Senior Engineering Manager - Embedded Firmware and Software

Senior Engineering Manager - Embedded Firmware and Software

What you will do

In this role, you will be part of product development team to manage & deliver new product functionalities, modify existing product’s functionalities or improve product functionalities as required.

The Embedded Firmware and Software Manager will provide general supervision and technical guidance to the Firmware and Software development group in the design, development and test of Fire detection systems.

You will work within a multi-disciplined engineering team consisting of electronics engineers, mechanical engineers, firmware engineers, software engineers, programmers and scientists focusing on applied research and new technology innovations to provide new and improved products and solutions for our customers.

This role requires strategic vision, technical depth, and proven experience in leading cross‑functional engineering teams to deliver innovative, reliable, and scalable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define departmental goals and objectives aligned with business priorities, and communicate them effectively to the team.
• Lead and mentor Embedded Firmware/Software Team Leaders, Architects, and Developers in the design, development, and testing of software programs within committed timelines.
• Manage planning and execution of firmware and software development, ensuring optimum use of resources and adherence to budget.
• Ensure on‑time delivery of departmental commitments by coordinating overall software development schedules and tracking program deliverables through KPIs (cost, quality, schedule).
• Collaborate with Program Managers to develop project schedules and resource allocation models for new product introduction (NPI) and sustenance programs.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams including Hardware, V&V, Design Office, Product Development, Technical Support, and Program Management to ensure seamless execution across the product lifecycle.
• Evaluate hardware/software compatibility, recommend specifications, and propose refinements to enhance functionality and program capabilities.
• Provide clear communication on issues, objectives, initiatives, and performance against plan to stakeholders.
• Establish and monitor performance objectives, provide feedback, and take corrective actions to address gaps. Handle staffing, employee relations, and performance management.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and alignment with company goals.
• Ensure compliance with workplace operating procedures, environmental standards, and health & safety guidelines.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher/equivalent in Electrical / Electronics / Instrumentation / Telecommunications / Computer Science / IT Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in embedded firmware and software development, including 5+ years in a senior supervisory/leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing and delivering end‑to‑end projects/programs with distributed teams.
• Strong knowledge of program KPIs and demonstrated ability to drive and track performance metrics.
• Deep expertise in embedded firmware/software design practices, programming techniques, and language platforms.
• Hands‑on experience with low‑level firmware development (Assembly, C, C++) and full‑stack .NET development, with strong object‑oriented programming and design pattern skills.
• Strong understanding of software development life cycles (waterfall, iterative) and contemporary quality assurance processes/tools.
• Excellent problem‑solving, interpersonal communication, and project management skills.
• Inspirational leadership skills that build team confidence, respect, and motivation.
• Experience managing teams with diverse seniority levels (Technical Leads, Architects, Engineering Managers).
• Effective communication skills to collaborate across functions and geographies.
• Detail‑oriented with strong documentation and communication discipline.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and demonstrates ownership mindset while leading by example.
• Commitment to excellence in customer satisfaction, product quality, and reliability.

Specialized Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of firmware and software development practices and methodologies.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in team environments.
• Strong ownership mindset with proven ability to deliver against project timelines.
• Advanced problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex situations involving multiple variables.
• Strong business acumen combined with coaching and mentoring capabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspire, engage, and motivate highly skilled technical teams.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies or equivalent process improvement frameworks.
• Knowledge of Fire Detection Systems or similar safety‑critical systems (preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of embedded firmware and software development experience, with at least 5 years in supervisory roles.
• Experience in regulatory testing and product certification processes for life‑safety domains across global markets.

Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/tomorrowneedsyou.  

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor global teams of Firmware/Software Engineers, Architects, leads,  Engineering managers.
• Define and execute departmental goals aligned with business priorities; ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery.
• Manage planning, execution, and tracking of embedded firmware/software projects using KPIs (cost, quality, schedule).
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Hardware, V&V, Product Development, Technical Support, Program Management).
• Drive innovation, compliance, and continuous improvement across product development and certification processes.
• Foster a positive, high‑performance culture with clear accountability and strong communication.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher/equivalent in Electrical / Electronics / Instrumentation / Telecommunications / Computer Science / IT Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of embedded firmware/software development experience, including 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Experience in end-to-end product development involving low‑level firmware (Assembly, C, C++) and/or full‑stack .NET development with OOP/design patterns.
• Strong knowledge of software development life cycles (waterfall, iterative) and QA processes/tools.
• Demonstrated leadership, business acumen, and ability to motivate highly skilled technical teams.
• Experience managing distributed teams and global product certification (life‑safety domain preferred).
• Familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies and safety‑critical systems such as Fire Detection (preferred).
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills; detail‑oriented with strong ownership mindset.

Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/tomorrowneedsyou.