Software Engineer; NPI Team

Company Profile

Location: Waterbeach, UK

Department: Engineering (NPI)

Reports to: Production Engineering Manager

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award‑winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in‑house R&D, cutting‑edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.

Due to increasing market opportunities and an ever‑growing product range, Thermoteknix is expanding its engineering capacity by creating a New Product Introduction (NPI) team within R&D.

As a member of the new NPI team, you will be responsible for leading the software‑driven automation and test aspects of transitioning products from development into scalable, repeatable manufacturing. You will work closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams, drawing upon your existing software knowledge to implement comprehensive automated testing and validation protocols.

Additionally, you will contribute to the enhancement of existing software to boost production test speed and ensure that products are thoroughly tested and validated.

• Support software and test design processes, ensuring DFT principles are applied throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support software and test work streams within NPI projects, ensuring readiness for build and scale, and supporting the transition of products through to customer delivery.
• Define and implement robust processes for firmware programming, product configuration, calibration data handling and version control in production builds.
• Define, develop, and document automated test processes during product development for new products and assemblies.
• Work with mechanical and electronics engineers within the NPI team to design automated electromechanical test systems that optimise production throughput and ensure product quality.
• Drive improvements in manufacturing readiness by identifying and implementing opportunities to streamline production test and build times.
• Provide hands‑on support during NPI builds, troubleshooting software, automation, and hardware‑integrated system issues within the ECN framework.
• Work with the quality department to support non‑conformance investigations and product quality improvements during NPI phases.
• Contribute to the development of the new NPI team’s standards and processes.

• Degree in Software Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience developing software tools for production test and process automation.
• Strong experience in C#, using WPF and MVVM methodologies.
• Understanding of software release processes and configuration control.
• Ability to troubleshoot software issues communicating with embedded hardware‑integrated systems.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
• Experience creating technical documentation and releasing into a controlled change management system.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

• Experience supporting NPI from prototype through to volume manufacture.
• Familiarity with embedded firmware programming tools.
• Knowledge of manufacturing test systems, calibration workflows, and automation frameworks.
• Experience with additional programming languages such as LabVIEW, and C/C++.
• Understanding of engineering change control, ISO
  9001 environments, and traceability requirements.
• Exposure to thermal imaging products, or real‑time embedded systems.
• Experience designing jigs, fixtures, tooling, or electronic test equipment.

• Hands‑on, proactive, and solution‑focused mindset.
• Strong communication skills with engineering and production stakeholders.
• Comfortable working across both design and manufacturing environments.
• Driven to improve processes and deliver manufacturing excellence.
• Adaptable and motivated to help shape a new team and function.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

• Opportunity to join and shape a newly formed Production Engineering team.
• A key role bridging cutting‑edge R&D and real‑world manufacturing.
• Collaborative environment working on advanced thermal imaging technologies.
• Career development and growth within a high‑technology engineering organisation.
• Training and career development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.