Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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
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
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) in Southampton employer: 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 Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. 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 potential 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 both technical and behavioural questions. Practice explaining your thought process when solving problems, as well as how you align with the company’s values. Remember, they want to see if you’re a good fit for their culture!
✨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 being part of our innovative team. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your experience with remote and autonomous navigation systems!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Remote and Autonomous Navigation Systems (USVs) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Innovation: When writing your application, let us see your excitement for transforming the maritime industry. Share examples of how you've embraced innovation in your past roles and how you can bring that same energy to our team.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to know about your hands-on experience with C++ and autonomous systems. Don't just list your skills; provide concrete examples of projects you've worked on that relate to remote navigation or safety-critical systems.
Highlight Team Collaboration: Since we value teamwork, make sure to mention how you've collaborated with others in your previous roles. Talk about how you’ve influenced architecture decisions or mentored fellow engineers to show you're a team player.
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 this exciting opportunity to shape the future of maritime technology.
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. Highlight any relevant projects in maritime, automotive, or robotics that demonstrate your ability to design and integrate complex 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 would approach them in this role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership
This role requires working closely with various teams. Share examples of how you've led technical discussions, mentored other engineers, and collaborated across disciplines to achieve project goals. Show that you're not just a tech whiz but also a team player.