Senior Robotics Software Engineer C++

London EC1V - Hybrid

Build software that powers unmanned systems already deployed in the real world.

At sees.ai, we’ve developed a system that is already being used to inspect critical national infrastructure — operating in live environments, not simulations.

Now, following a major contract with National Grid and recent investment, we’re scaling that system into a robust, production-ready platform.

We’re looking for a Senior C++ Software Engineer to help take a working system and evolve it into something reliable, scalable, and ready for wider deployment.

This is a systems-focused engineering role, not a narrow backend position.

You’ll work across the core software stack that powers our unmanned systems — contributing to everything from flight control and mission systems, through to simulation, connectivity, and operator interfaces.

You’ll be working on software that directly impacts how the system behaves in the field, with a short feedback loop between development and real-world use.

This is an environment where:

• Systems are already deployed and used in live operations
  

• Issues are visible, tangible, and worth solving
  

• Improvements can be tested and validated quickly
  

You’ll balance hands-on development and debugging with longer-term architectural thinking as the platform evolves.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing and maintaining features across the unmanned systems software stack
  

• Working on systems including:
  

• Flight and mission control
  

• Autonomy algorithms (e.g. path planning, obstacle avoidance)
  

• Pilot interfaces with 3D visualisation
  

• Connectivity between drone and control systems
  

• Simulation and testing environments
  

• Debugging and improving system behaviour based on real-world operational feedback
  

• Supporting testing and deployment alongside integration and operations teams
  

• Writing tests, documentation, and improving system reliability
  

• Contributing to architecture and technical direction as we scale
  

• Strong experience in modern C++ (production systems)
  

• Solid understanding of software design, architecture, and debugging complex systems
  

• Interest in or exposure to robotics / autonomous systems, such as:
  

• Control systems
  

• Sensor fusion
  

• Path planning
  

• Experience working in Linux environments
  

• A pragmatic mindset — able to balance speed, reliability, and real-world constraints
  

• Python (for tooling, testing, or analysis)
  

• Experience with simulation environments
  

• Networking or distributed systems knowledge
  

• Familiarity with CMake or similar build systems
  

• Experience with robotics, embedded systems, or real-world autonomous platforms
  

This role suits someone who:

• Enjoys working across the full system, not just one layer
  

• Wants to see their work used and tested in the real world
  

• Takes ownership of problems and follows them through to resolution
  

• Is comfortable with ambiguity and evolving systems
  

• Thrives in a collaborative, fast-moving team
  

• See your code deployed on operational systems within days
  

• Work on problems where software meets the physical world
  

• Be part of a high-performing, innovative and motivated team scaling a proven system into production
  

• Contribute to technology with visible impact on the world’s energy security
  

• sees.ai has a friendly, down-to-earth culture where people enjoy working together and take pride in what they build.
  

• Teams collaborate closely across engineering, operations and commercial roles, sharing ideas openly and supporting each other to solve complex problems.
  

• There is real excitement in working on cutting-edge autonomous technology, but it is balanced by a thoughtful, responsible approach.
  

We’re building the operating system for large-scale unmanned inspection operations — enabling systems to be controlled remotely and 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.