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We are seeking a talented Payload Integration Engineer to join our Payload Engineering Team with a mechanical, electrical or systems engineering skillset.

The Payload Team are a multidisciplinary team who rapidly prototype at the cutting edge of maritime autonomy, designing, developing and deploying novel payloads to meet customer requirements.

In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the integration, design and testing of prototype payloads onto our autonomous maritime vessels, ensuring seamless operation, safety, and performance.

• Develop and execute integration plans for various prototype payloads (e.g., sensor suites, weapon systems, and specialised maritime equipment) onto autonomous platforms.
• Design robust mechanical and electrical systems suitable for the maritime domain.
• Assess the suitability of third party equipment for use on small boats.
• Engineer integration solutions for non-marinized third party equipment to ensure its reliability, survivability and effectiveness in harsh environments.
• Manage prototypes though multiple engineering gates, from an idea, design, prototype to a robust reliable product.
• Collaborate with software, electrical, and mechanical engineers to ensure seamless payload connectivity, power distribution, and control functionality.
• Ensure payload integrations comply with relevant maritime regulations, environmental standards, and classification society requirements.
• Oversee the testing, validation, and troubleshooting of integrated payloads during both factory acceptance tests and open-water sea trials.
• Preparing design review documentation, test plans and trial reports.
• Developing systems architectures across hardware, software and networked systems

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or Systems Engineering/related field or equivalent industry experience. (Entry level graduate to mid-career engineer)
• Recent, relevant experience in mechanical design, electrical design or systems engineering within the marine industry.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to address complex engineering challenges in autonomous systems.
• Ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to multidisciplinary teams and customers.
• Need to be eligible for UK SC clearance.

• Proficient in CAD software with the ability to design mechanical arrangements and create engineering drawings for component manufacture.
• Ability to design and create electrical drawings for production teams.
• Knowledge of communication protocols and networks used in autonomous vessels (e.g., Ethernet, CAN bus, NMEA 2000).
• Knowledge of IP-based networking architectures and data routing within autonomous systems.
• Previous experience with unmanned systems or small boats.
• Previous rapid prototyping experience

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver integrated payload solutions
• Apply practical engineering judgement to develop innovative solutions to complex problems
• Support testing and deployment activities both in-house and during sea trials
• Take ownership of design, documentation, and delivery milestones
• Maintain high standards of technical quality, safety, and professionalism
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement

• Work on advanced autonomous maritime technologies at the forefront of industry innovation
• Contribute directly to mission-critical engineering programmes
• Be part of a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary engineering team
• Gain exposure across mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering disciplines
• Enjoy genuine ownership and responsibility from concept through to deployment
• Help shape the future of maritime autonomy

• 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
• After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annual leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
• Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
• Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
• Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
• Life assurance 3x salary
• Group Income Protection 3x salary, subject to eligibility
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
• Professional membership reimbursement

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.

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.