaces between autonomy software and perception/hardware systems.

• Develop and manage HIL/SIL simulation environments to validate autonomous behaviors before field deployment.

• Collaborate closely with autonomy, sensing, and systems engineering teams to produce modular, scalable, and field-deployable robotic solutions.

• Support live testing, system debugging, and hardware/software integration in field trials.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM field.

• 8+ years of experience in robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems development.

• Expert-level proficiency in C++14/17 and scripting in Python.

• Strong Linux systems knowledge, including embedded platforms, low-level drivers, and network configuration.

• Proven track record of integrating sensors, control systems, and compute hardware.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Deep familiarity with UAV technologies: PX4, MAVLink, BVLOS operations, mission planning.

• Experience with simulation tools: Gazebo, Ignition, AirSim.

• Advanced sensor integration: LiDAR, radar, EO/IR, GPS/INS fusion.

• Familiarity with CI/CD tools: Docker, Git, ROS2 build systems.

• Background in defence, safety-critical systems, or mission-critical autonomy.

What’s on Offer:

• A lead technical role in a venture poised to shape the future of autonomous aerial systems.

• Dynamic and knowledgeable team with deep roots in AI, robotics, and defence.

• Rapid career growth within a startup environment focused on innovation and high-impact deployment.

Work Arrangement:
Hybrid (based at Redhill HQ)
Security Clearance: SC clearance required or eligibility to obtain it