Guidance Engineer (all genders)
WFA Digital Insight
Guidance engineering at stark sits at the intersection of maritime autonomy and cutting‑edge navigation science. Reporting to the Head of Control, the engineer will own the creation of GNSS‑denied algorithms that let unmanned surface vessels and aerial drones find their way when satellite signals are jammed or unavailable. What sets this role apart is the hands‑on work with ROS 2, MAVLink integration and the NVIDIA Jetson ecosystem—all within a fast‑moving start‑up culture that expects rapid prototyping and rigorous testing. Candidates should be comfortable bridging theory and production code, documenting every step for a team that values reproducibility as much as innovation. The Devon‑based security clearance requirement adds a layer of responsibility that few remote tech jobs demand.
Job Description
About Us
STARK is bringing its expertise in software-defined unmanned systems to the maritime domain. Traditional fleets alone cannot safeguard this vast, critical space. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) extend naval reach at lower cost and reduced risk to personnel.
Our maritime family of systems is AI-enabled and built for reliable performance in the harshest seas, delivering NATO a fully integrated hardware–software capability for scalable ISR and strike operations.
Your mission
Reporting directly to the Head of the Control team, the Guidance Engineer role will spearhead the development of GNSS denied navigation and terminal guidance for autonomous drones using best-practices and know-hows.Responsibilities
- Designing and testing control and navigation algorithms
- Programming different control algorithms using C++ and ROS 2 framework, with Test driven development
- Integrating all ROS2 packages into one autonomous system that works with MAVLink protocol to control autopilot
- Deployment into NVIDIA Jetson ecosystem
- Writing/preparing documentation for algorithms, testing and systems
- Support the team on the upcoming challenges
- Apply problem solving skills to reach team goals in fast past start-up environment
Qualifications
- Bachelor´s or Master´s degree in Robotics, computer sicence, software engineering, or similar relevant areas of expertise
- 3 - 6 years of relevant experience in similar roles
- Excellent use of C/C++
- Experience in Embedded Systems
- Prior experience programming ROS2
- Experience working with MAVLink protocols
- Experience with any sort of Autopilots (Ardupilot / Px4) will be considered a plus
- Experience with NVIDIA Jetson
- Applicants MUST eligible for UK Security Clearance and willing to be in Devon 2-3 days per week
How to Stand Out
- Showcase a portfolio that includes ROS 2 projects or open‑source contributions, highlighting test coverage and documentation.
- Prepare to discuss how you would handle navigation when GNSS signals are unavailable; concrete algorithmic ideas impress interviewers.
- Demonstrate familiarity with MAVLink by walking through a sample message exchange during the technical interview.
- Emphasise any experience with NVIDIA Jetson or other edge AI hardware; hands‑on deployment knowledge sets you apart.
- Verify your eligibility for UK security clearance early; be ready to provide required background information.
- When negotiating, factor in the equity component and remote‑work stipend alongside base salary.
- Watch for vague promises about travel; confirm the expected on‑site days in Devon before accepting an offer.
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