Functional Expertise

The companies building the next generation of technology are solving problems that sit across multiple disciplines. Robotics, AI, advanced sensing, autonomy and modern software platforms require teams capable of integrating hardware, software and data into real-world systems.

Work8 focuses on the functional capabilities that make this possible. We support organisations developing complex products where engineering quality, technical leadership and systems integration determine whether a company moves forward or stalls.

Our work centres on identifying individuals who have already delivered meaningful technical outcomes in environments where failure is not an option.

Engineering & Advanced Systems Artificial Intelligence & ML Product & Technical Leadership Hardware & Manufacturing Commercial & Go-to-Market
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Engineering & Advanced Systems

Many of the companies we work with are building products where software interacts directly with the physical world. These environments demand engineers capable of designing reliable systems rather than isolated components.

The engineers we engage are rarely active job seekers. Most are already embedded in teams pushing the frontier of what is technically possible.

Typical areas of focus
  • Robotics and autonomous systems
  • Embedded software and firmware
  • Computer vision and machine perception
  • Guidance, navigation and control
  • Sensor systems and advanced sensing technologies
  • FPGA and high-performance electronics
  • Real-time software systems
  • Simulation and modelling environments
🧠

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

AI is increasingly becoming a foundational capability across modern technology companies. We work with organisations hiring across the full spectrum of applied AI — from research to production systems.

Our focus is on individuals who have moved beyond research prototypes and delivered AI systems operating in production environments.

Typical areas of focus
  • Machine learning engineering
  • Applied AI research
  • Computer vision
  • Data infrastructure and ML platforms
  • AI-driven product development
  • Multi-agent systems and robotics AI
  • Recommender systems and data science
🎯

Product & Technical Leadership

Exceptional engineering teams require leadership capable of turning technical capability into real products. These roles require leaders who can translate technical complexity into clear product strategy while maintaining engineering excellence.

We regularly support leadership searches at the most critical inflection points in a company's growth.

Typical roles
  • Chief Technology Officer
  • VP Engineering
  • Chief Product Officer
  • Head of Autonomous Systems
  • Platform and Infrastructure Leadership
  • Applied AI Leadership
  • Technical Product Manager
  • Technical Program Manager
🔧

Hardware, Manufacturing & Systems Integration

Many frontier technologies ultimately need to operate in demanding real-world environments. These functions are critical in bridging the gap between advanced prototypes and scalable, reliable products.

We support organisations scaling teams across the full hardware and manufacturing lifecycle.

Typical areas of focus
  • Hardware systems engineering
  • Robotics production engineering
  • Manufacturing operations
  • Supply chain and technical operations
  • Field deployment and reliability engineering
  • Power electronics and mixed-signal design
  • Safety and mission assurance
📈

Commercial & Go-to-Market Leadership

Deep technology companies also require commercial leaders capable of translating complex technical products into market adoption. These roles often require individuals who can operate credibly with both engineering teams and customers.

Typical areas of focus
  • Technical sales leadership
  • Solutions architecture
  • Developer ecosystem and platform growth
  • Product marketing for technical products
  • Strategic partnerships
  • CEO — deep tech and venture-backed companies

Recent placements.

A representative selection of roles filled across our functional areas. Every placement represents a candidate who was not actively looking — found through proactive market intelligence, not job boards.

Role Sector
Chief Technology OfficerClimate / GreenTech
Chief Executive OfficerDigital Insurance / InsurTech
Chief EngineerLaunch Infrastructure / Space
Head of Product InnovationIntelligent Sensors
Principal Software ArchitectDeep Tech
Product Manager – HealthTech PlatformsHealthTech / Digital Health
Product Manager – Web3 / BlockchainWeb3 / Crypto
Technical Product Manager – Autonomous Drone SystemsAutonomous Systems / UAV
Technical Program Manager – Computer Vision AIComputer Vision / AI
Principal Machine Learning EngineerDeep Tech / AI
Computer Vision Research ScientistComputer Vision
Research Scientist – Multi-Agent SystemsRobotics / AI
Autonomy Algorithms Scientist – Autonomous VehiclesAutonomous Vehicles
Data Scientist – Recommender SystemsConsumer Tech / AI
Robotics Systems EngineerAutonomous Systems
Senior Sensor Fusion EngineerLiDAR / Autonomous Systems
Principal Research Engineer – Autonomous SystemsRobotics / Deep Tech
Hardware Systems Engineer – Autonomous SystemsAutonomous Systems
Principal C++ Software EngineerDefence / Autonomous Systems
Embedded Software Engineer – FPGA / C / C++Defence / Hardware
Principal Embedded Software Engineer – Vehicle SystemsAutomotive / EV
Principal GNC Software EngineerAerospace / Launch
Power Electronics EngineerPower Systems / EV
Mixed-Signal Electronics EngineerSemiconductor / Hardware
Principal FPGA ArchitectDefence / Semiconductor
Digital Design Engineer – FPGA / ASICSemiconductor
Safety & Mission Assurance Engineer – Launch SystemsAerospace / Space
Human Factors & Ergonomics Scientist (PhD)Defence / Aviation
Platform / DevOps EngineerDeep Tech / Cloud
Backend Software EngineerConsumer Tech / SaaS

Need a specialist you can't find anywhere else?

If you're building something that requires exceptional technical talent, we should talk. We find the people others can't reach — because we go looking for them.