Robotics Autonomy Software Engineer

Robotics Autonomy Software Engineer

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time

£43,703 - £47,941

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

The National Oceanography Centre is seeking a Robotics Autonomy Software Engineer to join its Marine Autonomous Robotic System (MARS) software development team. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of autonomous systems that support marine science and technology across a range of operational contexts.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the development of onboard autonomy and decision-making capabilities for AUVs. This includes the implementation of adaptive planning, collaborative multi-vehicle behaviours, and in-situ environmental response mechanisms.

In addition to autonomy development, the role will involve a significant amount of work related to the integration and support of the broader AUV onboard software system. The ability to contribute across the full software stack is essential for ensuring robust and operationally reliable systems.

The postholder will work within a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and field operators, and will contribute to real-world deployments supporting national and international marine research missions.

Responsibilities:

• Research, design, develop and maintain software components to enable autonomous operations, with initial focus on adaptive behaviours for AUVs, real-time onboard decision-making and multi-vehicle coordination.
• Contribute to the development of other software components to advance the AUV onboard software stack as required.
• Collaborate with a diverse team to define software requirements and ensure the seamless integration of software with AUV hardware and sensors.
• Conduct rigorous testing, debugging, and troubleshooting of software systems to ensure their reliability and performance in challenging marine environments.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in AUV technology and software engineering practices.

About you

You are fascinated by the mysteries of the deep sea and the exploration of our oceans and you are a talented software engineer with a passion for developing cutting-edge technologies. You will have:

• A PhD in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, including formulating problems, designing solutions, and delivering software-based implementations.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python.
• Familiarity with software development tools, version control systems, and software testing frameworks.
• Commitment to producing high quality solutions, ensuring a high degree of accuracy with a close attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• This position is particularly looking for a candidate with prior experience in developing robot autonomy (decision-making) software components. As such, you will have:
• Experience in software development for robotics, autonomous systems, or similar complex systems.
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS 2 or equivalent.

Finally, knowledge of marine science, underwater acoustics, or oceanography is highly desirable.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays

- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme

- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues

- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards

- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories

- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations

- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Location

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.

The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

Please note, due to UK visa salary thresholds, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.

Submitting an application

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [email protected] / 07355 676794.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advert posted: 30/07/2025

Closing date: 26/08/2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.