Head of Engineering in Maidstone

We’re partnering with a well-established, boutique medical product development company that designs and delivers life-saving medical technology used in critical clinical environments worldwide. Their work sits at the intersection of precision hardware, embedded systems, electronics, supporting state-of-the-art equipment used in oncology, radiation therapy, and advanced medical imaging. This is a rare opportunity to step into a true Head of Engineering role, shaping engineering strategy while remaining hands-on where it matters. Please note this is a full time onsite position Monday – Friday (although the client can be flexible on hours).

The Role

As Head of Engineering, you’ll take overall responsibility for the engineering function across electronics, embedded software, mechanical design, and computer science. Working closely with the Managing Director, you’ll play a central role in translating business goals into robust, high-quality engineering output. You’ll lead a senior team made up of Lead and Principal Engineers across multiple disciplines, setting direction, maintaining standards, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest level of quality. This is very much a lead-by-example role—strategic, but not detached from the technology. The position is full-time and on-site near Maidstone, working closely with hardware, teams, and leadership.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Owning the engineering strategy and execution across all disciplines
• Leading and coordinating senior engineers in embedded, electronics, mechanical, and software engineering
• Setting clear technical direction, deadlines, and delivery expectations
• Ensuring engineering teams meet quality, compliance, and performance standards
• Acting as the escalation point for complex technical challenges
• Supporting cross-discipline collaboration to keep projects aligned and moving
• Remaining hands-on when required, particularly in complex or high-risk areas, leading by example and understanding the work of the different disciplines.
• Working closely with the MD as part of the senior leadership team

You’re an experienced engineering leader who combines technical depth with confident leadership. You’ll likely have:

• Previous experience as an Electronics Manager, Head of Engineering, or Head of Department
• A strong technical background spanning embedded systems, electronics, engineering, and software (mechanical is nice to have).
• The credibility to lead senior engineers and influence technical decisions
• A pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset with high standards for quality
• Experience managing timelines, priorities, and cross-functional dependencies
• The confidence to step into detail when needed, without micromanaging
• Supporting onsite prototyping

Nice to have (but not essential)

• Experience in medical devices or other regulated industries
• Exposure to video or image processing
• Familiarity with safety-critical or compliance-driven development environments

What’s on Offer

• A senior leadership role in a company developing life-saving medical technology
• Direct influence on engineering direction, standards, and long-term strategy
• Close collaboration with the Managing Director and senior stakeholders
• A highly skilled, experienced engineering team to lead
• Modern on-site facilities near Maidstone
• 7.5% company pension contribution
• Annual bonus
• Competitive salary of £100,000 – £130,000, depending on experience

If you’re looking for a hands-on Head of Engineering role where your leadership and technical judgement genuinely matter—and where the work has real-world clinical impact—we’d love to hear from you.