Senior Research Engineer

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Do you have a deep passion for the environment? Rovco/Vaarst is dedicated to making the world cleaner, greener, and safer. Join us and be part of a team that cares deeply about the natural world and is working towards a sustainable future through technology.

Location: Bristol, Hybrid - 2+ days per week in the office

Salary: Up to £95,000 per annum + benefits

About Rovco/Vaarst

Rovco & Vaarst's mission is to accelerate the energy transition to renewables with a focus on offshore wind. We're using artificial intelligence, autonomy, computer vision and marine robotics to create a difference in the world with underwater technology for our clients in offshore renewable energy and the subsea industry.

Founded in 2015 we've announced funding of more than £50 million, been voted one of the most innovative and sustainable companies working towards net zero and won awards for Best use of AI and Best technology innovation.

Latest Rovco/Vaarst updates

Discover your place in a hybrid team of 180+ people that's growing rapidly and celebrates diversity knowing that every perspective is a valuable part of our success and that empowers you to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance.

Senior Research Engineer

As a senior member of the research team, you should have a track record of delivering research projects that translate into product value.

This role focuses on contributing to and enhancing Rovco/Vaarst's research activities in perception, computer vision, and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). The goal is to develop advanced capabilities that empower marine robotic systems to address real-world challenges, such as the autonomous inspection of offshore wind farms.

The position requires substantial experience in at least one of the following areas: computer vision, SLAM, machine learning, or sensor fusion. Familiarity with machine vision hardware, 3D reconstruction, and marine-specific sensors (e.g., DVL, SONAR) is highly beneficial. Candidates should have a solid background in industrial research, with experience solving problems with incomplete requirements. The role emphasizes translating cutting-edge academic research into practical, deployable industrial applications, with a focus on quantitatively assessing their effectiveness.

We'll welcome your ideas & input and support your development, In addition, this is an incredible opportunity to help further the transition to renewable energy.

Objectives & Responsibilities:

Rovco/Vaarst is an exciting and dynamic environment meaning these are likely to change as we grow. Upon joining your objectives and responsibilities will include:

Playing a key role in proposing, evaluating, selecting, and delivering research projects. You will be expected to work autonomously, taking ownership of complex tasks and projects, and provide technical mentorship to less experienced colleagues. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including experts in robotics, data processing, and offshore survey, ensuring that research outcomes are successfully integrated into real-world applications.

Proficiency in C++ programming is essential, as it is crucial for the integration and deployment of research outcomes into operational systems. Experience with development tools such as git and docker under Linux is also required. Exposure to ROS is preferred. You will be involved in software testing, including regression and unit testing, to ensure high standards of software quality.

You should apply if you have:

We know it's tough, but please try to avoid the confidence gap. You don't have to match all the listed requirements exactly to be considered for this role:

• Experience in research activities in robotics, computer vision or sensor processing
• Developing software using modern C++
• Familiarity with Python or another scripting language
• Experience solving problems in a robotics context, e.g.

- Sensor Fusion

- Uncertainty Modelling

- 3D Data Processing

- Experience participating in field trials

• Good understanding of software engineering principles and best practices
• Experience of working with ROS, Linux, OpenCV, Docker

Grow together with Rovco/Vaarst where you will learn these skills or build on your expertise:

• Working in the maritime domain
• Experience in SONAR or DVL data processing
• Knowledge of mapping and navigation techniques such as SLAM
• Experience with invention disclosure for patent protection
• Machine learning, particularly when applied to non-standard image data
• Developing and fine-tuning machine learning models
• Using of the following libraries: PCL, Eigen, PyTorch, Numpy, GStreamer

Benefits

People join Rovco/Vaarst because they are excited by the possibility of leaving their own mark on the world and developing solutions that solve real world problems. Although we share the same vision, we value varied perspectives, and we adapt to fit different people from all walks of life. Not only does that make for a genuinely awesome team of colleagues, but it also makes day-to-day life more interesting, and it's how we keep evolving and getting better at what we do.

What's in it for you? You'll get to work with a passionate, smart and highly driven team with an incredible range of skills. Other benefits include:

• Flexible working options including compressed hours
• Hybrid working, up to 3 days from home
• 33 days annual leave increasing 2 days a year up to 43 days after 6 years
• Private medical insurance, including Dental & Optical
• Career and learning development through paid courses, conferences and events
• Curiosity fund - up to £500 to spend on learning which is not role related
• Up to 10% company bonus
• Pension up to 6% company contribution
• Life assurance paid at 4X salary
• Volunteering day, to give back to your local community
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Recognition & rewards for doing great work and living our values and behaviours

Join Rovco/Vaarst in our mission to make the world a cleaner, greener and safer place by deploying technology for good.

Interview Process

At Rovco/Vaarst, we've designed a straightforward interview process to ensure the best fit for both you and the company. We have adopted anonymised recruitment. This means that your name, date of birth and other personal details will not be seen by the hiring team.

• Application: Begin by submitting your application with your CV, highlighting your skills and experience relevant to the job. Answer key questions on elements that are important to the role.
• Talent Partner Interview: We will tell you more about the role, the team and Rovco/Vaarst's mission. This is a two-way conversation; we want to learn about your motivation, what you can bring to Rovco/Vaarst, and provide answers to your questions.
• Aptitude Test: Demonstrate your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and workplace personality through an aptitude test.
• Team Interview: Engage in a 1-hour interview with a few team members. Experience the role firsthand and share your skills and experience. We'll discuss our technologies, key skills, and team dynamics. As always, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
• Executive Conversation: Meet with an executive for a 30-minute discussion. This is your opportunity to express your thoughts on the role and ask any final questions. We'll clarify expectations and ensure this role aligns with your aspirations.
• Offer! If you are successful in the process, you'll receive an offer to join Rovco/Vaarst and become part of our team.

We value the diversity of our teams and are committed to supporting and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, knowing that every perspective is a valuable part of our success. Should you require any reasonable adjustment throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let a member of the Talent team know.

Join Rovco/Vaarst, pioneer technology for a sustainable world, apply now.