Autonomy Solution Architect - Outside IR35

Our client is seeking an experienced Autonomy Solution Architect for a senior contract role within the defence and security sector. Based in the UK with hybrid working, this opportunity involves taking ownership of the end-to-end technical solution for an advanced autonomy platform, supporting the development and deployment of autonomous and uncrewed systems from concept through to operational service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and develop the architecture for an advanced autonomy platform, including onboard systems, mission management, communications, simulation environments and remote operational capabilities.
• Define system interfaces, APIs, data models, telemetry architectures and non-functional performance requirements.
• Translate customer requirements, operational needs and product priorities into technical roadmaps and deliverable capability increments.
• Lead architectural decisions across software, autonomy, communications, safety and cyber security domains.
• Develop concepts of operation, Operational Design Domain assumptions and technical solution options.
• Define and govern virtual integration, simulation and testing environments, including Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop activities.
• Lead verification, validation, integration, commissioning, trials and operational deployment activities, ensuring traceability from requirements through to testing and release recommendations.
• Manage technical integration with suppliers, partners and third-party technologies while mentoring engineers and strengthening systems engineering capability.

Essential Requirements:

• Significant experience architecting and delivering autonomy, robotics, maritime, aerospace, automotive or other safety-critical systems within the defence and security sector.
• Strong systems engineering and systems architecture expertise, with the ability to translate stakeholder and operational requirements into robust technical solutions.
• Experience defining modular architectures, interfaces, APIs and software integration strategies across sensors, networks, compute platforms and physical systems.
• Practical experience with simulation, Software-in-the-Loop, Hardware-in-the-Loop, testing, field trials, safety engineering, assurance activities and configuration control.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and influence stakeholders across software, systems engineering, autonomy, communications, operations and cyber security.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Degree qualified or able to demonstrate equivalent experience in Systems Engineering, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Control Engineering or a related discipline.
• Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance and willingness to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience with autonomous maritime systems, uncrewed vehicles or defence autonomy programmes.
• Knowledge of maritime navigation and COLREG-compliant autonomous behaviours.
• Experience with ROS 2, DDS or comparable robotics frameworks.
• Familiarity with radar, EO/IR, AIS, GNSS, LiDAR, sonar and sensor fusion technologies.
• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering, SysML and digital engineering practices.
• Experience with C++, Python and modern software development methodologies.
• Understanding of functional safety, cyber security and defence assurance frameworks.
• Chartered Engineer status, INCOSE certification, equivalent professional accreditation or existing UK Security Clearance.