Workgroup Lead - Robotics, Perception & Controls

Location: Bristol, UK

Approach: Hybrid Remote, typically 2-3 days per week in the office

Contract: Permanent, full-time

We are a forward‑thinking technology group with 45 years of engineering excellence. We are looking to build a world‑class engineering team at our new location in Bristol, United Kingdom.

Key Responsibilities

• People Leadership: Lead and develop a high‑performing team of robotics software engineers and specialists, primarily based in Bristol. Conduct one‑on‑one meetings, define performance goals, oversee career development. Foster an inclusive, transparent, results‑oriented culture grounded in trust and collaboration. Promote a learning‑driven environment aligned with our values of innovation and technical excellence.
• Delivery & Execution: Oversee planning, development, and delivery of software and product components, ensuring milestones are achieved on schedule. Implement and maintain best practices for software quality, data processing, testing, and documentation. Identify process inefficiencies and lead structured improvements to enhance delivery performance.
• Cross‑Organizational Collaboration: Partner with internal Robotics Software, Controls, and Systems Engineering teams across the network to integrate advanced robotic solutions. Ensure communication and coordination between R&D teams in the UK and Germany. Align local activities with the global technology roadmap and product strategy.
• Technical Engagement: Contribute actively to projects and technical discussions on robotics topics, including perception algorithms, sensor calibration, decision‑making, motion planning, and control systems. Provide architectural insight and ensure alignment with the broader technology framework. Stay current with emerging research and industrial developments in robotics and AI technologies.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in developing product‑ready robotic systems, including perception and control with a focus on software development.
• Proven experience in technical leadership or early‑stage engineering management roles.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: robotics technologies, computer vision, SLAM, or sensor fusion.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills within distributed, cross‑functional teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Vision, or a related discipline.
• Experience deploying robotic systems in real‑world applications or industrial automation.
• Understanding of safety‑critical domains (e.g., subsea engineering, energy, defence).
• Knowledge of regulatory or compliance frameworks (EU Acts, ISO standards).
• Entrepreneurial mindset suited to a dynamic, growth‑oriented environment.

Key Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, mentoring, and team development skills.
• Strategic organizational awareness and effective prioritization under complex conditions.
• High adaptability, proactive initiative, and analytical problem‑solving.
• Drive for quality, precision, and continuous improvement.
• Purpose‑driven leadership aligned with our mission of sustainable technological progress.

Benefits

• Funded career and learning development opportunities.
• Flexible, hybrid working.
• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme with a standard 10% employer contribution, no obligation for employee contributions.
• Company‑sponsored life insurance and private medical insurance.
• Cycle scheme provided by Green Cycle Initiative.
• Competitive remuneration package.