At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI and computer vision for cutting-edge autonomous aerial systems.
- Company: Exciting stealth AI aviation startup with a dynamic founding team.
- Benefits: Significant equity, competitive salary, flexible time off, and a UK pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a high-velocity team and influence the technical roadmap.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in robotics and make a real impact from day one.
- 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
AI is not an add-on — it is a core architectural layer across the entire system.
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 Project Development 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 Project Development in Amesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the AI and robotics space, especially those who are already in startups. Attend meetups or online webinars to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can give you insider tips on landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your projects in computer vision and AI systems. Use platforms like GitHub to share your code and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. This will make you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of sensor fusion and multi-modal perception. Practice coding challenges and system design questions that relate to autonomous systems. We want to see how you think and solve problems in real-time!
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your vision! When you get the chance to chat with us, share your thoughts on how AI can revolutionise the aviation industry. Show your passion for the field and how you can contribute to shaping the future of our startup.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Project Development in Amesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Founding Engineer. Highlight your experience in computer vision, AI systems, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in sensor fusion and robotics.
Showcase Your Passion:In your application, let us know why you're excited about working at a stealth AI aviation startup. Share your genuine interest in frontier AI models and how you envision applying them in real-world scenarios.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter or application, keep it straightforward. We want to see your problem-solving abilities and how you can contribute to our fast-moving team without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey 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 how you've tackled complex challenges in fast-paced environments. Think of examples where you’ve had to innovate or adapt quickly, especially in robotics or AI contexts. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a high-velocity team.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the startup's mission and values. Be ready to articulate how your skills align with their goals, particularly in building advanced autonomous systems. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company’s direction. Ask about their approach to integrating AI into their systems or how they envision the future of autonomy in aviation. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their vision.
