Principal Engineer - Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems (USVs) in London
Principal Engineer - Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems (USVs)

Principal Engineer - Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems (USVs) in London

London Full-Time 100000 - 120000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office possible
Ocean Infinity

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of cutting-edge navigation systems for uncrewed vessels using modern C++.
  • Company: Join a pioneering tech company transforming maritime operations with innovative solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to safety, equality, and environmental responsibility.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on autonomous navigation systems that operate at sea.
  • Qualifications: Experience in C++, embedded systems, and designing autonomous navigation solutions.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 ÂŁ per year.

We are using and creating technology to transform operations at sea to enable people and the planet to thrive. We are open-minded and fearless in our approach to innovation and don't believe in boundaries. We challenge everything and have massive ambitions to drag aging industries into the tech era. We take safety, equality and education very seriously, and our responsibilities don't stop at our front door. Our business is built on the belief that there's definitely a more environmentally responsible way to operate at sea.

We employ people who share our core values. We expect our people to be courageous, trustworthy, and conscientious, driven by a desire to do the right thing. We strive for excellence, work collaboratively, and are genuinely excited by our work. We offer opportunities for our people to develop beyond their role and span a multitude of disciplines. These are open to all, regardless of background and experience level. Working with us means being part of a team that is harnessing technology and creativity to disrupt a traditional industry.

We are seeking an experienced Principal / Lead C++ Engineer to play a defining role in the evolution of our Remote and Autonomous Navigation System for uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). This is a hands-on technical leadership role at the intersection of remote vessel operations, autonomous navigation, and safety critical maritime systems. You will help shape the architecture that enables a clear pathway from remote navigation today to increasingly autonomous operations at fleet scale. This role is ideal for someone who is excited by autonomy, enjoys working close to real hardware, and wants to build navigation systems that operate in the real world: At sea, under regulatory scrutiny, and across an operational fleet.

What You Will Do

  • Define and lead the architecture of performance critical C++ systems forming the core of our Remote / Autonomous Navigation System
  • Design and implement software spanning:
  • Onboard, hardware integrated control and navigation systems
  • Interfaces to autonomy, decision support, and navigation logic
  • Networking, communications resilience, and distributed services
  • Lead the technical evolution from remote manual navigation → assisted decision-making → autonomous navigation behaviours, supporting a human-on-the-loop operating model
  • Architect clean, modular integration layers between the navigation system and onboard vessel systems (navigation sensors, propulsion, safety systems, payloads)
  • Make system level decisions across latency, determinism and fault handling in safety critical environments
  • Work closely with systems, autonomy, and operations teams to translate operational and regulatory constraints into robust, production ready designs
  • Act as a technical authority across teams, setting standards, reviewing designs, and mentoring other engineers
  • Challenge and refine engineering practices to support long term reliability, upgradeability, and fleetwide deployment
  • What We’re Looking For

    • Significant professional experience in modern C++ (C++14/17/20)
    • Strong background in embedded, edge, or hardware integrated systems
    • Demonstrated experience designing or integrating autonomous or semi‑autonomous navigation systems, ideally within:
    • Maritime / USVs
    • Automotive (ADAS, autonomy, vehicle control)
    • Robotics or similar safety critical domains
  • Solid experience with networked and distributed systems (TCP/IP, UDP, unreliable links, comms loss handling)
  • Proven ability to operate as a hands-on technical lead or principal engineer, influencing architecture across multiple teams
  • Desirable Experience

    • Autonomy frameworks or middleware (e.g. DDS, ROS, or similar)
    • Maritime or industrial control systems and protocols (e.g. NMEA, Modbus, OPC, Profibus)
    • Designing navigation or autonomy systems subject to regulatory or classification requirements
    • Containerisation or deployment tooling where appropriate (Docker, Kubernetes, edge deployments)
    • Experience working with autonomy roadmaps, simulation environments, or data driven improvement loops

    Why This Role Is Different

    • You will work on a core Remote / Autonomous Navigation System deployed on real vessels, not research prototypes
    • The architecture is explicitly designed to support a progressive autonomy pathway, not a one-off autonomy solution
    • You will influence how remote navigation, autonomy, and safety coexist in operational maritime systems
    • This is not a “pure autonomy” or “pure embedded” role. It is about making autonomous navigation real, operable, and scalable

    Salary: Up to ÂŁ120000. The salary varies for this position as we are recruiting in multiple regional locations and job grades. The salary process is based on skills, abilities, and experience required.

    At Ocean Infinity, we believe in creating equal opportunities for all, celebrating each and everyone’s differences. We are driven by transforming the industry, through our technology, thoughts, behaviours and actions. Being inclusive and respectful to all is fundamental to who we are. It is the right thing to do and enables innovation and creativity to thrive. There is more work to be done, and we know that we aren’t perfect, but our commitment to these values is unwavering. They are central to our mission and the impact we have on the industry, meaning, we cannot live without them.

    Principal Engineer - Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems (USVs) in London employer: Ocean Infinity

    At Ocean Infinity, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and environmental responsibility in the maritime industry. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development across diverse disciplines. By joining our team as a Principal Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping cutting-edge navigation systems while working alongside passionate individuals who share a commitment to making a meaningful impact at sea.
    Ocean Infinity

    Contact Detail:

    Ocean Infinity Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems (USVs) in London

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to C++ and autonomous systems. This gives employers a tangible way to see what you can do beyond your CV.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions and real-world problem-solving scenarios. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key in collaborative environments like ours.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our innovative team.

    We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems (USVs) in London

    C++ (C++14/17/20)
    Embedded Systems
    Autonomous Navigation Systems
    Maritime Systems
    Networked and Distributed Systems
    TCP/IP
    UDP
    Comms Loss Handling
    Technical Leadership
    Architecture Design
    Regulatory Compliance
    Containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes)
    Simulation Environments
    Data Driven Improvement Loops

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for remote and autonomous navigation systems shine through. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the technology and its potential to transform operations at sea.

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with C++ and any relevant projects you've worked on. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills in embedded systems or autonomous navigation.

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the Principal Engineer role.

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our innovative team.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Ocean Infinity

    ✨Know Your C++ Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on your modern C++ skills, especially C++14/17/20. Be prepared to discuss your experience with embedded systems and how you've applied C++ in real-world scenarios, particularly in safety-critical environments.

    ✨Understand the Maritime Context

    Familiarise yourself with maritime operations and the specific challenges of remote and autonomous navigation systems. Research current trends and regulations in the industry to show that you're not just technically savvy but also aware of the operational landscape.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead technical discussions and influence architecture decisions. Prepare examples of how you've mentored other engineers or led projects, highlighting your collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Challenges

    Expect to face technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills in networked and distributed systems. Think about potential scenarios involving latency, fault handling, and system integration, and be ready to discuss how you'd tackle these challenges in a real-world setting.

    Principal Engineer - Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems (USVs) in London
    Ocean Infinity
    Location: London

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