Principal System Architect

Principal Systems Architect - London, UK

Help shape the future of robotics. As our Principal Systems Architect, you'll define the technical direction of next-generation robotic systems and work with some of the brightest engineers in the industry. If you thrive on solving complex system-level challenges and want to have real influence on product strategy, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

In this role, you'll be the architectural lead across our robotic platform, responsible for driving clarity, structure, and technical excellence. You will:

Develop and execute system-level technical strategies aligned with our mission and long-term roadmap.

Partner closely with cross-functional leaders and SMEs to design robust, scalable architectures that meet demanding product requirements.

Define, document, and maintain system-level requirements and ensure alignment across mechanical, electrical, software, and AI teams.

Produce clear, high-quality documentation-block diagrams, interface specifications, design narratives, and technical guidelines.

Present architectural directions, design trade-offs, and technology roadmaps to senior leadership.

Lead trade studies and use evidence-based decision frameworks to guide major design choices.

Identify performance bottlenecks and drive architectural improvements for efficiency, reliability, and scalability.

Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies, especially in robotic system design.

Establish technical standards and best practices, ensuring compliance with relevant industry and safety regulations.

Identify and mitigate technical risks across the entire development lifecycle.

Guide system integration efforts across hardware, software, AI/ML, and embedded teams to achieve high performance and reliability.

What We're Looking For

You bring depth, leadership, and hands-on expertise to complex robotic systems. Ideally, you have:

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

15+ years' industry experience, including 5+ years in system architecture within robotics or complex embedded systems.

Strong knowledge of robotic system design - including kinematics, dynamics, control algorithms, perception systems, and simulation tools such as Gazebo or Simulink.

Experience with hardware-software co-design, real-time computing, middleware, and system integration (including robotic arms, manipulators, embedded production systems, and indoor logistics).

Familiarity with AI/ML integration, sensor fusion, and autonomous decision-making systems.

Practical experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, FPGAs, and high-performance computing platforms.

Understanding of wireless communications, power management, and battery technologies.

Outstanding problem-solving abilities, with the ability to balance performance, cost, and system complexity.

A strong motivation to work more directly in robotics and hands-on system design.

Willingness to relocate to London and work fully on-site (5 days/week).

One-month notice period.

(Salary expectations discussed individually.)

What We Offer

Competitive salary + participation in our Stock Option Plan

Generous paid vacation aligned with local labor laws

Opportunities to travel to our Vancouver and Boston offices

Office perks: free breakfast, lunch, snacks, plus regular team events

The freedom to influence product decisions and own major initiatives

Close collaboration with world-class engineers, researchers, and product leaders in AI and robotics

A fast-paced startup culture built on transparency, speed, and minimal bureaucracy

Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy