At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of embedded software for electric drive systems.
- Company: Join an innovative high-tech scale-up in the automotive sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on next-gen electric drive technology and lead a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in embedded software development and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Norwich
Permanent | Hybrid / Onsite 3-4 days onsite per week
ARCA Resourcing is proud to partner with an innovative high-tech scale-up at the forefront of next-generation electric drive systems for automotive and mobility applications. This is a key leadership opportunity for an experienced Lead Software Engineer to take ownership of embedded software development across complex electric drive systems, shaping both technical direction and team delivery. You will play a pivotal role in defining architecture, driving software quality, and leading engineering activity across the full development lifecycle.
Working at the heart of a multidisciplinary engineering environment, you will guide a talented software team while collaborating closely with systems, hardware, controls, and validation engineers to deliver robust, high-performance automotive solutions.
The Opportunity
You will lead the design and development of embedded software spanning base software, application layers, motor control, power electronics control, charging systems, diagnostics, and real-time vehicle functions. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with team management and delivery ownership, ensuring software is designed, built, integrated, and validated to the highest standards in a safety-critical automotive environment. A strong focus is placed on structured development processes, ASPICE-aligned delivery, and continuous improvement across tools, workflows, and engineering practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of embedded software for electric drive systems, including BSW, application software, motor control, charging, DC-DC control, diagnostics, and system functions
- Define and maintain software architecture aligned with system and product requirements
- Lead, organise, and mentor software engineers, promoting best practice in development, planning, and documentation
- Define software tools, methods, and processes, and lead key technical decisions aligned with ASPICE principles
- Oversee the full software lifecycle from requirements through implementation, verification, validation, and release
- Drive delivery of software milestones through effective planning, tracking, documentation, and change control
- Develop and review high-quality embedded software using model-based development, auto-code generation, and C/C++ as appropriate
- Support control algorithm development and ensure software meets performance, safety, and reliability targets
- Lead software integration with embedded hardware platforms and system architectures
- Collaborate with systems, hardware, and test teams to define requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies
- Support validation activities including bench testing, HIL, dynamometer testing, and system verification
- Lead root cause analysis, system debugging, and corrective action implementation
- Define and oversee software verification and validation strategies, ensuring full traceability across requirements, code, and test
- Lead software reviews and ensure compliance with coding standards, quality processes, and development guidelines
- Manage day-to-day software team activity, supporting technical development and delivery performance
- Drive continuous improvement across software processes, tools, CI/CD, testing, configuration management, and documentation
- Support compliance with relevant industry standards including ISO 26262, ASPICE, and MISRA C
- Contribute to future product concepts and system strategy for electric drive technologies
Key Skills & Experience
- Strong background in embedded software development for automotive or electric drive systems
- Experience with motor control, inverter control, DC-DC systems, diagnostics, and real-time embedded software
- Proven ability to lead and mentor software engineering teams in a delivery-focused environment
- Strong understanding of software architecture and hardware/software integration
- Experience across the full software lifecycle: requirements, design, implementation, verification, validation, and release
- Hands-on experience with software testing strategies including unit, integration, HIL, and system-level testing
- Strong planning, organisation, documentation, and delivery management capability
- Working knowledge of ISO 26262, ASPICE, MISRA C, and functional safety principles
- Strong collaboration skills across multi-disciplinary engineering teams
- Excellent problem-solving ability with a balance of performance, robustness, and maintainability
Why Apply?
This is a high-impact leadership role where you will shape both the software architecture and the engineering capability behind next-generation electric drive systems. You will have real influence over technical direction, team growth, and product delivery in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.
Locations
Lead Software Engineer - Automotive & Electrical Drive systems in Norfolk, Norwich employer: ARCA
Join a pioneering high-tech scale-up in Norwich, where you will lead the charge in developing cutting-edge electric drive systems for the automotive industry. With a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration, this role offers a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth and encourages continuous improvement. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid working model, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer - Automotive & Electrical Drive systems in Norfolk, Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the automotive and tech industries. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those related to embedded software and electric drive systems. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with motor control, software architecture, and team leadership. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our innovative team. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and passion for electric drive technologies.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer - Automotive & Electrical Drive systems in Norfolk, Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in embedded software development and any leadership roles you've held, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about electric drive systems and how your experience aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don't shy away from detailing your technical skills, especially in areas like motor control and software lifecycle management. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative projects.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it reaches the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARCA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your embedded software development knowledge, especially in automotive and electric drive systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving motor control and real-time functions.
✨Show Leadership Skills
Since this role is all about leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored software engineers in the past. Highlight your experience in driving software quality and delivery, as well as any strategies you've implemented for continuous improvement.
✨Understand the Full Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to validation and release. Be ready to discuss how you've overseen these processes in previous roles, especially in safety-critical environments.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This position requires close collaboration with various engineering teams. Think of examples where you've worked effectively with systems, hardware, or test teams to define requirements and integration strategies. Show that you can communicate technical concepts clearly across disciplines.
