Chief Software & Controls Engineer

Breath HR; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Breath HR is seeking a seasoned Controls and Software leader in Coventry, UK. The role emphasizes driving software development related to electrification, covering battery management and electric vehicle systems. The successful candidate will engage in innovative software design and lead an engineering team to deliver high-quality solutions.

The ideal applicant has over 10 years of experience in the controls and software domain, is deeply familiar with embedded software processes, and thrives in a collaborative environment. This role offers flexibility for remote work and requires potential travel.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience in controls and software design.
• Detailed experience in embedded software design, implementation, and validation.
• Experience writing system specifications and requirements documents.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of software platforms.
• Own full software development lifecycle for control software modules.
• Collaborate with systems engineers on control strategies.

Skills

Controls and Software design

Embedded software design

System software specifications

Software version control tools

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

10 years industry experience

Tools

Mathworks toolset

C/C++

CCP & CAN tools

Job description

Role Purpose: We require an experienced Controls and Software leader to drive the development of software for our wide range of customer applications focused on electrification, including battery management, power conversion and electric vehicle control systems. The successful candidate will be a key member of the engineering team. They will lead the development software solutions, drive processes and tools as well as quality standards. They will work with the wider multi-disciplinary engineering team to support the delivery of effective engineering solutions. This is a technical leadership role for an engineer who enjoys leading the design and implementation of embedded control software, as well as leading the delivery of software to demanding time schedules and high quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership Lead the design, implementation and test of software platforms for real-time systems. Lead development of low-level and application-level software components for a microcontroller application. Drive modular, scalable, and reusable software architectures and component design.
• Software Development & Verification Own the full software development lifecycle for control software modules: requirements => architecture => design => implementation => test. Ensure compliance with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, DO-178C, IEC 61508). Ensure compliance with cyber security standards (e.g. ISO 21434). Define and oversee testing strategies (MIL, SIL, HIL) and formal verification of control software. Implement software configuration, change control, and traceability for releases.
• Requirements & Systems Engineering Translate system-level requirements into software control specifications. Collaborate with systems engineers to develop control strategies aligned with system behaviour models. Drive interface definition and software integration planning for multi-ECU or multi-domain systems.
• Innovation and Technology Development Lead the research and evaluation of advanced control strategies (e.g., AI-enhanced control, Kalman filters, energy optimization algorithms). Lead feasibility studies, proof-of-concept development, and technology road-mapping for control and software platforms. Lead the development of control architecture improvements for robustness, scalability, and performance.
• Leadership and Team Development Lead the processes and methods for Control and Software skills to enhance capability across the team. Conduct technical reviews, code audits, and design walkthroughs to maintain high software quality. Establish and promote best practices in model-based design, software versioning, documentation, and testing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Interface with hardware, mechanical, systems, test, and validation teams to ensure software meets integration and performance targets. Support cross-functional design reviews (PDR, CDR) and gate approvals for new controls and software features and releases. Represent the Controls and Software team in customer meetings, internal program reviews, and supplier engagements.
• Program and Quality Management Support overall project planning by leading the estimation of control and software tasks, defining milestones, deliverables and methods for tracking progress. Lead delivery of Controls and Software technical work products in line with project deadlines and quality standards. Ensure software quality management through adherence to ASPICE, ISO 9001, or similar quality frameworks. Lead risk analysis and mitigation planning related to controls and software delivery and functionality.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required

• A minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.
• Deep experience in controls and software design.
• Detailed embedded software design, implementation, and validation experience.
• Experience in writing system and software specifications, requirements & test documents.
• Experience with software version control tools, requirements management, software change request (SCR) management.
• Hands‑on experience in developing software product lines for multiple applications and customers.
• Experienced in the complexities of system level attributes/trade‑offs and the impact on software.
• Proven track record in the effective delivery of technical objectives to quality and time targets.
• Comfortable working closely with clients, often on‑site at client locations.
• Enthusiastic about learning new disciplines and expanding current technical and project knowledge.

Preferred

• Experience of working in a relevant industry developing high integrity systems (such as automotive, marine, energy storage, aerospace)
• Experience of battery systems and their control.
• Experience of power conversion systems (AC/DC, DC/AC and DC/DC) and their control.

System or Knowledge

• Advanced capabilities in Microsoft Office and applications.
• Extensive experience of developing application software using model driven design and Mathworks toolset.
• Extensive knowledge of programming in C/C++, Assembler for embedded platforms.
• Experience with CCP & CAN based tools, e.g. INCA/CANape and CANalyzer.
• Experience and knowledge of applications involving complex electrical systems (high and low voltage).
• Direct knowledge of application of functional safety and cyber security to high integrity control systems.
• Understanding and application of industry and legal standards relating to control systems.

Personal Attributes

• Quality‑focussed and process‑oriented with an attention to detail
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills – including report writing and presentation
• Self‑motivated and enjoys working within a team environment
• Willingness to accept responsibility and challenges required to achieve objectives
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning

Location and Travel

• You must be eligible to work in the UK or CZ and have no restrictions for world‑wide travel.
• This role is based at our Head Office in Coventry, UK, or our Engineering Office In Prague, Czechia, with flexibility for remote working.
• Standard working hours are 0900 to 1700, 5 days a week, however some travel may be required, and flexible working patterns are essential to the role.