Robotic Systems Engineer

Overview

Role: Robotics Systems Engineer - The National Robotarium

Grade: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389 per annum

Contract Type: Full Time, 18 Months FTC, 35hrs per week

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff.

Purpose of Role

Working within the National Robotarium Engineering team, we are seeking to appoint a highly capable, flexible and driven Robotics Systems Engineer to lead and execute projects with industry and research partners.

The projects will include robotic system design, development, and test in the main. However, opportunity will also exist to be involved with projects related to National Robotarium facilities, assisting startups and small businesses and outreach and public engagement programs.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder is required to:

• Gather user requirements and build robotic/AI solutions.
• Clearly articulate potential solutions and explain the relative merits.
• Involvement in the development of proposals for new projects
• Development of Robotic and AI solutions on time and to cost budgets
• Work within multi-disciplinary teams, sometimes more than one team at a time
• Share technical findings with the engineering team as needed
• Work with project managers on projects and monitor and report progress
• Represent the National Robotarium within various forums
• Involvement in customer visits and demonstrations
• Involvement in schools outreach programs
• Collaborate with other Research Associates and Ph.D. students working on related projects

About Us

The National Robotarium is recruiting a Robotics Systems Engineer to deliver the vision of the National Robotarium to become globally recognised as significant in Robotics and AI. This is an opportunity to get involved at the very start of an incredibly exciting journey to help the development and the adoption of AI enabled Robotics into the economy and into society. Be involved in finding and developing solutions for health and social care, for renewable energy, for future travel, for medical needs and for today's business needs. Work with partners from many sectors, industrial, health, hospitality, and renewables to create AI and Robotic solutions to real world problems. Develop your skills and knowledge in a dynamic and energetic environment.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• MSc/PhD in Robotics or Engineering
• Experience working on Robotics integration for integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components
• Experience in testing and validation as well as troubleshooting and maintenance of robotic systems
• Experience of working in robotics with

1. C/C++ or Python
2. ROS 1 or 2 or similar middleware
3. Linux systems, toolchains and version control

• Strong background in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering

• Ability to

1. work independently, and in a team
2. research, analyse and present complex information effectively with good attention to detail
3. quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment

Experience of working in collaborative projects

Excellent written and oral presentation skills

Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively

Good knowledge and understanding of relevant legal, statutory and governance applications and turning them into good practice

Desirable

Experience of working

1. Docker or similar containerisation toolchains
2. with low-level robot control, e.g. PID tuning
3. on marine robotics such as ROVs

• Public speaking, STEM outreach or community leadership

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday 29th September 2025.

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system: Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; Full CV

Heriot-Watt University is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers. Use our total rewards calculator to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.