About the Role:
Working within a small Design Department, consisting of mechanical and optical engineers, project management and procurement. This position is based at our manufacturing base in Send, Woking and works closely with Purchasing and the Machine Shop.
We are excited to expand and strengthen our in-house software team and capabilities. This role is a unique opportunity. There are currently no direct reportees, allowing this role to play a pivotal role in shaping the department’s structure, strategy, and future growth.
The Lead Software Engineer will be a key technical leadership position within the Vision Engineering Design Team. The role is a new position, responsible for defining and overseeing the architectural vision, strategy, and implementation of software systems within Vision Engineering. They will ensure the alignment of technology with business/project objectives, drive innovation, and establish best practices for software development. The individual will be working directly with the Digital Development Manager and Project Engineer initially to transition some software development from external subcontractors to an in-house team and to manage external software projects.
Vision Engineering’s Engineers are individually responsible for projects through the full life cycle of a product, from initial conception to full production.
The role requires the individual to be a creative and pro-active problem solver, who takes ownership throughout and uses their own initiative to resolve engineering issues. The role involves full liaison with subcontractors and engineers on and off-site and with all levels of staff in the Company.
The Design Team currently comprises a Design Manager, Chief Engineer, four permanent Mechanical Designers, a Design Project Manager, Project Engineer, Digital Developments Manager, Optical Research Engineer, Research Design Innovator and CAD support.
Resources within the department include; large laboratory area, dark room, rapid prototyping machines, in house prototype machining and shared knowledge and experience of existing design team.
The position reports to the Design Manager.
What you will be doing:
- Architectural Strategy: Develop and maintain a scalable, secure, and high-performance software architecture aligned with business goals. Assist with the creation of product future roadmaps.
- Technology Leadership: Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that enhance efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness.
- Technical Governance: Establish best practices, coding standards, and architectural principles to ensure maintainability and quality.
- Collaboration: Work closely with engineering teams, product managers, and stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions.
- System Design & Integration: Oversee the design of complex software systems, ensuring seamless integration across platforms and services.
- Innovation & R&D: Drive innovation through research, prototyping, and adoption of new technologies.
- Mentorship: Guide, lead and mentor team members, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
- Scalability & Performance: Ensure software architectures can handle growth and meet performance requirements.
- Risk Management: Identify technical risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Security & Compliance: Ensure software systems adhere to security best practices and regulatory requirements.
Maintaining all design office systems for data, document and process control (including ISO9001: 2008, ISO 2001: 2015 and ISO 13485).
The role will also support ‘hands-on’ development of PC based applications/embedded microcontroller firmware and utilities for research and development activities. The individual will be responsible for software verification/validation and testing, as well as managing version control, via repositories.
What we are looking for:
Strong proficiency in system architecture, software development (embedded and PC-based), microservices, APIs, and modern software development practices. Experience with multiple programming languages. Ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and lead engineering teams effectively.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex architectural challenges.
Typically, 10+ years in software development, with at least 5 years in a leadership or architectural role. Understanding of hardware capabilities.
Familiarity with video processing and digital imaging technologies.
A successful candidate will be expected to be able to capture design decisions and highlight associated technical risks and seek and share good working practices to continuously improve their skill set and the overall working of the products and the department.
Candidates will have a degree level qualification (or equivalent) in Software Engineering, computer science or similar and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a related role.
Based in our modern Global HQ in Send, Surrey, candidates must live within a manageable daily commute.
What you will be getting:
This is a full time, permanent position, 40 hours per week – Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm with half an hour lunch break and flexibility on the start and finish times in line with the Company’s core working hours policy.
- Additional production bonus (variable but approx. 3% of basic salary payable monthly in arrears); linked to the value of goods invoiced from the UK factory base;
- Aviva private pension scheme, in line with Government legislation and guidelines. Currently 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution;
- 24 days holiday per annum (plus additional Bank Holidays);
- Benefits available on successful completion of a 6 month probationary period:
- BUPA, private medical insurance with minimal, monthly contributions;
- Simply Health Optimise Plus Plan, non-contributory cash back plan for claiming monies back for treatments;
- Group Life insurance (Death in Service scheme) equivalent to 2 years’ basic salary to next of kin;
- Sickness absence pay;
- Cycle to Work scheme;
- Administration of government childcare vouchers;
- Multi-cultural feast day celebrations and charitable opportunities;
- Excellent staff facilities;
- Free on-site parking, including access to EV car charging points;
- Transport to and from the local station;
- Free membership of an on-site gym;
- Free weekly on site yoga sessions with a celebrated local yogini;
- Free weekly on site boxercise sessions with an experienced martial artist & instructor.
Staff Development is key to our continued success and, as a result, we have a well-funded staff development budget, and dedicated Staff Development team. The Staff Development programme operates throughout the entire Company, and allows for professional, personal and tailored development and training to suit the individual needs and requirements of each staff member.
Vision Engineering is a progressive, forward thinking company, which subscribes fully to the letter and spirit of equal opportunity.
