Principal Embedded Software​/Systems Architect

Overview

£100,000 – £150,000 + Benefits | Glasgow or London | Hybrid

A scaling deep‑tech organisation at the intersection of AI, robotics, and advanced automation is searching for a Principal Robotics Architect to lead one of the most significant technical transformations in its history.

In this role, you will define and own the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) that enables complex robotic platforms to operate safely, reliably, and consistently across multiple generations of hardware. You will act as the bridge between hardware, embedded engineering, distributed systems, and cloud‑level orchestration - shaping how an entire fleet of intelligent robotic systems communicates, evolves, and scales.

• Architecting a clean, contract‑first HAL that separates cloud intent from edge‑level execution.
• Leading system‑wide safety, digital‑twin, and simulation capabilities.
• Modernising embedded and firmware practices (OTA, HIL, secure delivery).
• Collaborating closely with hardware, software, and scientific teams to define long‑term technical strategy.
• Acting as a senior technical leader, raising engineering standards across reliability, safety, and architecture.

• 8+ years of C/C++ in robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, automotive, or similar safety‑critical domains.
• Experience with robotics middleware (ROS2, DDS).
• Strong distributed systems knowledge (Python, REST, Graph
  
  QL, gRPC, protobuf, Docker, Ansible, NATS/Kafka/Rabbit
  
  MQ).
• Ability to make sound architectural trade‑offs in performance, safety, and scalability.
• Excellent cross‑disciplinary communication and leadership skills.

• High impact: Architect the foundations of a next‑generation robotics platform used globally.
• Autonomy: Shape technical strategy with direct influence at the highest levels.
• Cutting‑edge environment: Work with world‑class robotics, AI, and automation systems.