Director, Engineering: Embedded Software

About the role

You will define and execute the technical strategy for embedded software development projects in close collaboration with clients and internal leadership. You will provide hands-on architectural oversight and guidance for complex embedded systems that meet the stringent demands of the medical device industry. You will lead a team of talented embedded software engineers, mentor them, and drive a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. You will oversee multiple client projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to rigorous medical device regulations and standards. You will serve as a key technical point of contact for our clients, building trust and ensuring alignment on project goals. You will stay ahead of industry trends in embedded systems, medical device development, and cybersecurity to guide our innovation. You will manage the end-to-end software development lifecycle, translating client needs into robust, compliant software solutions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Partner with clients to define and execute the technical strategy for embedded software development projects, ensuring alignment with company goals and client needs.
• Provide hands-on technical guidance and architectural oversight for complex embedded software projects across the engagement lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in embedded systems, medical device development, and cybersecurity to inform project direction.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in our software development processes, toolchains, and methodologies.
• Oversee the end-to-end software development lifecycle for multiple projects, from requirements definition through verification, validation, and deployment.
• Collaborate with Technical Project Managers to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and meet contractual obligations.
• Ensure all embedded software development activities comply with medical device regulations and standards such as IEC 62304, ISO 13485, and related cybersecurity considerations.
• Collaborate with Business Development staff to introduce prospective customers to the company's capabilities and expertise and to develop compelling technical proposals for new client work.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of embedded software engineers, fostering collaboration, excellence, and accountability.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide career development opportunities, and remove obstacles to enable team success.
• Recruit top talent and build a robust team capable of meeting the demands of our growing business and diverse client portfolio.
• Manage project timelines, risks, and dependencies to ensure predictable delivery and client satisfaction.
• Facilitate technical reviews, design discussions, and knowledge transfer sessions across the team and with clients.
• Ensure the creation and maintenance of critical documentation, including software requirements specifications, software architecture and design documents, and risk management and cybersecurity plans and assessments such as FMEAs.

Requirements

• Bring a minimum of 10 years recent experience with modern embedded C++ in professional settings.
• Possess experience developing medical devices or other safety-critical systems that demand rigorous engineering practices.
• Demonstrate strong hands-on experience with embedded development on Linux, Windows, an RTOS, or bare metal platforms.
• Show strong experience with modern SDLC processes, including unit testing, static analysis, and CI/CD implementation.
• Exhibit strong familiarity with industry-standard software development tools such as Git, SVN, or other source control systems and SDLC processes.
• Use Agile techniques effectively, including task and issue tracking and management in fast-paced environments.
• Maintain a demonstrated commitment to high quality in all deliverables, testing, and documentation.
• Communicate clearly with strong oral and written skills, ensuring technical concepts are conveyed accurately to diverse audiences.
• Operate as a highly motivated, self-disciplined, independent, and results-oriented professional even when managing ambiguity.
• Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline, or possess equivalent years of professional experience.
• Adhere to the regulatory and quality standards essential in medical device software development, including but not limited to IEC 62304.
• Apply knowledge of real-time operating systems and embedded Linux in practical project scenarios.
• Engage effectively with clients and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and shared understanding of project objectives.
• Navigate complex project constraints while maintaining focus on delivery, quality, and compliance.

Nice to have

• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering or a closely related field that deepens technical expertise.
• Accumulate 10+ years of experience in embedded software development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing engineers and projects.
• Master the full product development lifecycle for medical devices, guiding projects from initial concept through commercialization and post-market activities.
• Prove expertise in C/C++ programming for embedded systems, writing efficient, reliable, and maintainable code.
• Understand deep concepts of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux, including driver development and system integration.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience with hardware-software integration, including low-level driver development and debugging at the firmware level.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of medical device regulations and standards, especially IEC 62304, and apply them consistently across project activities.
• Build experience with cybersecurity for embedded systems, addressing threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies.
• Strengthen communication, interpersonal, and client-facing skills to build trust and manage expectations effectively.
• Show a proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced, services-based environment while maintaining quality and deadlines.
• Cultivate familiarity with wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi and BLE to support connected medical device solutions.
• Engage with emerging technologies in the medical device and embedded space to identify opportunities for process and product improvement.
• Participate in proposal development and pre-sales activities, contributing technical insights that influence customer decisions.
• Support continuous learning within the team by sharing best practices, conducting code reviews, and promoting knowledge transfer.

Practical notes

This role is full time and based in Westborough, Massachusetts. Travel may be required for client visits and project work. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position. The company reserves the right to adjust roles and responsibilities to align with evolving project and business needs.