Robotics Chief Engineer (Robotics)

TL;DR

Robotics Chief Engineer (Robotics): Designing and governing the technical architecture for autonomous and robotic vehicle platforms with an accent on end-to-end system integrity, safety, and scalability. Focus on integrating complex sensor suites, defining architectural trade-offs, and leading the transition from prototype to industrial production.

Location: Onsite in Frimley, UK

Company

Global leader in materials handling, focusing on the development of industry-leading autonomous lift truck technologies.

What you will do

• Act as the final technical authority for autonomous and robotic vehicle platforms, owning the end-to-end system integrity.
• Define and maintain system-level technical requirements, design standards, and architectural trade-offs across hardware and software.
• Lead technical execution from prototype stage through to production release and market deployment.
• Oversee the integration of sensors (LiDAR, cameras, radar), controllers, and autonomous navigation software.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to global engineering teams and integration leaders.
• Influence the robotics technology roadmap and evaluate emerging technologies to ensure product competitiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Robotics, or a related Engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, or complex electro-mechanical products.
• Demonstrated experience owning system-level architecture for safety-critical products.
• Strong background in systems engineering, including requirements management and validation.
• Proven ability to lead technical decision-making in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
• Location: Must be based in or able to work onsite in Frimley, UK

Nice to have

• Experience with mobile robotics or industrial automation.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, Git, DevOps, and Linux development environments.
• Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow model-based code generation.
• Knowledge of functional safety standards and industrial communication protocols (e.g., CAN, J1939, CANopen).

Culture & Benefits

• Access to a "hands-on" engineering development centre in the South East of England.
• Opportunity to work on emerging technology programs with a direct impact on the marketplace.
• Collaborative environment working with global development teams.
• Permanent full-time role with a standard 39-hour work week.