At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the engineering team and drive product development across hardware and software.
- Company: High-growth AI/hardware startup in Birmingham with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Six-figure salary, private healthcare, and clear path to CTO.
- Other info: On-site collaboration four days a week for a vibrant team environment.
- Why this job: Own the future of innovative products and shape the engineering landscape.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in product development with leadership experience in complex physical products.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Engineering Lead is sought by a high growth AI/hardware start-up based in Birmingham city centre. Following significant progress in bringing its flagship product to market, the business is now looking for an Engineering Lead to take ownership of the next phase of product development. This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who can operate across software, hardware, AI and technical programme leadership. You'll work closely with the founders, build and lead the engineering team, and own the development programme across hardware and software.
The Role
You'll take responsibility for turning the product vision and roadmap into an executable engineering programme. You'll need enough technical breadth across hardware & software to understand the complete system, make informed trade-offs across different engineering disciplines, challenge technical decisions and keep a complex physical product moving towards production.
You'll own:
- The product roadmap and development programme from planning through delivery
- Milestones, dependencies, risks and critical-path management
- Prioritisation and sequencing across hardware and software
- Requirements, specifications and system-level technical trade-offs
- Coordination between engineering, operations, commercial and marketing teams
- Building, hiring, mentoring and developing the engineering team
- Budget, resourcing, external suppliers and vendors
- Product quality and engineering standards
- Clear communication of progress, risks and decisions to founders and the board
What We're Looking For
We're particularly interested in people who have taken complex physical products from development towards production and launch, rather than candidates whose experience is exclusively software or traditional product management.
You'll ideally bring:
- 8+ years' experience in product or engineering development, with meaningful leadership responsibility
- Experience developing consumer hardware, appliances or another complex physical product
- Experience managing hardware and software development simultaneously
- Strong technical programme management across multiple engineering disciplines
- Enough technical depth to challenge engineers and make sensible system-level decisions
- Experience defining requirements and specifications and managing engineering trade-offs
- People-management experience, including hiring, mentoring and developing engineers
- Experience managing budgets, resources, suppliers and external engineering partners
- Confidence communicating directly with founders, senior leadership and boards
Why Join?
Rather than inheriting a narrow remit, you'll have significant ownership over what gets built, how the engineering organisation develops and how the product progresses through future generations. This role will also offer a clearly defined route to CTO plus a six-figure package and private healthcare. We believe in the value of face-to-face collaboration so are after someone who is happy to be on-site four days a week in Birmingham.
Engineering Lead in Birmingham employer: SF Partners
SF Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while being part of a high-performing team dedicated to driving success. The company values operational excellence and provides a competitive salary, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Lead in Birmingham
✨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 Engineering Lead role you’re after at SF Partners.
✨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 SF Partners 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 SF Partners.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Engineering Lead at SF Partners, 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 Engineering Lead in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering 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 SF Partners 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 SF Partners 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 SF Partners
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with SF Partners, 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 SF Partners 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.
