At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on projects in physical AI and robotics, transforming simulations into real-world applications.
- Company: Established deep-tech robotics company with 30 years of engineering expertise.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Open to both full-time and part-time candidates, fostering a diverse team environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of robotics innovation and make a tangible impact in the field.
- Qualifications: Experience in reinforcement learning and robotics; academic credentials are a bonus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Principal or Senior Physical AI Engineer
About the Company
Early conversations on behalf of a profitable, independent, deep-tech robotics company in London with thirty years of engineering depth behind it, not a six-month-old company running on funding alone.
About the Role
Nothing is live yet. This is genuine market mapping before a role gets built, and I'd love to hear from people who might be a fit whether or not the timing works for you right now.
No pitch, no locked-in vacancy details, just understanding what's out there and what would genuinely move someone.
- What this is
- Real, hands-on production experience in reinforcement learning for manipulation, sim-to-real transfer, and domain randomisation for contact-rich tasks.
Academic exposure alone isn't enough.
- Trained models that actually control a physical robot, not just software.
- Taken something that works in simulation and made it survive contact with the real world.
- Comfortable owning a technical direction and turning it into an actual engineering plan, and bringing a team with you.
- What this isn't
- General AI, ML engineering, LLMs or chatbots. Genuinely valuable work, just not this.
- A search for someone who's already shipped a finished physical AI product at scale. Almost nobody has, at this stage of the field, and that's fine.
- Nice to have
A Ph D or years in robotics, RL or controls is a plus, but not a gate. If your track record speaks for itself, that's what counts.
Basis
Full-time and part-time or fractional arrangements both genuinely being considered, so don't rule yourself out on that basis alone.
(You may see a version of this appear as either Senior or Principal, depending on the calibre of person we find. Same conversation either way.)
Principal or Senior Physical AI Engineer in London employer: HFBAC
At HFBAC, we pride ourselves on being a values-first IT Managed Service Provider in Bristol, where our culture prioritises fairness and employee development. With a focus on meaningful work that blends support with real projects, we offer clear progression paths, a supportive small team environment, and a commitment to your growth through regular feedback and mentorship. Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with generous holiday allowances, a stocked kitchen, and a team that genuinely cares about each other.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal or Senior Physical AI Engineer in London
✨Dive into Robotics Meetups
Get yourself out there and connect with others in the robotics-automation field by attending local meetups and industry events. These gatherings are where the magic happens, and you might just rub shoulders with someone from HFBAC or get insider tips on upcoming vacancies.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Create a portfolio that highlights your robotics projects, whether they're personal, academic, or freelance. Share this on platforms like GitHub or your personal website, as it shows potential employers, like HFBAC, what you're made of and your hands-on experience in the field.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're fresh out of university or still connected, don't underestimate your career services. They often have exclusive access to job fairs and employer networking events in technical fields like ours, so make sure you tap into those resources to discover openings at companies like HFBAC.
✨Engage in Online Communities
Join online communities that focus on robotics and automation, such as forums or LinkedIn groups. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share insights. This not only builds your visibility but could also lead to direct connections at firms like HFBAC, which might have the full-time role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal or Senior Physical AI Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the robotics and automation field, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills on your CV. Include specific programming languages, software platforms, and any relevant robotics experience. Don’t forget to mention any projects or systems you've developed – this info can really make you stand out!
Portfolio Perfection:Having a polished portfolio can speak volumes for a role in robotics. Include any relevant case studies, designs, or prototypes you've worked on. If you've participated in competitions or hackathons, showcase these achievements as well – they show initiative and problem-solving skills!
Tailored Cover Letter Magic:In your cover letter, don’t just tell us that you love robotics—tell us why you’re passionate about automation specifically! Explain how your skills can contribute to HFBAC’s projects and remember to connect your past experiences to what you'll be doing in this role.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, such as in robotic process automation or machine learning, make sure they’re front and centre on your CV. These credentials show you're dedicated to your field and keep you up to date with industry standards – we love to see that!
How to prepare for a job interview at HFBAC
✨Showcase Your Technical Wizardry
For a role in robotics and automation at HFBAC, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical skills. Be prepared to dive into specifics about the programming languages and tools you’ve used, like Python or ROS (Robot Operating System). Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and control systems, as these might come up during technical questions.
✨Bring Your Projects to Life
With a full-time position in robotics, you should have a portfolio of your projects ready to show. Whether it's a robot you built for a competition or a simple automation script, make sure you can discuss the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This hands-on experience is gold and shows you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Think Like an Engineer
Expect some problem-solving scenarios during your interview. You might be asked to design a basic automation solution on the spot or troubleshoot a robotic system. Practising these types of technical questions can really set you apart, as they require critical thinking and a systematic approach to tackle problems.
✨Culture Fit Is Key!
Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit at HFBAC. They might ask about your teamwork experience and how you handle challenges with peers. Be ready to share examples of working in diverse teams, as collaboration is often central to projects in robotics and automation.
