Embedded Software Manager

AnaVation LLC; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy technology firm in Sheffield seeks an experienced technical leader to manage and grow their embedded software team. You'll focus on firmware development for battery systems crucial for renewable energy access in Africa. The role combines leadership with technical contributions, requiring expertise in embedded systems and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing and leading embedded software engineering teams.
• Excellent knowledge of C language for embedded systems.
• Experience with microcontroller platforms (ESP32 or similar).
• Strong understanding of CI/CD, unit testing, and quality assurance for firmware.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of embedded software engineers.
• Set technical direction and architectural standards.
• Collaborate across the company to refine battery systems.
• Balance technical contribution with team leadership.
• Manage project timelines and delivery of firmware features.

Skills

Leadership in engineering teams

Knowledge of C language for embedded systems

Experience with microcontroller platforms

Knowledge of communication protocols

Understanding of CI/CD and unit testing

Proficiency with version control systems

Experience with debugging tools

Communication skills

Job description

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 Africa
• You have a passion for building high-performing engineering teams and creating firmware that improves the lives of our customers
• 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

On a given day you'll likely...

• Lead and mentor a team of embedded software engineers, fostering their growth and development
• Set technical direction and architectural standards for our embedded systems and firmware development
• 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
• Balance hands‑on technical contribution with team leadership, conducting code reviews and providing technical guidance
• Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and delivery of firmware features across multiple products
• Establish and champion best practices in embedded development, including testing strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and documentation
• Collaborate with hardware engineering and product teams to define system requirements and validate designs
• Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and guide the team through debugging firmware and hardware integration issues
• Contribute to product development strategy and technical roadmap planning

We would like to hear from you if you have the following experience...

• Proven experience managing and leading embedded software engineering teams
• Excellent knowledge of C language for embedded systems and embedded software architecture
• Experience with microcontroller platforms (ESP32 or similar)
• Knowledge of hardware communication protocols: SPI, UART, I2C, CAN
• Strong understanding of CI/CD, unit testing, and quality assurance for firmware
• Version control systems (e.g., Git) and development workflow management
• Experience with debugging tools like logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and JTAG debuggers
• Ability to read schematics and collaborate effectively with hardware engineers
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally with diverse stakeholders

The following would be a strong plus...

• Knowledge of network protocols such as TCP, UDP, TLS, HTTP
• Knowledge of Bluetooth LE, GAP, GATT
• Familiarity with low‑level aspects of RTOS
• Experience with custom bootloaders and OTA update systems
• Background in energy, mobility, or IoT sectors
• Experience with power optimization and battery management systems
• Track record of scaling embedded teams in startup or high‑growth environments

More 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 continent.