Fractional Director of Engineering (Embedded Systems)

Simply Embedded; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Part time

Job summary

Simply Embedded is seeking a strategic leader to oversee embedded software and hardware initiatives from Calgary. The fractional director will set technical strategy, guide architecture decisions, and mentor multidisciplinary teams.

This on-site role emphasizes collaboration with clients and internal engineers to deliver reliable embedded solutions. The candidate will balance technical oversight with business outcomes, manage cross-functional projects, and ensure delivery aligns with budgets and

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to assess system performance and troubleshoot issues.
• Experience with embedded software, hardware integration, and development tools.
• Budgeting skills to plan, track, and optimize project and departmental financials.
• Team management capabilities to lead, coach, and support multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Project management experience in planning, executing, and delivering embedded systems projects on time.
• Background in electrical engineering or computer engineering; advanced degree or equivalent experience is a plus.
• Experience in embedded product lifecycle management, from requirements and design through validation and maintenance.
• Ability to communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders and build client relationships.
• Familiarity with industry standards, safety and regulatory requirements, and quality assurance practices in embedded systems.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing onsite collaboration in Calgary with some remote work.

Responsibilities

• Directing embedded system architecture
• Directing technical decisions
• Reviewing and optimizing designs
• Ensuring projects align with business objectives and quality standards.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, set priorities, manage resources, and monitor progress to meet timelines and budgets.
• Mentor technical staff, support client engagements, and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Embedded systems

C/C++

RTOS

System architecture

Team leadership

Budgeting

Project management

Stakeholder comms

Electrical Eng

Cross-functional teams

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Advanced degree or experience

Tools

Embedded Linux

PCB Design

Electronic design tools

Job description

[Please do not Apply if you are not physically based in Calgary - your application will be automatically rejected. ]

Simply Embedded specializes in delivering software and hardware solutions for the embedded systems industry across the full product lifecycle. The company supports clients from concept and architecture through development, testing, and maintenance of embedded products. Its services are tailored to help organizations build reliable, efficient, and scalable embedded systems. Team members collaborate closely with clients to solve complex technical challenges and bring innovative embedded solutions to market.

Role Description

This is a fractional leadership role responsible for overseeing embedded software and hardware initiatives and guiding technical strategy. Time on-site in our office in downtown Calgary is required.

Responsibilities

• Directing embedded system architecture
• Directing technical decisions
• Reviewing and optimizing designs
• Ensuring that projects align with business objectives and quality standards.
• The role involves coordinating cross-functional teams, setting priorities, managing resources, and monitoring project progress to meet timelines and budgets. The Director will also mentor technical staff, support client engagements, and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes and best practices.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to assess system performance, troubleshoot complex issues, and make data-informed decisions.
• Information technology and embedded systems expertise, including experience with embedded software, hardware integration, and relevant development tools.
• Budgeting skills to plan, track, and optimize project and departmental financials.
• Team management capabilities to lead, coach, and support multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Project management experience in planning, executing, and delivering embedded systems projects on time and within scope.
• Background in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related discipline; advanced degree or equivalent experience is an asset.
• Experience in embedded product lifecycle management, from requirements and design through validation, deployment, and maintenance.
• Ability to communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders and build strong client relationships.
• Familiarity with industry standards, safety and regulatory requirements, and quality assurance practices in embedded systems.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing onsite collaboration in Calgary, AB with some remote work.

Technical Leadership

Provide technical oversight and guidance across projects involving:

• Embedded firmware (C/C++)
• RTOS-based systems
• Embedded Linux
• Electronics and PCB design
• Cellular and wireless IoT
• Industrial communications
• Cloud-connected systems
• Manufacturing and product commercialization
• Product validation and automated testing

Why Join Simply Embedded?

At Simply Embedded, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on both our products and our people.

You’ll work alongside a talented multidisciplinary engineering team, solve challenging technical problems, and help shape the future of an engineering consultancy that values technical excellence, continuous learning, and practical innovation.

If you’re looking for a flexible leadership role where you can genuinely influence how engineering gets done, we’d love to hear from you.