Advanced Research Engineer (AI & Perception Engineer) job at Coventry Full Time NEW

We’re looking for a Junior AI & Perception Engineer to join our growing team—someone passionate about AI, computer vision and sensing technologies, and eager to work on cutting-edge systems that power the next generation of autonomous solutions.

The opportunity

This role offers a unique blend of hands-on software development and systems engineering exposure. You’ll contribute to building perception algorithms and integrating them into real-world systems—working with sensors such as LiDAR, radar and cameras to support navigation and AI-driven platforms.

You’ll also gain valuable experience in system-level thinking, helping shape how software and hardware come together into fully functioning solutions.

What you’ll be doing

Software & Algorithm Development

• Developing and testing computer vision and image processing algorithms
• Working with sensor data (LiDAR, radar, cameras) for perception tasks
• Supporting development in Python, C++ and C# (WPF) for backend and UI tools
• Assisting with navigation algorithms and localisation data processing
• Optimising and documenting algorithms

Systems Engineering & Integration

• Supporting requirements gathering and system design
• Contributing to system architectures and integration plans
• Helping define data flows and interfaces across software and hardware
• Assisting with system testing, debugging and validation activities

What we’re looking for

Essential skills

• Experience with Python (OpenCV preferred)
• Exposure to C# (WPF) and C++
• Understanding of AI/ML fundamentals and data-driven systems
• Strong mathematical foundation (e.g. linear algebra, geometry)
• Awareness of autonomous systems and sensing technologies
• Ability to translate technical requirements into development tasks

Desirable

• Experience with LiDAR, radar or point cloud processing
• Knowledge of ROS, TensorFlow or PyTorch
• Understanding of GPS/localisation systems
• Exposure to system architecture, diagrams or COTS technologies

What will make you stand out

• Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset
• Curiosity about how systems work end-to-end
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Clear communication and a willingness to learn

Why join MTC?

• Work on cutting-edge AI and autonomous technologies
• Be part of a collaborative, innovation-driven environment
• Access to industry-leading projects and real-world applications
• Flexible working and strong employee benefits
• Excellent opportunity to grow into a systems or AI specialist role

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) was established in 2010 as an independent Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with the objective of bridging the gap between academia and industry – often referred to as ‘the valley of death’.

It represents one of the largest public sector investments in UK manufacturing and, after four years of planning and a 16 month build, the facility opened at Ansty Park in Coventry at the end of 2011.

In December 2011, there were 16 industrial members, 44 staff and just a few key pieces of equipment in the ‘workshop’.

Over the following seven years the MTC’s rapid growth has seen the expansion of our campus with the construction of three more facilities, including the opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre and the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing.

Our role has also increased to cover not only R&D but also Training, Advanced Manufacturing Management and Factory Design.

We now have over 700 talented employees working with us.

During this time we have helped hundreds of companies across a range of industries and over 100 of them have become members of the MTC.