Software Engineer - Autonomous Vehicles - Security Clearance

Exciting Opportunity: Software Engineer – Marine Robotics (Perm/Fix Term)

Organization Overview
iO Associates is partnered with a leading innovator in maritime and autonomous systems, delivering advanced solutions that enhance safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency across various sectors including defence, oil and gas, research, and renewable energy. Known for their cutting-edge AI-driven platforms and unmanned marine vehicles, they are committed to pushing the boundaries of marine autonomy and robotics. Recognised for their inclusive culture, focus on innovation, and growth-orientated environment, they offer a collaborative workspace where engineers can truly make an impact.

Role Summary
This is a hands-on role at the intersection of robotics, networking, and autonomy, where you’ll own key components across the stack-from embedded and real-time systems to higher-level autonomy and integration. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver mission-critical capabilities used in challenging, field-driven environments.

Responsibilities

• Build robust software for vehicle control, navigation, and communications
• Develop across embedded, real-time, and application layers
• Integrate software with hardware systems (sensors, comms, vehicle platforms)
• Work with sensor data (cameras, radar, sonar, GPS, satellite, cellular) to enable:
  • Perception and autonomy
  • Obstacle detection & avoidance
• Contribute to autonomy and multi-vehicle coordination (surface, subsea, aerial)
• Develop simulation tools for testing in dynamic ocean environments
• Debug complex issues across software, networking, and hardware
• Support field testing and sea trials

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong experience with C/C++ (especially embedded or real-time systems)
• Solid background in Linux/UNIX environments
• Experience with networking & communications (TCP/UDP, CAN, RF, LTE, satellite, etc.)
• Familiarity with build systems & tools (CMake, Git, gcc/clang)
• Strong debugging skills across integrated systems
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams

Desirable Skills & Experience

• • Embedded systems / microcontrollers
  • Robotics, autonomy, or marine systems
  • ROS (v1 or v2)
  • Sensor processing or computer vision
  • NVIDIA platforms (Jetson, CUDA, TensorRT)
  • Network debugging tools (Wireshark, tcpdump)
  • Autonomous navigation / path planning

Why This Role?

• Work on real-world autonomous systems, not just simulations
• Direct impact on mission-critical maritime operations
• Blend of software, robotics, and field deployment
• Opportunity to help shape the future of marine autonomy