Lead Software Systems Engineer

Lead Software Engineer – Embedded & Safety-Critical Systems

Location: Dublin (Hybrid) - 2 days per week on site

A rapidly growing deep-tech company developing highly complex autonomous systems is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to define and drive the technical direction of its next-generation embedded software platform.

This is a strategic technical leadership role for an experienced software engineer who combines deep embedded systems expertise with the ability to shape long-term architecture, influence engineering standards, and lead delivery across multiple software domains.

You will act as a subject matter expert for software systems operating within a highly regulated, safety-critical environment, helping ensure the reliability, performance and scalability of mission-critical technology.

The Opportunity

Working closely with senior engineering leadership, you will be responsible for defining software architecture, guiding technical strategy and ensuring the successful delivery of complex embedded systems programmes.

The role requires someone who can operate comfortably at both strategic and hands-on levels—setting long-term technical direction while remaining capable of reviewing designs, solving complex engineering challenges and mentoring experienced engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the long-term software architecture for embedded and real-time systems.
• Establish engineering standards, development practices and technical governance across multiple projects.
• Lead architectural reviews and technical decision-making for safety-critical software.
• Drive technical strategy and roadmap planning in partnership with engineering leadership.
• Act as the senior technical authority for embedded software and firmware systems.
• Guide software reliability, maintainability and performance improvements.
• Lead risk assessment, technical problem-solving and root-cause analysis activities.
• Mentor and develop senior engineers, fostering technical excellence across the organisation.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, quality and regulatory stakeholders.
• Support the successful delivery of complex multidisciplinary engineering programmes.

Required Experience

• 8+ years' experience developing embedded software within complex engineering environments.
• Expert-level knowledge of Embedded C and C++.
• Proven track record defining architecture for embedded or real-time software platforms.
• Experience operating as a technical lead, principal engineer or software architect.
• Strong understanding of software development within regulated or safety-critical environments.
• Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction across multiple teams and projects.
• Excellent debugging and problem-solving skills across hardware and software boundaries.

Highly Desirable

• Experience developing software within microcontroller-based systems.

• Experience with real-time operating systems, avionics, robotics platforms, functional safety, reliability engineering, systems engineering or regulatory compliance would be advantageous.

• Experience gained within one or more of the following sectors:

• • Aerospace or aviation systems
  • Autonomous systems
  • Robotics
  • Automotive safety systems
  • Medical devices
  • Industrial control systems
  • Defence or other high-integrity engineering environments

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a recognised technical leader who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges while helping others succeed. You will possess the credibility to influence senior stakeholders, the technical depth to guide architecture decisions, and the leadership skills to elevate engineering capability across the organisation.

This is an opportunity to play a defining role in the development of advanced, real-world technology where software performance, reliability and safety are paramount.