R&D Manager

Job description

About

R&D Manager - Electronic Lighting Controls

Location:

Hertford, Hertfordshire

Position Type:

Full-Time, Permanent

Industry:

Electronics / Lighting Controls / IoT

About the Role

Are you an experienced R&D leader with a passion for driving innovation in electronic products?

We are seeking a

Research & Development Manager

to lead a multidisciplinary engineering team (electronics, software, hardware, mechanical) in designing next-generation electronic lighting control systems. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will own the end-to-end product development lifecycle

from early concept and feasibility through to compliance, testing, and volume manufacturing.

This role balances strategic oversight with hands-on technical guidance, making it an ideal opportunity for a proactive leader thriving in an agile, SME environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy:

Define and execute the R&D roadmap aligned with business goals. Lead, mentor, and resource an internal engineering team while managing specialist sub-contractors when required.

Product Development & Technical Oversight:

Oversee design and development of hardware, embedded firmware, and wireless/wired communication protocols. Enforce DfM

, DfT, and DfR

principles across all projects.

Testing & Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure all products meet EMC, electrical safety, cyber resilience, and RoHS standards, collaborating directly with external test houses and regulatory bodies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with Sales, Operations, and Procurement to drive smooth New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and translate market needs into product specifications.

Project & Process Management:

Manage multiple simultaneous projects, ensuring strict adherence to timelines, budgets, quality standards, and structured development methodologies.

R&D Tax Support:

Liaise with Finance to support technical submissions for R&D tax credits.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills:

Proven Leadership:

At least 5 years of R&D management/leadership experience within electronic product development.

Electronics & Firmware Knowledge:

Strong background in analogue/digital electronics, embedded microcontrollers, and communication protocols (e.g., DALI, Bluetooth, Zigbee, DMX, Ethernet).

Full Lifecycle Delivery:

Demonstrated track record taking complex electronic products from concept through to full production.

Compliance & Tools:

Solid understanding of electronic regulatory standards (EMC, Safety, RoHS) and hands-on proficiency with engineering tools like Altium and embedded development environments.

Education:

Degree (BEng/MEng) in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, or a related discipline.

Desirable:

Background in lighting controls, power electronics, sensors, or human-centric lighting solutions.

Experience applying Agile principles to hardware/firmware development.

Background in an SME environment where adaptability and a pragmatic, hands-on approach are key.

Why Apply?

Drive technology leadership in a market-leading electronics company.

High visibility and direct impact, working closely with executive leadership.

A collaborative, innovative environment where technical curiosity is valued.

To discuss this position in confidence or

submit an application, please get in touch.