Software Engineer

Be a part of our mission to make the world cleaner, greener, and safer while enjoying a truly inclusive and supportive workplace.

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

Salary: up to £65,000

Vaarst focuses on making the world a cleaner, greener and safer place by deploying technology for good. We’re using techniques in artificial intelligence, autonomy, computer vision and marine robotics to create a difference in the world with underwater technology for our clients in offshore wind and the subsea industry.

Take a look at one of our products in action

 SubSLAM X2 - Unlocking the Future of Marine Robotics - YouTube

Founded in 2021 by our sister company Rovco, we’ve announced funding of more than £15 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.

Discover your place in a hybrid / remote team of 50+ people that celebrates diversity knowing that every perspective is a valuable part of our success and that empowers you to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance.  

Software Engineer

In this new role due to growth, you will be developing exciting new capabilities for our Autonomy and camera system (SubSLAM) products. You will primarily be working in C++ and Python, employing high-quality software engineering principles and practices.

Within the team, you will contribute towards the design, development, and implementation of our products. You will be actively engaged in building quality solutions through peer reviews, continuous improvement, and using our continuous integration pipelines. You will provide software engineering expertise into a cross-functional team, collaborating with experts in the fields of Robotics, Perception and Machine Learning. This will be key to delivering an innovative, high-quality and valuable product. 

You will also have the opportunity to be involved with field trials to test and evaluate new functionality. You will use your experience to help shape the technology and processes we use to develop embedded and robotics software, in addition to how it interacts with other components as part of an offshore inspection solution. 

In addition, this is an incredible opportunity to help further the transition to renewable energy.

Objectives & Responsibilities:

Vaarst is an exciting and dynamic environment meaning these are likely to change as we grow, upon joining your objectives and responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating on technical discussions and decisions 
• Contributing towards the complete software development process from conception to deployment 
• Enhancing the end-to-end life cycle of software development 
• Modifying, improving and testing changes to previously developed codebases
• Breaking down requirements and building appropriate solutions
• Maintaining and upgrading the software following deployment 
• Work within a cross-functional team, collaborating with experts in the fields of Robotics, Perception and ML.
• Make an impact in the energy transition space, helping the move from oil & gas to renewables 
• Be part of a great company with very talented people that will revolutionise an industry 
• Building knowledge in the company; share yours and absorb others’ 
• Continue to learn and develop your personal and professional toolkits with lots of opportunities for collaboration, access to learning tools and events. 

We’re looking for an experienced and talented software engineer who has what it takes to make a real impact in this role. (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):

• Developing production level, modern C++ and Python
• Experience working with ROS
• Linux/Ubuntu

Grow together with Vaarst, you may have some knowledge of the following, if you don't these are areas you'll develop in. 

• Developing and deploying Robotic Autonomous Systems.
• Working with hardware devices, interfacing with sensors and actuators
• Knowledge of Computer Vision Techniques such as SLAM, Visual Odometry, Structure from Motion, Calibration algorithms.
• Working with ARM and embedded development
• Working with 3D and Video data, including mesh and point clouds. 
• Using OpenCV library, PCL, Eigen & Docker 
• Web frontend technologies, such as: TypeScript, React, Three.js, Electron 

At Vaarst, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Our hybrid-remote approach and state-of-the-art Bristol Office Hub provide a welcoming space designed to nurture your creativity, productivity and well-being.

In addition you’ll get an extensive range of benefits so you can focus on doing your very best work:

• Flexible, hybrid working so you can work when is best for you
• 25 days annual leave to start with increasing to 35 days after 6 years + bank holidays
• 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
• Flexible working options including, reduced hours, part time, job share, phased return to work, term time working, compressed hours
• We’re a sociable, tight-knit team with monthly socials
• Hybrid working, Most teams work in our offices 2+ days a week to collaborate and be hands on with our technology. When you do visit our Bristol office is 10 minute walk from the train station, with its own balcony and Fresh fruit & snacks and drinks in the office

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

Interview Process

At 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 Vaarst’s mission. This is a two-way conversation; we want to learn about your motivation, what you can bring to Vaarst, and provide answers to your questions.
• Aptitude Test: Demonstrate your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and workplace personality through an aptitude test. It includes a timed cognitive exercise and a workplace personality questionnaire.
• Team Interview: Engage in a 1-hour interview with a few team members. Experience the role firsthand and share your skills and experience in. We'll discuss our technologies, key skills, and team dynamics. As always, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
• Offer! If you are successful in the process , you'll receive an offer to join 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.

Apply now and help deploy technology for good.