Research And Development Manager

Bradley David Associates Limited; Hertford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bradley David Associates Limited in Hertford, Hertfordshire, is seeking an experienced Research & Development Manager to lead its electronics and product development function.

You will oversee the full product development lifecycle from concept and design through prototyping, testing and manufacturing, while leading a multidisciplinary engineering team, driving innovation and ensuring high standards of performance, quality and compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an R&D Manager or similar senior engineering position.
• Strong background in electronics product development, ideally lighting controls/IoT.
• Understanding of analogue and digital electronics, embedded systems, MCUs and firmware.
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as DALI, Bluetooth, Zigbee, DMX or Ethernet.
• Experience taking products from design through to manufacturing.
• Experience with product testing, regulatory requirements.
• Familiar with Agile development methodologies.
• Degree in Electronics/Electrical/Embedded Systems or related discipline.
• Experience in lighting controls or smart lighting technologies.
• Experience working in small/medium engineering or manufacturing businesses.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the R&D function, overseeing a team of electronics, firmware, hardware and mechanical engineers.
• Develop and implement R&D strategies aligned with business objectives and market requirements.
• Oversee design and development of electronic lighting control products, including embedded systems, firmware and communication technologies.
• Manage the full product development lifecycle from concept to production.
• Provide technical leadership, supporting engineers with complex design challenges and product improvements.
• Ensure products comply with EMC, RoHS and electrical safety standards.
• Oversee product testing, validation, certification and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, operations, procurement and quality teams for NPI.
• Manage multiple development projects, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
• Identify opportunities to introduce new technologies and improve performance.
• Support technical customer inquiries and ongoing product improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Embedded systems

Electronic product development

Firmware development

Project management

Team management

Regulatory compliance

IoT / lighting controls

Communication protocols

Altium

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering or related

Tools

Altium

Job description

R&D Manager – Electronics & Product Development

Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Opportunity

Bradley David Associates is working with an established and innovative electronics manufacturer based in Hertford, looking to appoint an experienced Research & Development (R&D) Manager to lead its engineering and product development function.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong and commercially minded engineering professional to take ownership of the development of advanced electronic lighting control products.

The successful candidate will oversee the full product development lifecycle, from initial concept and design through to prototyping, testing and manufacturing. You will also lead a multidisciplinary engineering team, drive innovation and ensure products meet the highest standards of performance, quality and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the R&D function, overseeing a team of electronics, firmware, hardware and mechanical engineers.
• Develop and implement R&D strategies aligned with business objectives and market requirements.
• Oversee the design and development of electronic lighting control products, including embedded systems, firmware and communication technologies.
• Manage the full product development lifecycle, from concept and feasibility through to testing and production.
• Provide technical leadership, supporting engineers with complex design challenges and product improvements.
• Ensure products comply with relevant industry regulations, including EMC, RoHS and electrical safety standards.
• Oversee product testing, validation, certification and technical documentation.
• Work closely with manufacturing, operations, procurement and quality teams to ensure successful new product introductions (NPI).
• Manage multiple development projects, ensuring deadlines, budgets and technical objectives are achieved.
• Identify opportunities to introduce new technologies, improve product performance and enhance existing solutions.
• Support technical customer enquiries and ongoing product improvements.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in an R&D Manager, Electronics Engineering Manager, Technical Manager or similar senior engineering position.
• Strong background in electronics product development, ideally within lighting controls, IoT, automation or related industries.
• Excellent understanding of analogue and digital electronics, embedded systems, microcontrollers and firmware development.
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as DALI, Bluetooth, Zigbee, DMX or Ethernet.
• Experience successfully managing products from initial design through to manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of electronic product testing, compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Experience using electronic design software such as Altium or similar engineering tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication and project management skills.
• A relevant degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems or a related discipline.
• Previous experience within lighting controls, sensors, power electronics or smart lighting technologies.
• Experience working within a small or medium-sized engineering or manufacturing business.
• Knowledge of design for manufacture (DfM) and design for test (DfT).
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
• Ability to combine strategic leadership with hands‑on technical involvement.

About You

We're looking for a confident and proactive engineering leader who enjoys developing innovative products and supporting technical teams.

You'll be comfortable making key engineering decisions, managing competing priorities and working collaboratively across different departments.

Importantly, you'll have the technical expertise to remain involved in product development while providing the leadership needed to drive projects forward.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to take a leading role within an established electronics business, helping shape its future product development and technology strategy.

You'll have the chance to influence engineering decisions, lead a skilled technical team and contribute directly to the development of innovative electronic products.