At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI and computer vision for cutting-edge autonomous aerial systems.
- Company: Exciting stealth AI robotics startup with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Significant equity, competitive salary, flexible time off, and a UK pension scheme.
- Other info: High autonomy and direct impact in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a founding team and shape the future of AI in aviation.
- Qualifications: Deep experience in computer vision, machine learning, and sensor fusion.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 140000 £ per year.
We are a well-funded stealth-stage AI robotics startup building advanced autonomous aerial systems. We are hiring a Founding Engineer (Chief of AI & Computer Vision) to lead the perception, sensor fusion, and AI intelligence layer of our autonomy stack — and to help embed cutting-edge AI systems across the company to dramatically accelerate engineering progress. This is a core founding role, working directly with the founder and shaping both the technical architecture and engineering culture from day one.
What you’ll be doing
- Perception, Detect & Avoid, Sensor Fusion
You will own the computer vision and perception stack for autonomous aerial systems, including:- Real-time detect-and-avoid perception systems
- Multi-sensor fusion (camera, IMU, and other onboard sensors)
- Robust perception pipelines for autonomous flight
- Foundational components of an AI-driven autonomy stack
- AI Systems as a Force Multiplier
You will also design and deploy internal AI systems that supercharge the team:- Build generative and agentic AI tools for engineering workflows
- Automate testing, analysis, and development processes
- Integrate frontier AI models into real operational systems
- Create leverage so a small team operates at extreme output efficiency
- System Context
Our aircraft is a complex autonomous robotic system, integrating:- Multiple sensors and embedded compute platforms
- Real-time control and perception loops
- Edge AI processing systems
- Safety-critical autonomy software
Where you’ll fit in
We are a small, high-velocity team that has already built early prototypes and secured significant non-dilutive funding. We are now expanding the founding engineering team to transition from prototype systems to scaled deployment. You will:
- Work onsite with the founder and core engineers
- Own AI and perception architecture end-to-end
- Influence product direction and technical roadmap
- Help define how modern AI is applied in real-world autonomy systems
What we’re looking for
Essential strengths
- Deep experience in computer vision, machine learning, or AI systems
- Strong understanding of sensor fusion and multi-modal perception
- Experience integrating vision systems into real-world robotics or hardware
- Ability to build and evaluate AI systems in production environments
- Strong problem-solving ability in fast-moving technical teams
- Genuine interest in frontier AI models and real-world deployment
- High ownership mindset and comfort with ambiguity
Desirable
- Experience with UAV systems, drones, or robotics autonomy stacks
- Familiarity with flight controllers or open-source autonomy frameworks
- Experience deploying ML/AI systems on edge hardware
- Robotics, embedded, or real-time systems exposure
What you’ll get
- Significant equity as a founding team member
- Direct impact as one of the first core hires
- Competitive salary (initial stipend + post-funding uplift)
- High autonomy and full technical ownership
- Flexible time off policy
- Standard UK pension scheme
Why this role is different
This is not a standard AI engineering role. You will be:
- Building perception systems that directly influence autonomous flight
- Designing AI systems that amplify the entire organisation
- Working at the intersection of AI, robotics, and autonomy
- Helping build a deep-tech company from the ground up
Application
Submit your CV or profile to begin the process. The client can pay upwards of £100,000 to £140,000+ per year and also offer significant equity.
Director Data in Amesbury employer: X4 Technology
Join a pioneering AI robotics startup in the South of England, where you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of autonomous aerial systems. As a founding engineer, you'll enjoy significant equity, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to work closely with the founder and a dynamic team, fostering a culture of innovation and high ownership. With flexible time off and a focus on employee growth, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a cutting-edge field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Data in Amesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the AI and robotics space, especially those connected to startups. Attend meetups or online webinars to get your name out there and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects in computer vision and AI systems. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and passion, so make sure it’s easily accessible when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨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 needs, especially in perception and sensor fusion. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Data in Amesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your experience in computer vision, AI systems, and sensor fusion. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of building advanced autonomous aerial systems.
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific projects that demonstrate your expertise in robotics and AI. If you've worked on real-world applications or prototypes, let us know! This is your chance to shine and show us what you can bring to the table.
Be Authentic:We love genuine passion for AI and robotics. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share your interests and what excites you about working in a stealth-stage startup like ours!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our founding team.
How to prepare for a job interview at X4 Technology
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in computer vision, sensor fusion, and AI systems. Brush up on your knowledge of real-time perception systems and how they integrate into autonomous aerial systems. Being able to discuss specific projects or experiences will show your depth of understanding.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss past challenges you've faced in fast-paced technical environments. Think of examples where you had to innovate or adapt quickly, especially in robotics or AI. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic startup atmosphere.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the startup's mission and the role of AI in their products. Be ready to share your thoughts on how modern AI can be applied in real-world autonomy systems. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their vision.
✨Emphasise Your Ownership Mindset
In a founding role, ownership is key. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve taken initiative in previous roles and how you plan to take ownership of the AI and perception architecture. Highlight your comfort with ambiguity and your proactive approach to problem-solving.
