At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the tech design of innovative animal wearable devices from concept to mass production.
- Company: Join MSD, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to innovation in animal health technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on customer-centric solutions and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in technical leadership and experience with IoT or wearable devices required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
This job is with MSD, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Animal Health Technology Solutions offers global animal identification and monitoring solutions for companion animals and livestock. These solutions enable pet owners to better manage the health and well-being of their pets and enable livestock producers to improve well-being and animal production. Technology Solutions include Core Technologies in Livestock Identification, Dairy, Beef, and Swine monitoring, for which the product/market fit is established, as well as products in discovery.
Our Technology Solutions division is evolving. We are moving to a Product Operating Model - a new way of working that empowers product teams to take full ownership and accountability for delivering customer and business value in ways our customers love and that work for the business. Our product teams are cross-functional and durable, bringing together all the skills required to deliver impactful outcomes. Each team includes a Product Manager, Technology Lead, Product Designer, Delivery Lead, engineers, and developers. We believe in customer centricity, ownership, and accountability.
Solutions must be:
- Valuable - customers choose to buy or use them
- Viable - aligned with business constraints and goals
- Usable - intuitive and user-friendly
- Feasible - achievable with our technical capabilities
Leadership of the team is shared between the Product Manager and the Technology Lead, ensuring balanced guidance that bridges product vision and technical execution.
As the Vence Collar Tech Lead, you will provide technical leadership for the animal wearable device (collar) within the broader Vence solution. You will lead the technical design and execution of the collar from concept through mass production, ensuring the solution is technically robust, manufacturable, reliable, and scalable in real-world farm environments. You will work as part of the Vence core product team, in close partnership with the Vence Collar Product Manager, R&D teams, NPI, Operations, Customer Success, and manufacturing partners. You will be accountable for technical architecture, system integration, validation, risk management, and technical readiness for launch and ongoing support.
We are looking for a Vence Collar Tech Lead who:
- Thrives on leading technical development of products that customers love, understanding customer problems and leading the development and delivery of technological solutions
- Is guided by measurable results related to collar performance and customer outcomes
- Collaborates across R&D, NPI, Operations, Supply Chain, and Customer Success to deliver a technically strong device
- Uses field data and technical evidence to guide engineering tradeoffs and improvements
- Fosters an environment of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration in a multidisciplinary team
Key Responsibilities:
- Collar Technical Strategy, Architecture, and Design: Work with the Vence Collar Product Manager and cross-functional partners to understand Vence customer needs and translate agreed product outcomes into technical solutions for the collar. Lead the technical architecture and system design for the collar, including electronics, mechanics, embedded software, RF communications, integration, and validation. Define and drive engineering solutions that meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost constraints. Ensure collar designs and algorithms are compatible with and make effective use of relevant Core Platforms, avoiding duplication of platform responsibilities. Evaluate technical feasibility, complexity, and risk for proposed design changes and solutions. Own collar-specific product outcomes and metrics (e.g., field failure/return rates, installation/activation success, battery life, robustness, unit cost) and use these to guide design trade-offs.
- Collaboration, Product Discovery & Cross Functional Leadership: Work as part of the Vence core product team to define goals and solve customer problems related to the collar, bringing collar-specific technical and field insights into decisions. Drive and participate in product discovery for collar-related problems: Engage with Customer Success, field teams, and customers to understand pain points (installation, comfort, durability, reliability). Help define and run experiments and trials to validate ideas before committing to full design changes. Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D functional managers, engineers, product design, NPI, Operations, Supply Chain, and Customer Success to ensure alignment and delivery.
- Validation, Quality, and NPI Readiness: Ensure speed to market while maintaining focus on quality, robustness, and performance in demanding environments. Collaborate with NPI and Operations on production launch and ramp-up, as well as ongoing mass production support. Define and oversee validation strategy, technical acceptance criteria, and readiness activities. Identify risks early and proactively define mitigation strategies. Support ongoing operations by investigating and resolving field issues and feeding insights into future improvements. Stay current with relevant IoT, hardware, and wearable technologies and industry trends. Promote innovation while maintaining strong focus on reliability, safety, and field performance.
- Performance and Accountability: Own the technical architecture and engineering of the collar and ensure the solution achieves customer outcomes. Deliver high-quality technical solutions that meet agreed requirements and performance targets. Track and report technical metrics such as reliability, test coverage, yield, field failure rates, and risks. Ensure engineering decisions balance feasibility, reliability, maintainability, manufacturability, and cost. Provide strong technical input to support product decisions.
Required Qualifications:
- BSc/MSc in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in technical leadership or technical project management for multidisciplinary hardware products.
- Proven experience working in a product team and collaborating cross-functionally.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience working in medium and large-scale companies.
- Comprehensive knowledge of IoT architecture, embedded systems, hardware, mechanics, integration, and validation.
- Experience developing mass-production products for wireless IoT or wearable devices.
- Proven experience working throughout the entire product life cycle, from discovery and concept through design, validation, and mass production.
- Experience working on complex products requiring a high level of technical know-how and coordination across multiple geographic locations.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
- Passion for building products that solve real customer problems and deliver measurable value in the field.
- A mindset of ownership, accountability, and customer focus; comfortable signing up for results and driving outcomes through others when needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in geofencing, animal technology, or similar field-deployed hardware solutions.
Characteristics:
- Ability to lead as an individual contributor within a matrix environment, influencing without direct line authority.
- Strong ability to focus on what is important to the customer and the business, not just what is technically interesting.
- Willingness to travel to meet customers, field teams, manufacturing partners, and remote R&D teams.
- Problem solver with a "can-do" attitude and strong desire for learning and innovation.
- Excellent team player, able to collaborate closely with the Vence Product Manager, Vence Tech Lead, Vence core product team, engineering, NPI, Operations, and Customer Success.
- Passion for fostering team innovation and leveraging the collective ideas and expertise of cross-functional colleagues.
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
- Change Controls, Portfolio, Programme, and Project Support, Problem Management, Release Management, Risk Management, Strategic Planning, System Designs.
Vence Collar Tech Lead employer: MSD
MSD is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and diversity, making it a fantastic place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the Companion Animal sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, collaborative work culture, and innovative omnichannel strategies, employees are empowered to drive customer engagement and campaign excellence while enjoying flexible work arrangements. Located in a vibrant community, MSD offers unique opportunities to connect with veterinary professionals and pet owners alike, fostering a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vence Collar Tech Lead
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Vence Collar Tech Lead role you’re after at MSD.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at MSD a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at MSD.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Vence Collar Tech Lead at MSD, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Vence Collar Tech Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Vence Collar Tech Lead, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at MSD a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to MSD specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at MSD
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with MSD, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like MSD want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
