Embedded Software Engineering Manager

Computer Futures; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Computer Futures in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineering Manager to lead a team responsible for embedded software and control systems in advanced electromechanical equipment.

You will shape strategy, drive delivery and mentor a group of engineers across multiple projects, ensuring high standards and timely delivery in collaboration with electronics and systems teams.

Qualifications

• Strong technical background in embedded software/firmware development.
• Proven experience leading software engineering teams.
• Experience delivering embedded/software projects from requirements to production.
• Experience with resource and project planning across multiple programmes.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop a team of approximately 5-15 embedded software engineers.
• Deliver embedded software and HMI solutions across technically complex products.
• Provide technical leadership across full software lifecycle from requirements to release.
• Define and improve hardware/software integration and engineering standards.
• Collaborate with electronics, hardware, systems, test, manufacturing and project engineering teams.

Skills

Embedded software

Firmware development

Team leadership

Resource planning

Stakeholder management

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Embedded Software Engineering Manager to lead and develop a highly skilled software engineering team responsible for the development of embedded software for advanced control and drive systems.

This is a senior engineering leadership position offering significant influence over the direction, capability and delivery of the software function. You will manage a team of approximately 5-15 engineers, combining people leadership with technical oversight, engineering strategy and delivery responsibility.

The software forms an integral part of complex electromechanical equipment used within demanding scientific, industrial and semiconductor environments, making this an ideal opportunity for someone accustomed to developing embedded software for physical products and control systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop a team of approximately 5-15 embedded software engineers.
• Take responsibility for the development and delivery of embedded software and HMI solutions across a range of technically complex products.
• Provide technical leadership across the full software development lifecycle, from requirements and architecture through development, integration, verification and release.
• Define and continuously improve the engineering approach to hardware and software integration.
• Establish robust software engineering standards, processes and development practices.
• Work closely with electronics, hardware, systems, test, manufacturing and project engineering teams to ensure successful product delivery.
• Support the development of software used within control systems, drive technology and complex electromechanical equipment.
• Manage software engineering resources across multiple projects, balancing priorities, technical requirements and delivery timescales.
• Identify capability and skills gaps within the department and develop the team to support current and future programmes.
• Coach and mentor engineers, creating an environment that encourages technical excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to technical reviews, risk assessments and engineering decision-making.
• Ensure development activities meet relevant quality, regulatory and safety requirements.
• Manage relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external technical partners where required.
• Support resource planning, budgeting, supplier management and engineering forecasting.
• Help shape the future structure and capability of the software engineering function as requirements evolve.

What We're Looking For

• A strong technical background in embedded software or firmware development.
• Proven experience managing or leading software engineering teams.
• Experience working with software embedded within physical, electromechanical products.
• A strong understanding of hardware/software integration.
• Experience with control systems, drives, motors, instrumentation, industrial equipment or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of structured software development lifecycles and modern engineering practices.
• Experience working collaboratively with electronics, hardware, systems, test and manufacturing engineering disciplines.
• Experience delivering technically complex software projects from initial requirements through to production.
• Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, performance management and capability development.
• Experience with resource and project planning, including prioritising engineering activities across multiple programmes.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• An understanding of technical risk management, quality processes and engineering governance.
• Experience improving engineering processes and leading teams through technical or organisational change.

The Ideal Background

• Industrial automation
• Motion and motor control
• Semiconductor equipment
• Scientific instrumentation
• Robotics
• Advanced manufacturing equipment
• Automotive or mobility systems
• Aerospace or defence electronics
• Complex electromechanical product development

You may currently be working as an Embedded Software Engineering Manager, Software Development Manager, Embedded Software Manager, Firmware Manager, Software Team Lead or Head of Embedded Software.

Desired Skills and Experience

Embedded Software Engineering

Strong technical background in embedded software/firmware.

Ideally experience with real-time control, embedded C/C++, microcontrollers and complex electromechanical products.

Software Engineering Leadership

Proven experience leading and developing embedded/software engineers.

Comfortable managing a team of roughly 5-15 engineers, including coaching, performance management, recruitment and capability development.

Hardware / Software Integration & Control Systems

Experience integrating software with electronics, hardware, motors, drives, sensors or control systems.

This is particularly important because the software ultimately controls physical vacuum equipment rather than being a standalone application.

Engineering Delivery & Strategy

Able to own the software function from a delivery perspective: resource planning, project prioritisation, software lifecycle/processes, technical risk and engineering standards.

Needs to work effectively across hardware, systems, test, manufacturing and project management.