Principal Architect - Robotics & Hardware Abstraction - Chemify Ltd

Principal Robotics Architect | Hardware Abstraction | Embedded C++ | ROS2 Specialist.

Location: Glasgow or London (Kings Cross)

Workstyle: Hybrid

Reports to: CTO

About Chemify:

Chemify is revolutionising chemistry. We are creating a future where the synthesis of previously unimaginable molecules, drugs, and materials is instantly accessible. By combining AI, robotics, and the worlds largest continually expanding database of chemical programs, we are accelerating chemical discovery to improve quality of life and extend the reach of humanity.

Our newly opened Chemifarm facility in Glasgow operates a growing fleet of advanced robotic systems that automate synthesis, optimisation, and library generation. As we scale up to globally distributed facilities, we are undertaking a foundational transformation of how software and hardware interact across our platform.

The Role

We are seeking a Principal Robotics Architect to lead one of the most critical technical evolutions in Chemifys history. Sitting within the Office of the CTO, you will act as the architectural bridge between Hardware Engineering and Software Engineering, shaping how our robots, control systems, and cloud services work together as a coherent whole.

Your mission is to define a robust Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) that enables our universal chemical code (xDL) to run reliably across multiple generations of robotic platforms. You will help transform our systems from bespoke scientific instruments into intelligent, safe, and continuously updatable edge computing platforms that can operate at scale.

If you enjoy problem solving complex technical challenges that blend system architecture, embedded engineering, distributed systems, and strategic leadership, are a natural communicator and are energized by working closely with scientists using cutting edge technologies, then wed love to welcome you to our team.

Key Responsibilities

Architect the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)

• Define a clear, contract-first architecture that cleanly separates responsibilities between cloud services and embedded control systems.
• Design a resilient, event-driven control backbone (NATS/MQTT) capable of supporting real-time operation across a distributed fleet of robotic platforms.
• Move the intelligence to the edge. Establish a principled division between cloud-level intent and edge-level execution, ensuring predictable and safe behaviour even under network latency or connectivity constraints.

Drive Software-Defined Robotics

• Lead the design of edge-first safety systems, where critical thermal, pressure, and operational limits are enforced close to the hardware.
• Develop high-fidelity simulation and digital twin capabilities, allowing large-scale testing and validation of chemical workflows before any physical execution.