Firmware Engineering Manager

Trimble; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Trimble in Christchurch, New Zealand, is seeking a Firmware Engineering Manager to steer the technical direction of embedded solutions for precision positioning and automation. You will lead a high-performing team, shaping architecture, hardware bring-up, and software integration across the full firmware lifecycle.

Role balances people leadership (about 60%) with hands-on development, mentoring and collaboration with product managers and architects to deliver robust, industry-leading systems.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading and growing engineering teams.
• Strong C/C++ and Python proficiency with embedded systems.
• Hands-on experience with Embedded Linux, Yocto, and hardware bring-up.
• Bachelor's degree in Software, Electronics, Mechatronics or equivalent.
• Familiarity with Git, Jira and CI/CD practices.

Responsibilities

• Guide and direct the firmware development lifecycle from design to production.
• Lead a high-performing engineering team with ~60% people leadership and 40% hands-on coding.
• Collaborate with product managers and architects to translate requirements into technical plans.
• Mentor engineers and serve as escalation point for complex system challenges.
• Promote CI/CD and modern engineering practices.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Embedded Linux

Yocto Project

Hardware bring-up

Git

Jira

CI/CD

People leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Software, Electronics, Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

Yocto Project

Git

Jira

CI/CD

Job description

Your Title: Firmware Engineering Manager Job Location: Christchurch, NZ

Our Department: CCFS (Civil Construction Field Systems)

Ready to drive technical strategy and lead a high-impact team developing robust embedded solutions? Join Civil Construction Field Systems and see your leadership directly enable world-class automation and precision positioning technology that transforms major global industries.

About Us:

Trimble is an industrial technology company transforming the way the world works by delivering solutions that enable our customers to thrive. We create technologies that connect the digital and physical worlds, helping our customers increase productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability. From purpose-built products to enterprise-level solutions, our technology empowers professionals in construction, geospatial, government, transportation, and more.

Field Systems:

The Trimble Field Systems segment provides solutions to increase precision and productivity in construction tasks by empowering stakeholders to collect accurate information and manage conditions with cutting-edge technology.

Only applicants who are legally entitled to work in New Zealand will be considered.

What Makes This Role Great:

Lead the technical direction for embedded solutions that utilise cutting edge sensor technologies (IMU, GNSS, laser) to empower heavy equipment and increase operator productivity. Directly influence the success of a world leading grade control and automation.

Designed for a leader who loves growing high-performing teams without stepping away from the craft: expect roughly 60% people leadership and 40% hands-on development and mentorship.

Key Exciting Responsibilities

• Guide and manage a high-performing engineering team focused on delivering robust embedded solutions
• Direct the entire firmware development lifecycle, from initial hardware bring-up through to final production deployment
• Partner with product managers and architects to translate complex requirements into clear, actionable technical plans
• Serve as a senior technical mentor and critical escalation point to navigate complex system challenges
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, setting high standards for development using modern CI/CD practices.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven track record of leading and managing engineering teams, including recruitment and performance coaching
• Strong technical background with proficiency in C, C++, and Python
• Hands-on experience with Embedded Linux, build systems like the Yocto Project, and hardware bring-up/debugging
• Bachelor’s degree in Software, Electronics, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Deep familiarity with modern development tools like Git, Jira, and formal Continuous Integration (CI) methodologies

Logistics:

• Travel Requirement: <5% (Approximately once per year, depending on project needs)
• Location: Christchurch, New Zealand (In Office)

Our office in Christchurch, New Zealand (handily located on the Little River Link Cycleway) is the engineering centre in our region and home to over 450 staff, offering free parking, an on-site fully featured gym, changing rooms & showers, table tennis, an active social club, and a great team environment where people love working with leading technology solutions. Being located in the office provides opportunities to learn from and collaborate with many like-minded individuals from across the company.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us At Trimble,

At Trimble, we’re not just a company that "does good"—we are a team dedicated to making a tangible, positive Real-World Impact. We build innovative solutions designed to solve the world’s most critical challenges. From construction sites to transportation hubs, our work tangibly improves how people live, build, move, and grow. You’ll work on projects that truly matter: Our purpose-driven culture means you’ll be helping to build and deliver solutions that make work faster, safer, and more sustainable for millions of people worldwide. Our impact is tangible, from connected machines that save fuel to data-driven insights that reduce waste. Collaborate with like-minded people: Our strong internal culture is a "hidden gem." You will work with a collaborative, supportive team that shares your purpose and fosters a genuine sense of belonging. We’re a company of "visionary pragmatists" who think boldly and build things that work. Be an owner: Trimble thrives on individuals who take initiative and embrace ownership.

Join a Values‑Driven Team: Belong, Grow, Innovate.

At Trimble, our core values of Belong, Grow, and Innovate aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of our culture. We foster an environment where you are seen, heard, and valued (Belong); where you have an opportunity to build a career and drive our collective growth (Grow); and where your innovative ideas shape the future (Innovate). We believe in empowering local teams to create impactful strategies, ensuring our global vision resonates with every individual. Become part of a team where your contributions truly matter.

Keywords:

Firmware, Embedded, Engineering Manager, C++, C, Python, Embedded Linux, Yocto, Hardware Bring-up, CI/CD, GNSS, Automation, Grade Control