Embedded Software Manager

Octopus Energy

The Role

Overview

Lead embedded software team for battery firmware using ESP32 for renewable energy.

Key Responsibilities

  • firmware development
  • team leadership
  • project management
  • system architecture
  • ci/cd pipelines
  • hardware integration

Tasks

You'll be managing a team of embedded software engineers who design and test firmware that runs in our MOPO Batteries, working with ESP32 microcontrollers to build the embedded systems that manage battery performance, communication, and diagnostics. You'll provide technical leadership, set architectural direction, and ensure delivery of robust firmware solutions that directly enable thousands of customers to access reliable, renewable energy while supporting our expansion into e-mobility solutions. It's an exciting and varied challenge where your leadership drives real-world impact. -Work collaboratively across the company to continuously refine how our battery systems can create the greatest impact, get to market quickly, and operate reliably for our customers -Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and delivery of firmware features across multiple products -You are interested in working in a truly collaborative environment where you'll work closely with hardware engineers, product designers, senior leadership, and stakeholders at our tech hub in Sheffield -Contribute to product development strategy and technical roadmap planning -Lead and mentor a team of embedded software engineers, fostering their growth and development -Collaborate with hardware engineering and product teams to define system requirements and validate designs -Balance hands-on technical contribution with team leadership, conducting code reviews and providing technical guidance -Establish and champion best practices in embedded development, including testing strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and documentation -Set technical direction and architectural standards for our embedded systems and firmware development -Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and guide the team through debugging firmware and hardware integration issues

Requirements

  • git
  • bluetooth le
  • rtos
  • c language
  • ci/cd
  • leadership

What You Bring

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. They're looking for an experienced technical leader to build and grow their embedded software team, establish best practices, and steer the direction of their firmware development as they scale across the continent. -Version control systems (e.g., Git) and development workflow management -Knowledge of Bluetooth LE, GAP, GATT -Familiarity with low-level aspects of RTOS -Background in energy, mobility, or IoT sectors -Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with diverse stakeholders -Track record of scaling embedded teams in startup or high-growth environments -Proven experience managing and leading embedded software engineering teams -Excellent knowledge of C language for embedded systems and embedded software architecture -Strong understanding of CI/CD, unit testing, and quality assurance for firmware -Experience with debugging tools like logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and JTAG debuggers -Knowledge of network protocols such as TCP, UDP, TLS, HTTP -Experience with custom bootloaders and OTA update systems -Knowledge of hardware communication protocols: SPI, UART, I2C, CAN -Experience with power optimization and battery management systems -Ability to read schematics and collaborate effectively with hardware engineers -You have a passion for building high-performing engineering teams and creating firmware that improves the lives of our customers -Experience with microcontroller platforms (ESP32 or similar)

