Director of Software Engineering (Systems Software)

OVERVIEW

The company is looking for a Director of Software Engineering to help lead a broad organisation spanning Systems Software (Kernel, Firmware, Power), Userspace (Performance and Enablement) and System Modelling tools. This is a high-impact leadership role at the intersection of low-level systems software and large-scale engineering delivery. You'll guide a distributed team of 60+ engineers (within a wider organisation of 300+), shaping software that directly influences the performance, efficiency, and scalability of the company-based platforms! You'll bring together expertise across kernel, drivers, and userspace to deliver meaningful improvements in real-world systems, while collaborating across the company and the wider open-source ecosystem.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• You'll set direction, enable teams, and drive execution across multiple domains.
• Leading and developing a globally distributed organisation of 60+ engineers.
• Aligning priorities across kernel, drivers, and userspace teams.
• Collaborating with architecture, hardware, and product groups to deliver co-optimised solutions.
• Setting clear roadmaps that balance near-term delivery with long-term strategy.
• Building strong leadership capability and supporting the growth of senior engineers.
• Influencing across a complex organisation to bring teams together around shared goals.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Experience leading large, distributed software engineering teams (60+ engineers).
• Strong systems software background, with hands-on experience in one or more of the following: Linux kernel development, Device driver development (e.g. media, graphics, or similar subsystems), Power and performance engineering, including system-level optimisation.
• Ability to connect low-level implementation (kernel, drivers, firmware) to system-level performance, efficiency, and scalability outcomes.
• Track record of delivering measurable improvements in performance, power, or system behaviour in production environments.
• Experience developing high-performing teams and growing senior technical leaders.
• Credibility to engage deeply with engineers across the stack and influence technical direction.

NICE TO HAVE

• Media, graphics, or multimedia subsystem experience.
• Android or userspace performance exposure.
• Familiarity with the company architecture or hardware/software co-design.
• Experience working with open-source communities.

WHY JOIN the company?

This role offers the opportunity to lead across a broad and strategically critical part of the company’s software ecosystem, influencing everything from low-level kernel behaviour to end-user performance in real-world workloads. You'll work in an environment that values deep technical expertise, collaborative problem-solving, and bold thinking, with the scope to make a measurable impact across billions of devices.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Hybrid working: 2 days per week in our Cambridge office.
• Clear progression path toward Senior Director level.

Our 10x Mindset

At the company, we believe progress happens when people are empowered to think bigger and push beyond what seems possible. Our 10x mindset is about curiosity, ambition and creating impact that will be used by millions. We learn fast, prioritise collaboration and turn bold ideas into real technology. We look for people who are inspired by this way of working and want to grow in an environment where bold ideas are welcomed.

Use of AI in Your Application

At the company, we embrace the benefits AI can bring, including in recruitment. You may use AI to support your preparation, such as improving the clarity of written responses, practicing interview questions, or learning more about our industry. However, your application and interview responses must reflect your own thinking, experience, and abilities. We want to understand your authentic perspective, creativity, and approach to problem solving.

Recruitment Adjustments and Accommodations

At the company, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email hr@unitedstatesdigital.space.

Hybrid Working

The company's approach to hybrid working is designed to create a working environment that supports both high performance and personal wellbeing. We believe in bringing people together face to face to enable us to work at pace, whilst recognizing the value of flexibility.

Equal Opportunities

The company is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Range £168300 * £227700 per year