UK - AI Control Systems Engineer (Autonomous Systems)

Job Title

AI Control Systems Engineer (Autonomous Systems)

Location

UK - Bristol (Hybrid)

Type

Full Time Employment

Help us make a difference

In 2005, MARSS began life as a simple concept for an autonomous vessel docking system. Since then the company has expanded rapidly, evolving into a highly successful and diverse global tech solution provider protecting millions of lives, critical infrastructure, military and civil assets throughout the world.

At the heart of all MARSS systems is NiDAR Core - our IoT platform fusing hybrid intelligence and best of breed sensors to provide 360 situational awareness and surveillance, strengthening defense, security and safety.

MARSSians take pride in developing innovative solutions to protect against emerging threats, and working closely with our customers to solve their specific problems without compromising on quality.

MARSS is committed to making a difference - creating efficient and intuitive solutions which make the world a safer, more intelligent place to live.

Headquartered in Monaco and with offices in London, Bristol and Riyadh, MARSS is rapidly expanding worldwide. In order to sustain this continuous growth, we are looking to attract key contributors who can make an impact on the success of the company.

We strive to create an environment and culture that encourages creativity, continuous learning, and individual responsibility to solve problems, add value and achieve professional growth.

With years of successful operations and a solid order book to secure the future, MARSSians benefit from a unique working environment which combines the flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit found in smaller start-ups with the support, security and professional growth opportunities of an expanding global organisation.

Position

Our innovative Interceptor product is an AI-powered autonomous interceptor drone - designed to detect, track, and neutralise fast-moving threats in complex, contested environments.

We are looking for an exceptional Guidance/Control Engineer with expertise in AI/ML applied to control and autonomy. This role offers the opportunity to shape the next generation of autonomous defence platforms, developing advanced autonomous solutions that operate reliably and safely in real-world, safety-critical scenarios.

Main Responsibilities

• Algorithm Development: Design and implement advanced Guidance and Control algorithms for highly manoeuvrable autonomous systems.
• AI/ML for Control: Apply reinforcement learning, adaptive neural control, and hybrid AI-classical methods to enhance control performance, robustness, and decision-making under uncertainty.
• Behavioural Logic: Develop mission logic, tactical decision-making, and targeting sequences using Behaviour Trees and AI-driven decision frameworks.
• Prototyping & Simulation: Rapidly prototype, simulate, and validate algorithms using Python (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, PyTorch/TensorFlow for ML), as well as MATLAB/Simulink where appropriate. System Integration: Integrate, test, and deploy GNC software on hardware-in-the-loop testbeds and flight hardware running the PX4 autopilot stack. Performance Analysis: Analyse simulation and flight-test data to refine algorithm performance, ensuring robustness, adaptability, and reliability in dynamic environments. Collaboration: Work closely with systems engineers, software developers, and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration and mission-level effectiveness.

Requirements

• MSc/PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Control Systems, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience applying AI/ML techniques to control problems (e.g. reinforcement learning, adaptive control, learning-based MPC).
• Strong knowledge of classical control theory, especially for high-performance manoeuvring (nonlinear, optimal, or adaptive control).
• Hands on experience deploying ML-based control algorithms on robotic or aerospace platforms.
• Experience with skid-to-turn and roll-to-turn control or similar high-dynamic manoeuvre algorithms.
• Proficiency in Python (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib) and C++ for algorithm prototyping and deployment.
• Experience with sensor fusion / state estimation (EKF, UKF, particle filters, SLAM).
• Hands on experience with simulation, SIL/HIL environments, and real-time embedded systems.
• Familiarity with the PX4 autopilot stack or equivalent flight software.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior work on autonomous UAVs, interceptors, missile guidance systems or robotics platforms.
• Knowledge of Behaviour Trees or other AI-based decision-making frameworks.
• Experience with reinforcement learning frameworks (PyTorch RL, Stable Baselines, RLlib).
• Understanding of safe learning, uncertainty quantification, or verification methods for AI-driven control.
• Familiarity with aerospace safety standards (DO-178C, ARP4754A) or equivalent safety-critical domains.
• Contributions to research, patents, or open-source projects in AI/ML for control or autonomy.

Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance.