R&D Manager

Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Industry: Electronics / Lighting Controls / IoT

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.