Principal Software Engineer - C++ Robotics System
New Today
Principal Robotics / C++ Software Engineer
London (Hybrid)
Define how a complex, real‑world system scales — technically and organisationally.
At sees.ai, we’ve built a system that enables unmanned aerial systems to carry out inspections of critical national infrastructure, making these missions repeatable, scalable, and commercially viable for asset owners. This is not a prototype or a simulation. It’s a complex, integrated system already deployed and working in the field, solving real operational problems.
Now, following a major contract with National Grid and recent investment, we’re entering the next phase: scaling that system into a robust, production platform and building the engineering organisation around it. We’re looking for a Principal Robotics / C++ Software Engineer to lead that transition.
The Role
This role goes beyond a typical senior engineering position. You’ll be responsible for shaping the long‑term technical direction of the entire software stack, while staying close enough to the system to ensure decisions hold up in the real world.
You’ll work across:
Flight and mission systems
Operator interfaces and 3D environments
Connectivity and distributed systems
Simulation, testing, and data pipelines
Your primary impact will be in:
Defining architecture and technical strategy
Driving engineering standards and system evolution
Ensuring the platform scales in a way that supports repeatable, reliable operations
Enabling the team to grow and deliver effectively as complexity increases
This is a role for someone who wants to take responsibility for how systems move from working solution to scalable, production platform.
What You’ll Be Doing
Driving the technical vision and architecture of the full software stack
Making key design decisions as the system scales from deployed solution to production platform
Contributing hands‑on where needed, particularly in complex or high‑impact areas
Leading technical discussions and setting engineering standards
Mentoring engineers and helping grow a high‑performing team
Working closely with integration, operations, and product to align technical direction with real‑world needs
Shaping development processes, tooling, testing, and system reliability
Playing a central role in team expansion and capability building
What You’ll Bring
Deep experience in modern C++ in production systems
Proven track record of designing and scaling complex, real‑world software systems
Strong architectural thinking across large, interconnected systems
Ability to balance technical depth with pragmatic decision‑making
Experience influencing and guiding engineering teams
Confidence operating in environments where systems are evolving and priorities shift
Nice to Have
Experience in robotics, control systems, or real‑world system integration
Strong Linux and Python experience
Experience deploying machine learning models
Experience with distributed systems, networking, or system connectivity
Experience building and scaling developer tooling, testing frameworks, or CI/CD systems
Experience mentoring or leading teams through growth
How You’ll Work
Thinks in systems, not components
Enjoys solving problems that exist in real‑world operational environments
Wants to shape both technology and the team building it
Is comfortable making decisions without perfect information
Balances long‑term vision with immediate delivery needs
Why Join sees.ai
Work on a system that is already deployed and operating in the field
Shape how that system evolves into a scalable, production platform
Play a central role in building a high‑performing engineering team
See the real‑world impact of your decisions quickly
Work on problems where software meets the physical world
About sees.ai
We’re building the operating system for large‑scale unmanned inspection operations, enabling systems to be deployed reliably in real‑world environments. Our technology is transforming how critical infrastructure is inspected — making it safer, more efficient, and scalable.
You’ll join at a pivotal stage, where a working system is being scaled into a robust platform, and where your work will directly shape how that happens.
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- Location:
- Greater London
- Job Type:
- FullTime