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- Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge robotic truck platforms and ensure their safety and reliability.
- Company: Join a leading automation company focused on innovative robotics solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with global teams and exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the robotics field and shape the future of automation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in engineering with a focus on robotics and autonomous systems.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you looking to work in automation and develop industry‑leading technologies on a collaborative development team? A proven track record in technology is required – tell us what interests you and how you can help our emerging technology programs. 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 programmes and platforms. This role works in close partnership with product management, programme 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 market 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, 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 organisational 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 programmes.
Travel & Background Checks
Occasional travel may be required (less than 10% of total time). The successful candidate will be subject to background checks.
Robotics Chief Engineer in Frimley employer: Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
Contact Detail:
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling 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! Get out there and connect with people in the robotics and engineering fields. Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements in robotics. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and creativity, making you stand out from the crowd when applying for that Chief Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s a robotics competition! Research the company, understand their products, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that highlight your leadership and technical decision-making skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented engineers like you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of getting noticed by hiring managers. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Robotics Chief Engineer in Frimley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Robotics: When writing your application, let us know what excites you about robotics and automation. Share specific projects or technologies that have inspired you, and how you see yourself contributing to our innovative team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience in systems engineering and any previous roles related to robotics or autonomous systems. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Robotics Chief Engineer position.
Be Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application focused and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
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 ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Frimley-based global robotics development team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest robotics technologies and trends. Brush up on your knowledge of autonomous systems, sensors, and safety standards. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Robotics Chief Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully guided teams through complex projects or made critical technical decisions. This will highlight your capability to influence and mentor others.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions about system-level architecture and integration processes. Review your past projects and be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will help you illustrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to convey ideas to various stakeholders. During the interview, focus on being clear and concise, ensuring your passion for robotics shines through.