Principal Software Engineer - Autonomy | Careers | Kraken Technology
About this role
Full Time Principal Software Engineer - Autonomy Department Software / Engineering / Autonomy Reports to Autonomy and Control Director Location Fareham, Hampshire Hours Full time, 40 hours per week Apply now About the role We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer – Autonomy to lead the development of advanced autonomous capabilities across our fleet of Kraken autonomous vehicles. This is a senior, hands-on technical role at the heart of cutting‑edge R&D, covering vessel guidance, mission frameworks, autonomous behaviours, obstacle avoidance, and the application of modern AI techniques. You’ll work across the full lifecycle — from experimental research and prototyping through to mission‑critical, production deployments. You’ll also play a key role in shaping technical direction, mentoring engineers, and collaborating across perception, navigation, and hardware teams. What you'll be doing Leading the design and development of high‑level autonomous behaviours for unmanned vehicles Designing and optimising algorithms for: Obstacle avoidance Path planning Mission‑level autonomy Developing robust autonomy software using C++ and Python Working extensively with ROS2, DDS, and embedded Linux systems Collaborating with cross‑functional engineering teams to integrate autonomy solutions Conducting rigorous testing and validation in simulated and real‑world environments Balancing R&D experimentation with production‑ready deployments Providing technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineers What we're looking for Extensive experience with C++ and Python, particularly in software architecture and algorithm development Strong understanding of autonomous systems, including: Motion planning State estimation Behaviour‑based control Solid experience working with Linux, including system‑level debugging and performance tuning Knowledge of real‑time systems, distributed computing, and middleware frameworks Background delivering software in both R&D and production environments Excellent problem‑solving skills with a passion for innovation Strong communication skills, able to explain complex technical concepts clearly Desirable experience Proven experience with ROS or ROS2 and/or DDS‑based systems Sensor fusion experience (LIDAR, RADAR, cameras, IMUs) Knowledge of deep‑learning‑based perception systems Experience using simulation tools such as Gazebo, CARLA, or Unreal Engine Familiarity with embedded or real‑time systems Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, or cloud‑based robotics Knowledge of PX4 and MAVLink flight control systems Background in defence, aerospace, or maritime autonomy How you'll work Takes ownership and delivers work to a high standard Communicates clearly and works collaboratively Manages priorities effectively in a fast‑moving R&D environment Approaches problems pragmatically and proactively Maintains professionalism in all internal and external interactions Why join us? Work on real‑world autonomous systems at the cutting edge of technology Influence the technical direction of autonomy across multiple platforms Balance advanced R&D with tangible, deployed systems Collaborate with highly skilled engineers across multiple disciplines 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 3x salary, subject to eligibility 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.
What this role is, and what else it is called
Employers in the UK advertise this kind of work as Web Developer, Software Engineer, Software Developer and PHP Web Developer too, so it is worth searching more than one wording. It is a lead or principal Software Engineering role in the UK, advertised without a stated working pattern, which is worth asking about.
About hiring at Krakentechnology
Krakentechnology has 11 other live technology roles on its careers page, across Cloud & IT Infrastructure, Embedded Software & Firmware and Networks & Telecommunications. Of those, 8% are advertised as fully remote and 0% as hybrid. We have been observing Krakentechnology hiring technology staff since June 2026. See all Krakentechnology roles, salaries and stack.
How this role compares to the market
1,968 live UK roles list Python right now, from 583 employers. The median advertised salary is £80,000; 30% are advertised as remote. Browse Python roles.
554 live UK roles list C++ right now, from 149 employers. The median advertised salary is £55,000; 48% are advertised as remote. Browse C++ roles.
Lead and principal roles make up 1,636 of the live UK IT market and advertise a median of £80,000.
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Technologies mentioned
Detected on Krakentechnology's careers page. ProdReady Recruitment lists this vacancy as an aggregator and is not the employer; applications go to the employer's own site.