Project Engineer - Physical AI (110567-0426)

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Professor Siddartha Khastgir at s.khastgir.1@warwick.ac.uk

Flexible Working

• We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

This is an opportunity to join the Safe Autonomy Research Group at WMG, University of Warwick, and contribute to high impact research that is shaping design, development and assessment of physical AI systems like automated vehicles across automotive, maritime and aviation domains, including robotics.

The role offers a distinctive combination of fundamental and applied research and sits at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, sensing, and autonomous systems, driving transformative research with direct real-world impact across sectors including advanced manufacturing, transport, and infrastructure.

You will design and develop systems combining hardware, AI and human interaction, creating prototypes as well as pre-production setups. You will need to take a systems thinking approach to user-centred design of the prototype and system design.

You will work with leading academic and industrial partners through projects funded by Horizon Europe, UKRI/Innovate UK and CCAV, with opportunities to publish high-quality research, influence industrial practice and standards, and contribute to a growing international research profile. The role also offers scope to support project leadership, mentor junior colleagues and help shape future research proposals in a highly collaborative environment.

You will hold a good honours degree in relevant discipline such as robotics, mechatronics, systems engineering and will have experience in working at the interface of academia and industry, focussed on hardware-software design for technology demonstrators.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused position and you will be required to demonstrate initiative, technical judgement, and the ability to work effectively with both academic colleagues and industry stakeholders.

You will bring strong knowledge of systems engineering with particular interest in integrating hardware and software components, and a clear understanding of current challenges in the design and evaluation of physical-AI systems.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate evidence of high-quality research output, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. You should be organised, proactive and capable of delivering work to tight deadlines, while contributing positively to a collegial research environment and engaging confidently with academic and industrial stakeholders.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering.

We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award.

The Safe Autonomy Research Group at WMG are undertaking a programme of research and engineering across the verification and validation of automated transport (land, air and marine). From fundamental research to applied research, the development of policy, standards and regulation, and direct commercial research. Our programme of work is having a material impact on the creation and application of novel safety assurance methods across emerging technologies, influencing international standards, policy and industrial methods. We are proudly enabling a new wave of technological progress by working with partners worldwide through our projects funded by Innovate UK, Horizon Europe and commercial industrial partners.

Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre.

Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre.

Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 10th May 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. 

You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please:

1. Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2. Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: 1st July 2026

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal () will be considered.

You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave).

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.