R&D Director, Software Engineering & Test Automation

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. If you have a passion for leading and driving the development of advanced technologies with embedded firmware for new, market-leading medical applications, this may be the role for you! Smith+Nephew seeks a Director, R&D Software & Test Automation to lead the development of embedded firmware for New Product Development (NPD) programs. This role will also be responsible for leading the development of new test automation capabilities to help accelerate the qualification and release of key NPD programs.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role that will lead and guide a team of embedded firmware engineers (direct, indirect, and contractors) and have oversight of the full software development cycle from concept to release. This role will be responsible for leading the software development strategy, implement best practices for efficient software development, and will be directly involved in software requirements definition, architecture development, code reviews, and leading the development of test automation capabilities (HW & SW). This role will collaborate closely with Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, and Testing engineering teams to lead the development and release of advanced medical devices and technologies.

What will you be doing?

• Lead and drive the definition and development of embedded firmware for new product development projects, in partnership with systems engineering, electrical engineering, and program managers.
• Utilize strong technical expertise to lead architecture design, code development, code reviews, troubleshooting, and code testing activities.
• Translate business, product, quality, and regulatory requirements into product software architecture and requirements.
• Ensure the software meets time to market requirements, is scalable, serviceable, and has the required level of security.
• Support integration activities including identification of integration goals and success criteria.
• Lead the development of test automation capabilities to drive the qualification and release of new medical products with embedded firmware.
• Lead and build a team of direct, indirect, and contractor resources across multiple geographies to execute product development projects within established timelines.
• Develop verification and validation strategies in collaboration with test engineering teams.
• Support and guide test case development as required for projects.
• Lead and drive best practices for efficient software development for the department, analyzing and mitigating product and project risk throughout development.
• Foster and ensure a positive work environment in line with S+N cultural pillars of Care, Collaboration, and Courage.
• Recognize and develop talent within the team.

What will you need to be successful?

• Minimum 5 years of technical management experience and leading teams.
• Strong, hands-on technical experience in software/embedded firmware architecture design, requirements definition, code development, code reviews, testing, and release.
• Experience in development of medical products and familiarity with industry standards (IEC 62304, IEC 60601-1, etc)
• Developing software in C and C++ on custom hardware platforms
• Leading code development, code reviews, code analysis, etc using various development tools
• Defining and executing Unit Testing, Integration Testing, and Validation Testing
• Defining and leading software development activities with a team of software engineers; prefer experience using Gitlab, Jira, and/or similar platforms to manage work activities and issue tracking
• BS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or closely related technical engineering or science discipline with at least 9 years of embedded firmware development experience OR an MS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or closely related technical engineering or science discipline with at least 6 years of embedded firmware development experience.

Preferred experience:

• Experience working with cybersecurity requirements and encryption protocols.
• Experience Working in GUI software development, such as with TouchGFX or similar platform.
• Consistent track record of developing and launching advanced technology platforms with embedded firmware to the market.
• Demonstrated teambuilding skills with ability to create strong collaborative relationships across multiple technical disciplines.
• Skilled in developing and writing software requirements, and supporting verification and validation strategy development, as well as test case development.
• Persistent, driven, self-motivated, and able to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and written/verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering fields.
• Experience leading new product development activities and coordinating the activities of a team of software engineers.

Travel - Up to 15% depending on project needs

You Unlimited.

• Inclusion, Diversity and Equity - We are committed to welcoming, celebrating and thriving on Diversity! Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/)
• Your Future: 401K Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
• Your Wellbeing: We offer Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)
• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.