Benefits

We can't hire everyone… but we can help them shine somewhere brilliant.At Octopus, we're lucky to attract some incredibly talented humans. And while we can’t bring every talented person into our team, we can help them land somewhere that’s just as mission-driven. That’s why we’re sharing opportunities from MOPO; a company we’ve proudly backed through a strategic investment.MOPO is transforming access to clean, affordable energy across Sub-Saharan Africa with its pioneering solar battery technology. As part of our partnership to accelerate global electrification and leapfrog dirty fossil fuels, we’re supporting their hunt for exceptional talent. If you share our passion for tech-driven climate solutions, this could be your chance to make a serious impact.Joining their Sheffield-based team, you'll be leading their embedded software engineering efforts to match our ambition to radically reimagine transport and energy in Africa through the development of intelligent battery systems that power our energy distribution network across the continent.You'll be managing a team of embedded software engineers who design and test firmware that runs in our MOPO Batteries, working with ESP32 microcontrollers to build the embedded systems that manage battery performance, communication, and diagnostics. You'll provide technical leadership, set architectural direction, and ensure delivery of robust firmware solutions that directly enable thousands of customers to access reliable, renewable energy while supporting our expansion into e-mobility solutions. It's an exciting and varied challenge where your leadership drives real-world impact.They're looking for an experienced technical leader to build and grow their embedded software team, establish best practices, and steer the direction of their firmware development as they scale across the continent.The role will interest you if... You're excited by the prospect of leading technology development that transforms off-grid energy and e-mobility in AfricaYou have a passion for building high-performing engineering teams and creating firmware that improves the lives of our customersYou are interested in working in a truly collaborative environment where you'll work closely with hardware engineers, product designers, senior leadership, and stakeholders at our tech hub in SheffieldOn a given day you'll likely...Lead and mentor a team of embedded software engineers, fostering their growth and developmentSet technical direction and architectural standards for our embedded systems and firmware developmentWork collaboratively across the company to continuously refine how our battery systems can create the greatest impact, get to market quickly, and operate reliably for our customersBalance hands-on technical contribution with team leadership, conducting code reviews and providing technical guidanceManage project timelines, resource allocation, and delivery of firmware features across multiple productsEstablish and champion best practices in embedded development, including testing strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and documentationCollaborate with hardware engineering and product teams to define system requirements and validate designsTroubleshoot complex technical challenges and guide the team through debugging firmware and hardware integration issuesContribute to product development strategy and technical roadmap planningWe would like to hear from you if you have the following experience... Proven experience managing and leading embedded software engineering teamsExcellent knowledge of C language for embedded systems and embedded software architectureExperience with microcontroller platforms (ESP32 or similar)Knowledge of hardware communication protocols: SPI, UART, I2C, CANStrong understanding of CI/CD, unit testing, and quality assurance for firmwareVersion control systems (e.g., Git) and development workflow managementExperience with debugging tools like logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and JTAG debuggersAbility to read schematics and collaborate effectively with hardware engineersStrong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with diverse stakeholdersThe following would be a strong plus...Knowledge of network protocols such as TCP, UDP, TLS, HTTPKnowledge of Bluetooth LE, GAP, GATTFamiliarity with low-level aspects of RTOSExperience with custom bootloaders and OTA update systemsBackground in energy, mobility, or IoT sectorsExperience with power optimization and battery management systemsTrack record of scaling embedded teams in startup or high-growth environmentsMore about MOPO:MOPO is on a mission to enable renewable energy access in underserved markets. Already operating in Nigeria, DRC, Sierra Leone and Liberia, our solar power stations distribute energy through proprietary MOPO Batteries managed by a network of local agents. Their model is already powering thousands of homes and small businesses - eliminating fossil fuel use and enabling livelihoods. With backing from Octopus Energy, British International Investment, and Norfund, MOPO is scaling rapidly and is positioned to transform energy access and e-mobility across the continentWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. At Octopus, we're lucky to attract some incredibly talented humans. And while we can’t bring every talented person into our team, we can help them land somewhere that’s just as mission-driven. That’s why we’re sharing opportunities from MOPO; a company we’ve proudly backed through a strategic investment.

The Company

About Octopus Energy

-Founded with a mission to disrupt the energy sector with clean and affordable solutions. -Revolutionized the way consumers access renewable energy by making it easier and cheaper to switch to green energy. -A leader in the UK’s transition to renewable energy, specializing in solar, wind, and other clean technologies. -Through innovative technology and a customer-first approach, the company scales up energy solutions for homes and businesses. -Operates in multiple countries, providing both residential and commercial clients with green power and smart energy services. -Created a cutting-edge energy platform, Octopus Energy Power, that optimizes energy use and reduces costs. -Focuses on using technology to simplify energy management and reduce carbon footprints for consumers worldwide. -In addition to supplying energy, Octopus invests heavily in infrastructure to drive the future of energy generation and storage. -Has an impressive portfolio of projects that span across solar and wind farms, creating a large impact on the renewable energy landscape. -Known for a commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining reliable and cost-effective energy solutions.

Sector Specialisms

Residential

Commercial

Energy

Renewable Energy

Wind

Solar

Hydropower

Smart Homes

Electric Vehicle Charging

Smart Metering