At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale engineering teams in robotics and AI systems development.
- Company: Exciting venture-backed robotics company in London with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Join a rapidly growing team with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of autonomous robotics and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in robotics or deep-tech startups and strong technical expertise.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a Venture-Backed Autonomous Robotics company to appoint a Director of Engineering. The company is developing next-generation robotic and AI-driven automation systems designed for complex industrial environments, with applications spanning logistics, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. Backed by several leading European and US deep-tech investors, the business has recently completed a successful Series A funding round and is now scaling both its engineering capability and commercial deployments across the UK and mainland Europe.
Founded by a highly technical leadership team with backgrounds in robotics, autonomy, and machine learning, the company has already established early enterprise partnerships and is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting businesses within the UK robotics ecosystem.
The Role
This is a senior engineering leadership role responsible for leading the company’s multidisciplinary engineering function across robotics software, autonomy, embedded systems, controls, and hardware integration. Working closely with the founders and executive team, the successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping technical strategy, driving product delivery, and scaling engineering operations as the company transitions from early-stage development into wider commercial deployment.
Key Responsibilities
- Engineering Leadership & Technical Strategy
- Lead and scale the engineering organisation across robotics, autonomy, controls, embedded software, and systems engineering
- Define and execute the technical roadmap aligned with company growth objectives
- Establish scalable engineering processes, product development standards, and delivery frameworks
- Drive technical excellence across robotics architecture, reliability, deployment, and system performance
- Partner closely with founders on long-term product and technology direction.
- Product Development & Robotics Delivery
- Oversee end-to-end development of autonomous robotic systems from prototype through to customer deployment
- Lead technical decision-making across robotics software, perception, controls, embedded systems, and systems integration
- Ensure engineering execution meets commercial timelines, safety requirements, and operational performance standards
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product, operations, and commercial leadership teams.
Candidate Profile Must-Have Experience
- Proven engineering leadership experience within a high-growth robotics, automation, or deep-tech startup
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Strong technical background in robotics, autonomous systems, embedded systems, or intelligent hardware platforms
- Track record of delivering complex technical products from development through deployment.
Location & Working Model
- Based in London, UK
- Hybrid working model with 2–3 days per week in the office
- Occasional travel across Europe for customer and partner engagements
Why This Role?
This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious engineering leader to join a venture-backed robotics business at a formative stage of growth. You will play a defining role in shaping the company’s technical direction, scaling the engineering organisation, and helping establish the business as a category leader within autonomous robotics and intelligent industrial automation.
Head of Engineering — Autonomous Robotics & AI Systems employer: PER International
Join a pioneering venture-backed Autonomous Robotics company in London, where innovation meets opportunity. With a hybrid working model and a culture that fosters collaboration and technical excellence, employees are empowered to lead multidisciplinary teams and shape the future of robotics and AI systems. The company offers significant growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and the chance to work alongside a highly skilled leadership team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology in complex industrial environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering — Autonomous Robotics & AI Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the robotics and AI space. Attend industry events, meetups, or even webinars. 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 showcasing your past projects, especially those related to robotics and automation. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table and set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s tech stack and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailoring your responses to their specific needs can really make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who are passionate about robotics and AI. Your dream job could be just a click away, so make sure you check out our latest openings.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering — Autonomous Robotics & AI Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Head of Engineering. Highlight your leadership in robotics and AI systems, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've led!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about autonomous robotics and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, be specific about your technical skills and experiences. We want to see how you've tackled complex engineering challenges in the past, especially in high-growth environments like startups.
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 in our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PER International
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in robotics and AI systems. Familiarise yourself with the company's projects and their technical roadmap. Being able to discuss specific technologies or methodologies they use will show that you're genuinely interested and knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, driven technical strategy, or overseen complex projects. Highlight how you foster collaboration and innovation within your teams.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face some challenging technical questions related to robotics, embedded systems, and system integration. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to explain your thought process when solving engineering problems. This is your chance to shine and show off your expertise!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the company's vision, culture, and future projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals. Think about what you want to know regarding their engineering processes and team dynamics.
