We're looking for an experienced Autonomy Solution Architect to own the end-to-end technical solution for our autonomy platform. This is a senior technical leadership role, offering the opportunity to influence the future of autonomous maritime systems from concept through to deployment and operational service.
What You'll Be Doing
- Owning and developing the architecture for Kraken's autonomy stack, including onboard systems, mission management, communications, simulation environments and Remote Operating Centres.
- Defining system interfaces, APIs, data models, telemetry architectures and non-functional performance requirements.
- Translating customer missions, operational needs and product priorities into technical roadmaps and deliverable capability increments.
- Leading architecture decisions across software, autonomy, communications, safety and cyber security domains.
- Developing concepts of operation, Operational Design Domain assumptions and technical solution options.
- Defining and governing virtual integration, simulation and testing environments.
- Leading verification and validation activities throughout the system lifecycle.
- Ensuring traceability from requirements through testing, defects and release recommendations.
- Managing technical integration with suppliers, partners and third-party technologies.
- Supporting integration, commissioning, sea trials and operational deployments.
- Providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers and raising systems engineering capability across the organisation.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Experience architecting and delivering autonomy, robotics, maritime, aerospace, automotive or other safety-critical systems.
- Strong systems engineering and systems architecture expertise.
- Proven experience translating stakeholder and operational requirements into technical solutions.
- Experience defining modular architectures, APIs, interfaces and software integration strategies.
- Practical experience integrating software, sensors, networks, compute platforms and physical systems.
- Experience with simulation, Software-in-the-Loop (SiL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL), testing and field trials.
- Understanding of safety engineering, assurance, evidence generation and configuration control.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and influence stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Degree qualified, or equivalent experience, in Systems Engineering, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Control Engineering or a related discipline.
- Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance.
- Willingness to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas.
Desirable
- Experience with autonomous marine systems or uncrewed vehicles.
- Knowledge of maritime navigation and COLREG-aware behaviours.
- Experience with ROS 2, DDS or similar robotics frameworks.
- Experience with radar, EO/IR, AIS, GNSS, lidar, sonar or sensor fusion technologies.
- Knowledge of MBSE, SysML and digital engineering approaches.
- Experience with C++, Python and modern software development practices.
- Understanding of functional safety, defence assurance or cyber security frameworks.
- Chartered Engineer status, INCOSE certification or similar professional accreditation.
- Existing UK Security Clearance.
Why Join Kraken?
- Lead the architecture of next-generation autonomous maritime systems.
- Work on innovative defence and maritime technology projects with real-world impact.
- Collaborate with experts across software, systems engineering, robotics and maritime operations.
- Influence product strategy, technical direction and future capability development.
- Enjoy genuine technical ownership and autonomy.
- Be part of a growing, ambitious technology company developing world-leading autonomous solutions.
What we provide
- 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
- After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annual leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
- Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
- Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
- Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
- Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
- Life assurance 3x salary
- Group Income Protection
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
- Professional membership reimbursement
Important to know
Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.
Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.
If you're passionate about autonomy, systems architecture and solving complex engineering challenges, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Have you been a resident of the UK for over 5 years?
- What is your salary expectation and notice period?
- Do you have experience architecting and delivering autonomy, robotics, maritime, aerospace, automotive or other safety-critical systems?
- Do you have experience with autonomous marine systems or uncrewed vehicles?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person