Advanced Research Engineer (AI & Perception Engineer)

We’re looking for a Junior AI & Perception Engineer to join our growing team—someone passionate about AI, computer vision and sensing technologies, and eager to work on cutting‑edge systems that power the next generation of autonomous solutions.

This role offers a unique blend of hands‑on software development and systems engineering exposure. You’ll contribute to building perception algorithms and integrating them into real‑world systems—working with sensors such as LiDAR, radar and cameras to support navigation and AI‑driven platforms. You’ll also gain valuable experience in system‑level thinking, helping shape how software and hardware come together into fully functioning solutions.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Software & Algorithm Development
• Developing and testing computer vision and image processing algorithms
• Working with sensor data (LiDAR, radar, cameras) for perception tasks
• Supporting development in Python, C++ and C# (WPF) for backend and UI tools
• Assisting with navigation algorithms and localisation data processing
• Optimising and documenting algorithms
• Systems Engineering & Integration
• Supporting requirements gathering and system design
• Contributing to system architectures and integration plans
• Helping define data flows and interfaces across software and hardware
• Assisting with system testing, debugging and validation activities

Essential Skills

• Experience with Python (OpenCV preferred)
• Exposure to C# (WPF) and C++
• Understanding of AI/ML fundamentals and data-driven systems
• Strong mathematical foundation (e.g. linear algebra, geometry)
• Awareness of autonomous systems and sensing technologies
• Ability to translate technical requirements into development tasks

Desirable

• Experience with LiDAR, radar or point cloud processing
• Knowledge of ROS, TensorFlow or PyTorch
• Understanding of GPS/localisation systems
• Exposure to system architecture, diagrams or COTS technologies

What Will Make You Stand Out

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical mindset
• Curiosity about how systems work end-to-end
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Clear communication and a willingness to learn

Why join MTC

• Work on cutting‑edge AI and autonomous technologies
• Be part of a collaborative, innovation-driven environment
• Access to industry-leading projects and real-world applications
• Flexible working and strong employee benefits
• Excellent opportunity to grow into a systems or AI specialist role

About The MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation that bridges the gap between academia and manufacturing. MTC’s engineers, scientists and technicians work with advanced manufacturing equipment in a supportive and collaborative environment to develop and demonstrate new technologies on an industrial scale. Supported by significant public sector investment, MTC offers world‑class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford and is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Reference Checks and Security Checks (where applicable) Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.