Electrical Engineer IV in Watford

Our client is looking for a Robotics Electrical Engineer IV to join the robotics and automation team in Frimley.

About the Opportunity

This role sits within a specialist robotics and automation engineering centre in the UK, forming part of a focused, multidisciplinary team developing production-scale autonomous industrial vehicles. The environment is highly practical and delivery-led, with engineers working on real machines and deployed systems rather than purely simulated concepts. The site includes on-site laboratories and workshop facilities, enabling close collaboration between electrical, mechanical, software, and controls engineers throughout the full product lifecycle. This is a predominantly on-site role (minimum four days per week), best suited to engineers who enjoy hands-on development work in a fast-moving, collaborative environment.

Role Summary

The Robotics Electrical Engineer IV supports the concept, design, development, and release of electrical solutions for autonomous and robotic industrial vehicle platforms. The role works cross-functionally with mechanical, software, controls, test, manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers to develop robust electrical architectures across both high- and low-voltage systems. This is a senior, hands-on engineering position. The expectation is for someone who can contribute at system level, take ownership of complex electrical problems, support and mentor junior engineers, and balance technical, cost, space, and regulatory constraints. A practical, solution-oriented mindset is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Support engineering leadership in the development of electrical system architectures for robotic vehicle products
• Work closely with global cross-functional teams (mechanical, software, controls, and test) to understand requirements and develop Design Validation Plans & Reports (DVP&Rs), covering durability, environmental, functional safety, and regulatory factors
• Lead small technical workstreams or teams and take ownership for delivering solutions that meet functional, performance, cost, and quality targets
• Drive verification and validation activities at component and vehicle level; review test results to confirm solutions are fit for purpose
• Engage with manufacturing and supplier partners to optimise designs for manufacturability and robustness
• Manage the release of electrical design packages using internal processes and documentation standards
• Support aftersales and service teams through issue triage, root cause analysis, and corrective action activities
• Clearly document design intent, changes, and issues, and communicate effectively across distributed teams
• Carry out hands-on build activities, including prototype harnesses and electrical sub-systems
• Support and develop entry-level and junior engineers within the electrical discipline

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Typically 5–7 years’ experience in electrical product development and design within industrial vehicles, automation, off-highway equipment, or a closely related sector
• Ability to use electrical fault-finding and diagnostic tools (e.g., DVMs, oscilloscopes, data loggers)
• Good working knowledge of vehicle or industrial communication networks (e.g., CANbus with SAE J1939 or CANopen)
• Experience using electrical CAD tools for harness design, schematics, and drawings
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., EU Machinery, EMC, Low Voltage) and applicable electrical safety standards (ISO, IEC, EN)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated problem-solving capability and ability to work effectively in collaborative and ambiguous development environments
• Familiarity with design review and risk assessment tools (e.g., FMEA)

Desirable Qualifications

• Exposure to robotics, autonomous systems, mobile machinery, or industrial automation
• Experience with sensors and actuators used in robotic systems (e.g., cameras, LiDAR, encoders, motors, servos, safety devices)
• Experience with high-voltage and low-voltage electrical architectures on industrial or automotive platforms
• Understanding of EMC design principles and mitigation techniques
• Experience with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, or comparable CAD/PDM tools
• Experience working with suppliers and manufacturing teams, including DFM/DFA considerations and cost awareness