Lead Software & Control Engineer

Recruit 12; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruit 12 is seeking a Lead Software & Control Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of advanced embedded control systems for electrified powertrain applications. You will lead software development, validation and the V-cycle process across global programmes, delivering production‑level software.

You will mentor teams, drive system integration with CAN/CAN-FD/XCP networks and ensure Functional Safety conformance in a matrix organisation, shaping next‑gen powertrain

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Automotive Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in software development, controls engineering and/or powertrain calibration.
• Strong experience in algorithm design and model-based development environments such as MATLAB/Simulink or ASCET-SD.
• Proven track record developing, testing and validating automotive transmission or electrified powertrain software.
• Strong knowledge of CAN, CAN-FD and XCP networks.
• Experience with calibration tools, ideally CANape, and familiarity with ISO26262 standards.

Responsibilities

• Leading software development and validation activities for electrified powertrain and transmission control systems.
• Managing the complete V-cycle development process, including requirements, design, implementation, testing and validation.
• Owning delivery of software modules across global customer programmes.
• Providing technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams.
• Supporting system integration, commissioning, debugging and optimisation of electrified powertrain systems.
• Ensuring software integration with vehicle architectures and communication networks including CAN‑FD and XCP.
• Applying Functional Safety principles and ensuring compliance with automotive safety standards.
• Managing validation and verification activities to deliver robust production‑level software.
• Collaborating with customers, internal engineering teams and global stakeholders.
• Mentoring engineers and supporting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Supporting technical resource management and project delivery within a global matrix organisation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Problem-solving

Project delivery

Education

Master's degree in Automotive Systems Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

ASCET-SD

CANape

Job description

Our client is a global leader in advanced automotive technologies, delivering innovative solutions across driveline, electrification and thermal management systems. Supporting some of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers, they specialise in developing next‑generation powertrain technologies. They are looking for a Lead Software & Control Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of advanced embedded control systems for electrified powertrain applications.

Key Responsibilities

As a Lead Software & Control Engineer, you will lead the delivery of software and control solutions for complex automotive embedded controllers. You will provide technical leadership across global programmes, supporting the development of electrified powertrain and transmission systems from initial concept through to production release.

• Leading software development and validation activities for electrified powertrain and transmission control systems.
• Managing the complete V-cycle development process, including requirements, design, implementation, testing and validation.
• Owning delivery of software modules across global customer programmes.
• Providing technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams.
• Supporting system integration, commissioning, debugging and optimisation of electrified powertrain systems.
• Ensuring software integration with vehicle architectures and communication networks including CAN‑FD and XCP.
• Applying Functional Safety principles and ensuring compliance with automotive safety standards.
• Managing validation and verification activities to deliver robust production‑level software.
• Collaborating with customers, internal engineering teams and global stakeholders.
• Mentoring engineers and supporting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Supporting technical resource management and project delivery within a global matrix organisation.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Master's degree in Automotive Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8years' experience in software development, controls engineering and/or powertrain calibration.
• Strong experience in algorithm design and implementation using model‑based development environments such as MATLAB/Simulink or ASCET‑SD.
• Proven experience developing, testing and validating automotive transmission or electrified powertrain software.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle communication networks including CAN, CAN‑FD and XCP.
• Experience with automated transmissions, electrified axles or advanced powertrain control systems.
• Knowledge of Functional Safety, Cybersecurity and ISO26262 standards.
• Experience with calibration tools, ideally CANape.
• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical system interactions within vehicle architectures.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with a structured and analytical approach.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across a global organisation.
• Experience managing technical teams or resources within a matrix engineering environment is desirable.

Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join a world‑leading automotive technology organisation and take a key technical leadership role in the development of next‑generation electrified powertrain systems. You will work on complex embedded control technologies, lead global engineering activities and contribute to delivering innovative solutions that are shaping the future of mobility.