Chief Software Engineer

TDI Group Limited; Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation solutions provider in the UK seeks a Chief Software Engineer to oversee software architecture and integration for embedded systems. This senior role involves defining software solutions, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with performance and safety standards. Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience, strong skills in embedded software, and proficiency in communication protocols. The company values sustainability and innovation in transport solutions.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in embedded software or system software development.
• Strong background in software architecture and software integration.
• Hands-on experience with embedded platforms and real-time systems.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop and maintain software architecture for embedded solutions.
• Lead software technical direction from concept through to release.
• Ensure software solutions are scalable and reliable.

Skills

Embedded software development

Software architecture

System integration

Problem-solving

Communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C)

Education

Degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Embedded platforms (ECU/MCU)

Job description

About Us:

TDI Greenway is committed to delivering transport solutions that connect local communities and encourage economic growth. Sustainability is at the core of what we do; we not only deliver environmentally 'green' transport solutions, but we aim to work with local communities to transform rail corridors into a self-sustaining legacy for the future. We are very proud of our sustainable credentials and our partnerships to develop transport networks that truly make a difference.

The global shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation is pushing the innovation of electric-powered systems in public transportation. Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems are increasingly adopting electrification to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

The Revolution Very Light Rail (RVLR) Vehicle is being developed to provide a modern, attractive and cost-effective solution for rail services on lightly used branch lines in the UK and internationally on ‘last mile’ connector shuttle services. The RVLR market adoption model provides an ideal opportunity to launch a sustainable electric propulsion system (battery) provided as a service that is a key component to open up and drive TDI’s rail corridor development strategy and delivery.

Diversity and Inclusion:

At TDI, we celebrate diverse thoughts, perspectives, and ideas. Hence, it’s key that we embrace candidates of different race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

To help facilitate this, we support a hybrid working approach that suits the needs of the person and the role and we support flexible working hours and encourage people to make the day work for them.

The Opportunity:

TDI Innovations is seeking an experienced Chief Software Engineer to take ownership of software architecture, system-level integration, and validation across complex embedded and software-driven systems.

This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role focused on embedded software, system software, and software integration within safety-critical, real-world transport platforms. The role operates at system level, working closely with electrical, mechanical and systems engineering teams, while retaining clear ownership of the software domain.

You will define software architecture, lead cross-functional software delivery, and ensure robust, scalable and production-ready software solutions that support TDI’s innovative transport technologies.

What you will do:

• Define, develop and maintain end to end software architecture for embedded and systems software solutions
• Own software technical direction from concept through development, integration, validation and release
• Ensure software solutions are scalable, reliable maintainable and secure
• Lead software requirements definition, decomposition and management, ensuring traceability from system-level needs to software design and implementation
• Lead development and integration of embedded software and firmware on ECUs and MCUs
• Own software integration across sensors, actuators and control systems in collaboration with electrical and systems teams
• Oversee implementation of communication protocols including CAN, LIN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C and diagnostics
• Act as the technical authority for software interfaces and integration challenges
• Apply structured software and systems engineering practices across the lifecycle
• Define and oversee software verification and validation strategies
• Lead or support SIL/HIL testing, integration testing, debugging and fault resolution
• Ensure software meets performance, safety, quality and compliance expectations
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring across software and embedded teams
• Set software engineering standards, best practice and coding discipline
• Chair or contribute to software design reviews, technical risk assessments and issue resolution
• Work closely with systems, electrical, mechanical and programme teams to ensure alignment
• Engage with suppliers and partners on software deliverables, interfaces and change control
• Support customer and internal technical discussions as the software authority
• Support programme management with technical input, delivery planning and risk mitigation
• Identify and manage software risks, dependencies and delivery constraints
• Produce and maintain high-quality software documentation, including: Software architecture and design definitions Interface specifications Test plans, reports and validation evidence Release notes and configuration records

What we are looking for:

• Degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline
• Significant industry experience (typically 7+ years) in embedded software or system software development
• Strong background in software architecture, embedded systems and software integration
• Deep understanding of software requirements management, structured development processes and documentation
• Hands-on experience with embedded platforms (ECU/MCU) and real-time or near-real-time systems
• Strong working knowledge of communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C)
• Experience with software testing, debugging, fault analysis and validation
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a system-level mindset
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and influence technical teams
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment

Desirable

• Experience with safety-critical software or regulated environments
• Knowledge of functional safety concepts (e.g. ISO 26262) from a software perspective
• Understanding of cybersecurity for embedded systems

Experience within transport, automotive, rail or EV systems

Personal Attributes:

• Systems thinker – naturally sees the whole system, understands interdependencies and makes decisions and downstream impact in mind
• Technically curious – keeps learning, challenges assumptions and stays engaged with emerging software and embedded technologies
• Pragmatic and delivery focused – balancing engineering rigour with real-world constraints, timelines and deployment realities

High standards mindset – cares deeply about quality, safety, robustness and maintainability