Autonomous Systems Engineer (All Genders) in Swindon

Autonomous Systems Engineer (All Genders) in Swindon

Swindon Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Stark

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop algorithms for UAVs to navigate and execute missions autonomously.
  • Company: STARK, a cutting-edge defence technology company.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance; diverse and inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Join us to revolutionise autonomous systems and make a real impact in defence technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Robotics or related field; UAV expertise and programming skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

About Us

STARK is a defense technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains.

We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned vehicles that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective – giving NATO and its allies a decisive edge in the most contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises.

In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Your mission

We are seeking a talented Autonomous System Engineer who will develop the algorithms and software stacks that enable our UAVs to perceive their environment, navigate complex spaces, and execute missions autonomously.

You will bridge the gap between high-level mission planning and low-level flight control

Responsibilities

  • Systems Engineering: Define system-level requirements, perform trade studies, and manage the technical budget
  • System Integration: Perform requirements decomposition from mission-level goals to technical specs; manage technical budgets and validation criteria.
  • Algorithm Development: Design and implement algorithms for, path planning, obstacle avoidance, SLAM and tracking.
  • Sensor Fusion: Integrate and filter data from multiple sources (Li DAR, IMU, GPS, and MIPI cameras) to create a unified state estimate.
  • Flight Testing: Lead field testing of autonomous behaviors and analyze flight logs to tune performance.
  • Behavior Logic: Develop finite state machines or behavior trees for complex mission sequencing.
  • Documentation: Writing/preparing documentation for algorithms, testing and systems

Qualifications

  • Bachelor´s or Master´s degree in Robotics, computer science, software engineering, or similar relevant areas of expertise
  • UAV Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of flight dynamics, aerodynamics, and coordinate systems (NED/ECEF/Body frames).
  • Control Theory: Proven experience in feedback control, stability analysis, and loop tuning.
  • Autopilot Ecosystems: Strong experience configuring and customizing PX4 or Ardu Pilot flight stacks.
  • MAVLink: Proficiency in using MAVLink/MAVSDK for vehicle communication and mission control.
  • Sensor Fusion: Hands-on experience with GPS-aided navigation and IMU filtering techniques.
  • ROS2: Experience using ROS2 for high-level mission planning or "offboard" control.
  • Python: Proficiency for algorithm prototyping, scripting, and flight log analysis.
  • Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance
  • Nice to Have
  • NVIDIA Jetson: Experience with the NVIDIA Jetson platforms.
  • C++: Experience in developing and testing algorithms in C++.
  • MATLAB / Simulink: Experience with Model-Based Design and automated code generation.
  • Simulation: Proficiency in Gazebo, j MAVSim, or Air Sim for "Software-in-the-Loop" (SITL) testing.
  • GPS-Denied Navigation: Experience with Optical Flow, Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO), or Li DAR-based SLAM.

About us

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position.

Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Autonomous Systems Engineer (All Genders) in Swindon employer: Stark

STARK is an exceptional employer for those passionate about defence technology and innovation, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises real-world impact over abstraction. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects in a fast-paced environment, fostering collaboration across diverse teams in multiple countries. Located in key European regions, STARK not only supports NATO Allies but also champions a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it a rewarding place for talented individuals to thrive.

Stark

Contact Details:

Stark Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Autonomous Systems Engineer (All Genders) in Swindon

Dive into Robotics Meetups

Get yourself out there and connect with others in the robotics-automation field by attending local meetups and industry events. These gatherings are where the magic happens, and you might just rub shoulders with someone from Stark or get insider tips on upcoming vacancies.

Showcase Your Projects

Create a portfolio that highlights your robotics projects, whether they're personal, academic, or freelance. Share this on platforms like GitHub or your personal website, as it shows potential employers, like Stark, what you're made of and your hands-on experience in the field.

Utilise University Resources

If you're fresh out of university or still connected, don't underestimate your career services. They often have exclusive access to job fairs and employer networking events in technical fields like ours, so make sure you tap into those resources to discover openings at companies like Stark.

Engage in Online Communities

Join online communities that focus on robotics and automation, such as forums or LinkedIn groups. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share insights. This not only builds your visibility but could also lead to direct connections at firms like Stark, which might have the full-time role you're after.

We think you need these skills to ace Autonomous Systems Engineer (All Genders) in Swindon

Systems Engineering
Algorithm Development
Sensor Fusion
Flight Testing
Behavior Logic
UAV Domain Expertise
Control Theory

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the robotics and automation field, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills on your CV. Include specific programming languages, software platforms, and any relevant robotics experience. Don’t forget to mention any projects or systems you've developed – this info can really make you stand out!

Portfolio Perfection:Having a polished portfolio can speak volumes for a role in robotics. Include any relevant case studies, designs, or prototypes you've worked on. If you've participated in competitions or hackathons, showcase these achievements as well – they show initiative and problem-solving skills!

Tailored Cover Letter Magic:In your cover letter, don’t just tell us that you love robotics—tell us why you’re passionate about automation specifically! Explain how your skills can contribute to Stark’s projects and remember to connect your past experiences to what you'll be doing in this role.

Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, such as in robotic process automation or machine learning, make sure they’re front and centre on your CV. These credentials show you're dedicated to your field and keep you up to date with industry standards – we love to see that!

How to prepare for a job interview at Stark

Showcase Your Technical Wizardry

For a role in robotics and automation at Stark, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical skills. Be prepared to dive into specifics about the programming languages and tools you’ve used, like Python or ROS (Robot Operating System). Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and control systems, as these might come up during technical questions.

Bring Your Projects to Life

With a full-time position in robotics, you should have a portfolio of your projects ready to show. Whether it's a robot you built for a competition or a simple automation script, make sure you can discuss the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This hands-on experience is gold and shows you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Think Like an Engineer

Expect some problem-solving scenarios during your interview. You might be asked to design a basic automation solution on the spot or troubleshoot a robotic system. Practising these types of technical questions can really set you apart, as they require critical thinking and a systematic approach to tackle problems.

Culture Fit Is Key!

Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit at Stark. They might ask about your teamwork experience and how you handle challenges with peers. Be ready to share examples of working in diverse teams, as collaboration is often central to projects in robotics and automation.