Morgan McKinley
Principal Autonomy Systems Architect
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Principal Autonomy Systems Architect
Location
United Kingdom (Hybrid / Flexible base with travel to coastal trial sites)
Position Type
Full-Time, Permanent
Security Clearance
Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)
Position Summary
Are you a lead systems authority ready to direct the technical vision for complex, software-defined uncrewed surface vessels?
We are seeking a Principal Autonomy Systems Architect to drive the complete system-level engineering for a state-of-the-art maritime autonomy ecosystem. In this high-visibility leadership capacity, you will serve as the technical authority across modular software architectures, remote command nodes, robust communication pipelines, and intelligent mission payloads.
This role bridges the gap between client operational demands and real-world execution. You will oversee the evolution of open, high-assurance autonomy platforms, translating high-level mission profiles into verifiable, safe, and resilient deployment packages that excel in harsh marine environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Architecture & Governance: Establish and maintain the multi-layered technical blueprint spanning embedded vessel services, onshore remote operations infrastructure, telemetry standards, and payload integration contracts.
- Safety & Control Logic: Formulate state-management protocols, fail-passive behaviors, remote-to-autonomous authority handoffs, and degraded operational modes to guarantee platform integrity.
- Roadmap & Requirements Execution: Deconstruct strategic technology roadmaps into structured delivery sprints, cross-system dependency matrices, and clear acceptance benchmarks.
- Verification & Testing Oversight: Design comprehensive validation strategies across virtual integration testbeds (SIL/HIL), automated test suites, and live sea trial campaigns.
- Interface Management: Author and control service contracts, APIs, data schemas, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across internal engineering groups and external supplier components.
- Technical Leadership & Vendor Management: Guide multidisciplinary engineering teams through formal design gates, set technical benchmarks for external vendors, and present strategic recommendations to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
- Field & Trial Engagement: Active involvement in platform commissioning, vessel integration, and on-water testing to resolve complex cross-domain defects.
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Candidate Profile
- Proven Systems Experience: Strong track record architecting complex cyber-physical solutions within autonomy, robotics, defense, aerospace, or automotive sectors.
- Systems Engineering Mastery: Extensive background taking broad operational concepts and producing detailed functional specifications, trade studies, and modular software boundaries.
- Validation & Simulation Proficiency: Direct exposure to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments, software-in-the-loop (SIL) test harnesses, and physical field testing.
- Assurance & Safety Alignment: Sound understanding of high-integrity system safety methodologies, risk mitigation techniques, and assurance frameworks.
- Academic Background: Degree qualification (or equivalent professional experience) in Systems Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Control Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Vetting & Mobility: Full UK driving licence, willingness to travel to integration facilities and trial sites, and eligibility to achieve UK Security Clearance.
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Desirable Attributes
- Background in marine robotics, surface/subsurface uncrewed platforms, or COLREG-compliant decision logic.
- Proficiency with robotics middleware (e.g., ROS 2, DDS) and core coding languages (C++, Python).
- Familiarity with maritime sensor suites (Radar, EO/IR, AIS, Sonar, Lidar, GNSS) and multi-sensor fusion systems.
- Experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) / SysML methodologies.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, INCOSE accreditation, or active UK Security Clearance.
Note: Due to security requirements associated with this work, applicants must hold a UK nationality and be eligible to undergo standard UK Government security vetting procedures.
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