Software Engineer – (USV/ASV)

Are you interested in building real-world autonomy systems that operate in some of the most challenging environments on the planet?

I’m working with a venture-backed maritime defence startup developing next-generation autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) designed to protect critical infrastructure and redefine naval capability.

This is a hands-on autonomy role, focused on building and deploying path planning and decision-making systems directly onto operational USVs.

What you’ll be doing:

• Designing and implementing advanced path planning algorithms (graph-based, APF, etc.)

• Working with edge compute systems to enable real-time decision making in constrained environments

• Building robust deployment pipelines for software running on live vehicles

• Integrating data from multi-sensor systems to drive autonomy and navigation

• Testing and refining algorithms in simulation and real maritime environments

What they’re looking for:

• Strong experience with path planning / navigation algorithms

• Hands-on experience with Linux (ideally embedded / Yocto environments)

• Experience working with sensor integration and real-world robotics systems

• Strong programming skills (C++, Python)

• Someone comfortable operating in a fast-moving, engineering-led environment

Nice to have:

• NVIDIA Holoscan / real-time compute exposure

• Maritime, USV, or robotics experience

• Experience deploying software to edge / embedded systems

Why this role?

• Small team, high ownership and real impact

• Work on physical autonomous systems, not just simulations

• See your work deployed in real-world maritime operations

• Be part of a company aiming to fundamentally change naval capability

Please reach out to callum.stephens@darwinrecruitment.com to find out more.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Callum Stephens