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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop high-performance electronic systems for elite motorsport.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge motorsport company in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the thrilling world of motorsport technology.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in motorsport with strong leadership and technical skills.
- Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Systems & Software to lead a small team of engineers delivering robust, high-performance electronic architectures for elite motorsport and high-performance vehicle programmes. This role has end-to-end ownership of electronics systems, from concept and validation through to trackside deployment. You will define electronics and software strategy, ensure system reliability and regulatory compliance, and support multiple programmes across factory, test, and race environments.
Working closely with electrical design, vehicle, and powertrain teams, you will ensure seamless integration of electronics systems and the delivery of optimised, reliable, and compliant solutions. This role will also be hands-on, so candidates must ensure they are comfortable to do so.
Key Responsibilities
- Team Leadership & Delivery
- Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of systems and software engineers.
- Set technical direction, priorities, and delivery plans across multiple programmes.
- Allocate resources, conduct performance reviews, and grow team capability. Establish engineering standards and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, reliability, and accountability.
- Systems Architecture & Integration
- Define and own the vehicle electronics architecture, including:
- ECUs, PDMs, and power distribution
- Network topology (CAN, CAN FD, LIN, Ethernet, FlexRay where applicable)
- Gateways and telemetry systems
- Collaborate with the electrical design team on harness design, connectors, sensors, actuators, and packaging.
- Ensure solutions meet performance, durability, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage system requirements and revision control across multiple platforms and programmes.
- Own embedded software strategy and development, including:
- Low-level drivers and calibration layers
- Control algorithms, diagnostics, and fail-safes
- Drive FMEA and DFMEA activities and define robust validation plans (bench, rig, and track).
- Own incident response and root-cause analysis.
- Ensure compliance with FIA and series regulations, homologation constraints, scrutineering requirements, and data compliance.
Skills & Experience
- Significant motorsport experience with direct involvement in high-level programmes (e.g. GT3, WEC, W2RC, WRC), typically 5–8+ years.
- Proven experience leading a small team of systems and software engineers in a fast-paced race environment.
- Strong background in embedded systems and vehicle networks including hands-on experience with ECU configuration, sensor/actuator integration, and diagnostics.
- Proficiency with motorsport electronics ecosystems (e.g. Bosch, Cosworth, MoTeC, Marelli, Life Racing).
- Experience with model-based design (MATLAB/Simulink).
- Experience with reliability engineering (FMEA, test plans), HIL/rig testing, and trackside fault-finding under time pressure.
- Familiarity with FIA regulations, homologation processes, scrutineering, and data compliance.
- Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
This role offers the opportunity to lead the development of high-performance electronics and software systems within a collaborative, technically demanding environment, contributing directly to elite motorsport and advanced vehicle programmes.
Head of Systems & Software employer: Fortis Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Fortis Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Systems & Software
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the motorsport industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. 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! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with embedded systems and vehicle networks. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in high-pressure environments – that’s what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that excite you! Use our website to find roles that match your passion for motorsport and electronics. Tailor your approach to each company, showing them why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews like it’s race day! Research the company’s recent projects and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practice common interview questions, especially around team leadership and system integration, so you can hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Systems & Software
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Motorsport: When you're writing your application, let your love for motorsport shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm and expertise in high-performance vehicles. We want to see how you connect with the industry.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and working with embedded systems, as well as your familiarity with FIA regulations. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and achievements. We love a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortis Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of embedded systems and vehicle networks. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with ECU configuration and sensor integration, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your ability to mentor engineers and set technical direction, as this will be key in demonstrating your fit for the Head of Systems & Software position.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Regulations
Since compliance is a big part of the job, make sure you understand FIA regulations and homologation processes. Being able to discuss how you've navigated these in past roles will show you're ready for the challenges ahead.
✨Be Hands-On
This role requires a hands-on approach, so be prepared to talk about your practical experience in testing and fault-finding under pressure. Share specific instances where you've successfully managed system requirements and validation plans.
