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

Principal Engineer - Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems (USVs)

Full-Time 120000 - 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 forward-thinking tech company transforming maritime operations sustainably.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to redefining the future of maritime operations.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on maritime technology while working with innovative teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in C++, embedded systems, and autonomous navigation is essential.

The predicted salary is between 120000 - 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

    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) employer: Ocean Infinity

    At Ocean Infinity, we are not just transforming maritime operations; we are fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Principal Engineer in Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems, you will be part of a pioneering team dedicated to creating environmentally responsible solutions at sea, with ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across diverse disciplines. Our commitment to safety, equality, and continuous development makes us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the tech-driven maritime industry.
    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)

    ✨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 look at what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions and real-world scenarios. Practice explaining your thought process and how you tackle challenges, especially in safety-critical environments. Confidence is key!

    ✨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)

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

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Your Passion for Innovation: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for technology and innovation shine through. We love candidates who are open-minded and fearless in their approach, so share examples of how you've challenged the status quo in your previous roles.

    Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your experience with C++ and any work you've done with autonomous systems. We’re looking for someone who can lead technical evolution, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements in this area!

    Be Clear and Concise: While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key in your written application. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see how you fit into our ambitious team.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 serious about joining 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 ready to discuss your experience with performance-critical systems and how you've tackled challenges in embedded or hardware-integrated environments.

    ✨Showcase Your Autonomy Experience

    Prepare to talk about your previous work with autonomous or semi-autonomous navigation systems. Whether it's maritime, automotive, or robotics, have specific examples ready that highlight your role in designing or integrating these systems.

    ✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape

    Familiarise yourself with the regulatory requirements that impact navigation systems. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these constraints in past projects and how you can apply that knowledge to ensure compliance in your new role.

    ✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit

    This role involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor others and influence architectural decisions across teams.

    Principal Engineer - Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems (USVs)
    Ocean Infinity

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