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- Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge robotic systems for industry-leading automation.
- Company: Join a pioneering company in robotics and automation technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and cross-functional leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in robotics and shape the future of automation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in engineering with expertise in robotics and autonomous systems.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Are you looking to work in Automation and develop industry-leading technologies? This is an opportunity to impact materials handling by bringing Hyster and Yale products to the forefront of the marketplace. Our teams work on great projects within our "hands-on" engineering development centre in the South East of England. This role is within the Frimley-based global robotics development team contributing to the development of robotic options for all lift truck models.
Role Summary
The Robotics Chief Software Engineer role is the senior technical authority for Hyster-Yale’s autonomous and robotic vehicle platforms. This role owns the end-to-end integrity of the robotic truck systems, from concept and architecture through validation, industrialisation, and field performance, ensuring solutions meet stringent requirements for safety, reliability, performance, and cost. The Robotics Chief Software Engineer serves as the final technical decision-maker across software and system domains, providing clear technical direction and governance across multiple robotics programs and platforms. This role works in close partnership with product management, program management, integration leaders, and global engineering teams to deliver scalable, production-ready robotic solutions.
Responsibilities
- Technical Ownership & Architecture
- Development responsibility for robotic truck platforms, including autonomation, sensors, computers, controls, vehicle interfaces, and safety systems.
- Define and maintain system-level technical requirements, design standards, and architectural trade-offs across hardware and software domains.
- Serve as the final technical authority for major design decisions.
- Product Development & Delivery
- Lead technical execution from prototype through production release and marked deployment.
- Ensure robotic systems comply with global requirements for functional safety, reliability and durability.
- Drive disciplined engineering processes, including design reviews, validation plans, and technical readiness gates.
- Systems Integration & Validation
- Oversee software integration of sensors (LiDAR, cameras, radar), controllers, computers and autonomous navigation software into mobile platforms.
- Define and approve verification and validation strategies to demonstrate long-term system reliability and performance in industrial environments.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for field, test, or production issues.
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Engineers, Integration Leaders, and senior engineers across global sites.
- Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Sourcing, Service, and Commercial teams to ensure robust, manufacturable, and serviceable solutions.
- Represent engineering in executive and cross-functional reviews, clearly communicating technical risks, trade-offs, and recommendations.
- Technology Strategy & Roadmap
- Influence the robotics technology roadmap, including autonomous capabilities, sensor strategies, computers, and safety architectures.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and suppliers to support future product scalability and competitiveness.
- Ensure alignment between long-term technology strategy and near-term product delivery needs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Robotics, or related discipline).
- 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, off-highway, or complex electro-mechanical products.
- Demonstrated experience owning system-level architecture and technical delivery of complex, safety-critical products.
- Strong background in systems engineering, including requirements management, integration, and validation.
- Experience working across mechanical, electrical, software, and controls disciplines.
- Proven ability to lead technical decision-making in ambiguous, fast-moving development environments.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence across disciplines and organizational levels.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with autonomous vehicles, mobile robotics, or industrial automation.
- Familiarity with C++, Python, Git, DevOps and Linux development environments.
- Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow model-based code generation.
- Knowledge of functional safety standards and compliance processes.
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., CAN, J1939, CANopen).
- Experience supporting global development teams and multi-site programs.
Occasional travel may be required (less than 10% total time).
The successful candidate will be subject to background checks.
Job Type: Permanent
Time Type: Full time
Work Hours: 39
Travel Required: No
Location: HY EMEA UK Frimley
Address: Centennial House
Zip Code: GU16 7SG
Field-Based: No
Relocation Assistance Available: No
Robotics Chief Engineer in Frimley employer: Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Robotics Chief Engineer in Frimley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the robotics field, especially those connected to Hyster-Yale. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects in robotics and automation. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, use this as a conversation starter to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience with system-level architecture and technical delivery, as these are key for the Robotics Chief Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Hyster-Yale. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Robotics Chief Engineer in Frimley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Robotics Chief Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in robotics and automation, and don’t forget to mention how your skills align with our needs at Hyster-Yale.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: We want to see your technical chops! Include specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your experience with autonomous systems and complex electro-mechanical products. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.
✨Know Your Robotics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of robotics, especially in areas like autonomous systems and safety-critical products. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role, showcasing your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions about system-level architecture, integration, and validation processes. Practise explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely, as you'll need to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across various engineering disciplines.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Chief Engineer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, highlighting your ability to influence and guide cross-functional teams towards achieving common goals.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Hyster-Yale's mission and values, particularly their focus on innovation and safety in robotics. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their technology roadmap and product delivery needs.