Embedded Team Manager

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Optics11 is seeking an Embedded Team Manager to lead the Embedded Software, FPGA and QA/Test engineers in a matrix organization, owning people growth and long term team effectiveness while engineers retain project ownership. The role focuses on leadership, coaching, onboarding, and cross functional alignment with product owners, system architects and project managers, while upholding high standards in quality, testing, and CI/CD. Candidates should bring 8+ years in embedded systems, 2 to 3+ years leading multidisciplinary teams, strong Embedded Linux, C++, Python, FPGA toolchains, and Docker/GitLab, plus on site work in Amsterdam and eligibility for AIVD screening. Tips: tailor your resume to show leadership impact and matrix collaboration, and quantify delivery improvements.

As an Embedded Team Manager you are responsible for the people, growth, and long-term effectiveness of the Embedded Software team within a matrix organization. The team delivers Optics11’s fiber optic sensing platforms, working on Linux based systems built on Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+, CUDA-enabled platforms, and advanced optical sensing hardware.

In this role, engineers own the technical results and project outcomes. You focus on leadership, coaching, and creating the conditions for success rather than driving day-to-day technical decisions. You ensure the team is healthy, skilled, well-aligned, and continuously improving, while project responsibility sits with engineers and project leads.

You act as a people manager and sparring partner for engineers, and as a coordination point with product owners, product management, system engineering, and project management.

Key Responsibilities:

People Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead, coach, and develop Embedded Software, FPGA, and QA/Test engineers

• Drive one-on-ones, performance reviews, and growth planning

• Build a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Ensure effective onboarding and knowledge sharing

Capability & Delivery Enablement:

• Ensure the right skill mix to support current and future products

• Identify capability gaps and support hiring and scaling

• Strengthen engineering standards in quality, testing, documentation, and CI/CD

• Ensure teams have the right processes and tools to deliver reliably

Matrix Collaboration & Strategic Alignment:

• Operate in a matrix setup where engineers own project delivery

• Align with Product Owners, Project Managers, and System Architects on priorities and capacity

• Act as escalation point for people-related challenges

• Interface with external partners and contribute to technology roadmap discussions

You are responsible for the people and capability development across the following domains:

Embedded Software:

• C++ and Python development on Embedded Linux

• Real-time data processing and system control

• Build systems using CMake

• Post-production support and maintenance

FPGA Development:

• FPGA-based system design and integration

• AMD/Xilinx toolchains (Zynq UltraScale+)

• Simulation, verification, and hardware bring-up

• Long-term maintainability and code quality

QA, Test Automation & DevOps:

• Python-based test frameworks for embedded systems

• Automation of lab equipment and optical sensor setups

• CI/CD pipelines using Docker and GitLab

• System-level testing on Linux-based embedded platforms

What’s in it for you:

• A dynamic, innovative, and fast-growing international environment where you can shape how a technical team operates and scales

• A leadership role with significant impact on team performance, product development, and organizational growth

• Opportunities for personal and professional development

• The chance to work with talented colleagues and external partners on cutting-edge technology

Requirements

Requirements:

• BSc or MSc in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or similar

• 8+ years in embedded systems development

• 2–3+ years leading multidisciplinary engineering teams

• Strong affinity with hardware–software integrated, high-tech products

• Solid understanding of Embedded Linux systems

• Familiarity with C++, Python, FPGA environments, CI/CD, Docker, Git-based workflows

• Experience in matrix or project-driven organizations

• Experience in regulated or quality-sensitive industries (Energy, Defence) is a strong plus.

• Currently residing in the Netherlands and able to work on-site in Amsterdam

You'll be working with clients in the defence and security sectors, obtaining a Certificate of No Objection issued by the AIVD (Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will need to undergo a security screening. For more information, please refer to details on security screening. 

More information:

So now you know we're doing awesome projects and if you see you fit the profile, we would like to get to know you. Apply and drop your details or, in case of questions, get in touch with our recruiter Dora Öveges via [email protected].