Job Description

We're looking for a hands-on

Principal Software Engineer

to lead the development of the Ground Control Station (GCS) software that operators use to remotely command and monitor our autonomous vehicles--often well beyond visual line-of-sight.

This isn't just another UI job. It's about building software that lets people make critical decisions in complex environments without being overloaded. Your work will help operators see clearly, act quickly, and stay in control--even when missions get intense.

You'll be our go-to person for crafting intuitive, rock-solid interfaces in C++, Qt/QML, and JavaScript. You'll shape user experiences through real-world operator feedback, run UI experiments with our in-house operations team, and turn early prototypes into fully deployed production systems.

What you'll be doing:

Leading the design and development of our user-facing GCS software Building beautiful, intuitive interfaces using C++, Qt, QML, and JavaScript Talking to operators, understanding real-world needs, and shaping the UI accordingly Storyboarding, prototyping, and running UX experiments with users and stakeholders Making sure our code is robust, testable, and performance-optimised Working closely with autonomy and hardware teams to integrate systems smoothly Keeping the codebase tidy, readable, and easy to maintain Supporting and mentoring other developers in the team

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

Serious experience with C++, Qt, QML, and a bit of JavaScript A good eye for UI/UX design, especially in systems where clarity and speed matter Confidence designing software from scratch and taking it all the way to deployment A strong grasp of software testing (unit, integration, and acceptance) Experience with UI testing, usability testing, or automated tools like Squish Strong communication skills--you're just as comfortable at a whiteboard as you are in a code editor The ability to juggle R&D, prototyping, and production work like a pro

Bonus points if you also have:

Experience with UX tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD Worked on robotics, defence, or remote-control systems Familiarity with nautical software, maritime charts, or survey tools Some web chops--HTML/CSS, WebSockets Knowledge of ROS2 or MAVLink Exposure to cloud platforms, containerisation, or CI/CD pipelines

Why join us?

This is your chance to shape mission-critical software that directly supports real-world operations. You'll get to build interfaces that matter, solve problems that are genuinely hard, and work alongside a passionate team of engineers, autonomy experts, and operators.

We work flexibly, value hands-on collaboration, and believe in building software that's as strong as it is simple to use.

Interested?

Even if you're not 100% sure you tick every box, we're more interested in your approach, your thinking and your ability to build great software that people trust in high-stakes situations.

Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.

Important to know

Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company pension Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Private medical insurance Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

This role will require security clearance, please do not apply unless you can evidence five years' UK residency. Do you have significant experience with C++, Qt and QML and JavaScript? Please provide details. Do you have experience with UI/UX design? Please provide details. Are you confident designing software from start to completion? Please provide details. Do you have any experience within maritime autonomy? Please provide details. Please provide details of your salary expectations.
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 11/07/2025