Job Title
Robotics Chief Software Engineer
Job Category
Engineering
Job Description
Are you looking to work in automation and develop industry‑leading technologies on a collaborative development team? A proven track record in technology is required – tell us what interests you and how you can help our emerging technology programs. This is an opportunity to impact materials handling by bringing Hyster and Yale products to the forefront of the marketplace.
Our teams work on great projects within our “hands‑on” engineering development centre in the South East of England. This role is within the Frimley‑based global robotics development team contributing to the development of robotic options for all lift‑truck models.
Role Summary
The Robotics Chief Software Engineer role is the senior technical authority for Hyster‑Yale’s autonomous and robotic vehicle platforms. This role owns the end‑to‑end integrity of the robotic truck systems, from concept and architecture through validation, industrialisation, and field performance, ensuring solutions meet stringent requirements for safety, reliability, performance, and cost.
The Robotics Chief Software Engineer serves as the final technical decision‑maker across software and system domains, providing clear technical direction and governance across multiple robotics programmes and platforms. This role works in close partnership with product management, programme management, integration leaders, and global engineering teams to deliver scalable, production‑ready robotic solutions.
Responsibilities
Technical Ownership & Architecture
- Development responsibility for robotic truck platforms, including autonomation, sensors, computers, controls, vehicle interfaces, and safety systems
- Define and maintain system‑level technical requirements, design standards, and architectural trade‑offs across hardware and software domains
- Serve as the final technical authority for major design decisions
Product Development & Delivery
- Lead technical execution from prototype through production release and market deployment
- Ensure robotic systems comply with global requirements for functional safety, reliability and durability
- Drive disciplined engineering processes, including design reviews, validation plans, and technical readiness gates
Systems Integration & Validation
- Oversee software integration of sensors (LiDAR, cameras, radar), controllers, computers and autonomous navigation software into mobile platforms
- Define and approve verification and validation strategies to demonstrate long‑term system reliability and performance in industrial environments
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for field, test, or production issues
Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Engineers, Integration Leaders, and senior engineers across global sites
- Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Sourcing, Service, and Commercial teams to ensure robust, manufacturable, and serviceable solutions
- Represent engineering in executive and cross‑functional reviews, clearly communicating technical risks, trade‑offs, and recommendations
Technology Strategy & Roadmap
- Influence the robotics technology roadmap, including autonomous capabilities, sensor strategies, computers, and safety architectures
- Evaluate emerging technologies and suppliers to support future product scalability and competitiveness
- Ensure alignment between long‑term technology strategy and near‑term product delivery needs
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Robotics, or related discipline)
- 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, highway, or complex electro‑mechanical products
- Demonstrated experience owning system‑level architecture and technical delivery of complex, safety‑critical products
- Strong background in systems engineering, including requirements management, integration, and validation
- Experience working across mechanical, electrical, software, and controls disciplines
- Proven ability to lead technical decision‑making in ambiguous, fast‑moving development environments
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence across disciplines and organisational levels
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with autonomous vehicles, mobile robotics, or industrial automation
- Familiarity with C++, Python, git, DevOps and Linux development environments
- Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow model‑based code generation
- Knowledge of functional safety standards and compliance processes
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., CAN, J1939, CANopen)
- Experience supporting global development teams and multi‑site programmes
Travel & Background Checks
Occasional travel may be required (less than 10% of total time).
The successful candidate will be subject to background checks.
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