At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop perception systems for autonomous underwater vehicles using cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join an innovative startup revolutionising underwater exploration and security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with exciting challenges and career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of underwater autonomy and technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in robotics perception, strong Python and C++ skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Perception Engineer
About Vatn Systems
Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting‑edge technology and unparalleled engineering.
Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy.
The Role
As a Perception Engineer, you'll develop and improve the perception stack that powers our self‑driving vehicles.
Working hands‑on with sonar and image data, you'll help build robust pipelines for detecting and tracking.
You'll work closely with the autonomy team to integrate perception capabilities into bespoke behaviors, unlocking novel capabilities.
What You'll Do
- Implement and maintain real‑time perception pipelines on autonomous vehicle platforms.
- Develop algorithms for obstacle detection, classification, and multi‑object tracking.
- Write and maintain ROS 2 nodes and packages for on‑vehicle perception software.
- Utilize Python and C++ to develop and implement algorithms for obstacle detection, classification, and multi‑object tracking.
- Participate in on‑site vehicle testing and debugging of real‑world perception failures.
- Collaborate with localization, prediction, and planning teams to ensure clean perception interfaces.
What We're Looking For
- Required
- 3–5 years of experience in robotics perception, computer vision, or autonomous systems.
- Strong
Python skills for prototyping, scripting, and ML workflows.
- Solid
ROS / ROS 2 experience, experience with commercial grade robotic systems.
- Proficient in
C++ for real‑time, production‑grade robotics software.
- Experience with 3D sensor data — Li DAR point clouds, depth estimation, or multi‑sensor fusion. Marine sensor experience is a big plus!
- Working knowledge of deep learning frameworks (Py Torch preferred) for detection or segmentation tasks.
- Working knowledge of classical data‑driven perception techniques.
- Understanding of 3D geometry, sensor calibration, and coordinate frame transformations.
- Willingness to work on‑site and participate in physical vehicle test sessions.
- US Citizen and ability to gain a security clearance.
- Preferred
- Exposure to
Rust for systems programming or robotics tooling.
- Familiarity with AV‑specific perception challenges: moving object tracking, occlusion handling, sensor degradation in adverse weather, GPS‑denied localization.
- Knowledge of Tensor RT or other inference optimization tools for real‑time deployment.
- Understanding of AV safety standards or safety‑critical software development practices.
- Nice to Have
- Prior experience at a startup and/or defense company.
- Experience deploying perception models on embedded automotive hardware (Drive AGX, Jetson, etc.)
Vatn is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially having you join our team in shaping the future of autonomous underwater vehicles.
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Perception Engineer in Bristol employer: Vatn Systems
Vatn Systems is an exceptional employer for Embedded Firmware Engineers, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment in Bristol, RI. As a startup at the cutting edge of autonomous underwater vehicle technology, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters creativity and hands-on problem-solving, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving field. With a focus on impactful projects and a commitment to employee well-being, Vatn Systems provides a unique chance to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in underwater exploration and security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Perception Engineer in Bristol
✨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 Vatn Systems 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 Vatn Systems, 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 Vatn Systems.
✨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 Vatn Systems, which might have the full-time role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Perception Engineer in Bristol
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 Vatn Systems’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 Vatn Systems
✨Showcase Your Technical Wizardry
For a role in robotics and automation at Vatn Systems, 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 Vatn Systems. 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.
