Director - Software Engineering

Moody's Corporation; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead a talented team of engineers in developing a reliable and flexible software stack for autonomous driving capabilities. This role involves overseeing the maintenance of a custom Linux distribution, providing technical direction, and guiding a high-performing team. A strong background in Linux kernel development and embedded systems, along with proven leadership experience, are essential. This position offers hybrid working options between office and remote work.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and management experience in a software development team focused on embedded systems.
• Deep technical understanding of Linux kernel development.
• Experience overseeing creation and maintenance of Linux distributions.
• Strong technical leadership in C, C++, and Python.
• Proven experience leading technical initiatives in a software environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Wayve's Linux distribution using Yocto.
• Create and update Linux kernel drivers for new hardware.
• Lead a high-performing team of software engineers.
• Define the technical roadmap and align priorities with stakeholders.
• Guide the team in developing fault-tolerant software solutions.

Skills

Leadership in software development

Linux kernel development

Embedded systems

C programming

C++ programming

Python programming

Team management

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Yocto

Buildroot

Job description

The Engineering Manager will lead a talented team of engineers to deliver a reliable, stable, and flexible software stack that supports on‑road experimentation by Wayve’s model developers and scientists. The role enables rapid iteration and data collection essential for improving autonomous driving capabilities and new product features, critical to Wayve’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Wayve’s bespoke Linux distribution using Yocto.
• Create and update Linux kernel drivers for new hardware sensors and peripherals.
• Hardening the internal development fleet against cyber attack.
• Lead a high‑performing team of software engineers, providing technical direction and breaking down organizational goals into objectives and milestones.
• Own the maintenance and long‑term direction of the custom Linux distribution deployed to the internal fleet.
• Define the technical roadmap for the team, aligning priorities and delivery timelines with stakeholders, customers, and other engineering teams.
• Coordinate with hardware, supply chain, onboard software, and security teams to add the right features and functionality.
• Guide the team in developing fault‑tolerant software solutions with diagnostic tools to quickly identify, address, and diagnose operational issues.
• Support development and growth of team members through guidance, mentorship, and ongoing feedback.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and management experience in a software development team focused on embedded systems.
• Deep technical understanding of Linux kernel development—including modules, device trees for ARM platforms, and board support packages—able to guide and review such work.
• Experience overseeing creation and maintenance of Linux distributions using Yocto or Buildroot, ensuring scalable and maintainable architectures.
• Strong technical leadership across C (kernel/bootloader), C++ (onboard software), and Python (build/test systems) with the ability to set standards and drive excellence.
• Proven experience leading technical initiatives or projects in a fast‑paced software environment.
• Ability to build, manage, and grow high‑performing teams, owning recruitment and career development.
• Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing automotive software, knowledge of DriveOS.
• Full‑time role based in Sunnyvale or London; hybrid working policy combining office and remote work.

We will not ask about marriage or pregnancy, care responsibilities, or disabilities in any of our job adverts or interviews. However, we capture information about care responsibilities, disabilities, and other diversity data through an optional DEI monitoring form to ensure an inclusive and non‑discriminatory hiring process.

At Wayve we are committed to creating a diverse, fair and respectful culture that is inclusive of everyone regardless of protected characteristics. We value diversity, embrace new perspectives, and foster an inclusive work environment.