Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer:
Job Description

Reporting to: VP of Engineering

Location:

Reading, RG30 1DZ

Working hours:

37.5 hours, Monday - Friday

Big Sis ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), a UK start-up, is applying robotics and artificial intelligence to transform the production of sterile male insects, which are used for chemical‑free control of pest insects. Big Sis has developed a pilot automated production line and is now focused on scaling to millions of insects per week.

• Spirit – Having innovation, team and fighting spirit!
• Fluid – Working in a flexible way and being open to change
• Trustworthy – Includes honesty, integrity, respect and being approachable
• Growth mindset – Learn and grows & embraces challenges
• Succeeding together – Collaborate and celebrates success together

We’re looking for a Lead Software Engineer to join our small, dynamic, and forward‑thinking team. In this role, you’ll play a key part in developing the Big Sis automated production systems, contributing across both embedded systems and cloud‑based infrastructure.

• Take full ownership of the software used on assigned Big Sis production modules.
• Lead the development and maintenance of assigned operational and field applications for the Big Sis Insect Rearing System.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Define, implement, and maintain software development tools, frameworks, and best practices.

This is a hands‑on and technically challenging position that involves:

• Developing embedded software across a range of production modules.
• Contributing to systems that backhaul operational data to AWS for storage, monitoring, and analytics.
• Collaborating on AI models used to process capsules within the rearing system.
• Taking end‑to‑end ownership of field delivery and operations applications and tools.

We're seeking someone who thrives in a start‑up environment and is comfortable delivering functional, “good‑enough” solutions under time pressure—while continuously refining and improving the systems over time.

• 2:1 degree in computer science or relevant engineering discipline
• 5+ year Software Engineering lead experience, including system architect, mentoring, and code reviews
• Python/C++, PyTorch, Numpy, Pandas, Tensorflow, Computer Vision, OpenCV, JavaScript, HTML
• Hands‑on experience designing and implementing control mechanisms for production line automation
• Solution orientated with an ability to think outside the box

• Design of low power automated systems and/or equipment, e.g. animatronics, vending machines or kitchen appliances
• Use of embedded microcontrollers/IDEs, e.g. Raspberry Pi, Okdo, Tinker Edge R
• AWS cloud storage and data analytics
• Android / IoS mobile applications
• Experience working with 3rd party remote software developers
• Experience working with stepper motors, servo motors, automatic material handling systems
• Experience coaching and mentoring junior engineers or leading product development team
• Project management skills or certification

• Energy, ambition and commitment to ensure the job gets done
• Honesty, integrity and openness to ensure we build a great company culture
• Flexibility to changes in priorities and adaptability to new ideas
• Out of the box thinking and ‘can do’ attitude
• Team player who creates and thrives in a collaborative environment and
• Effective communication skills.

You need to be comfortable working with live insects, including spending time in the hot and humid insect rearing area. Insects and their growth cells are very small, so you need good fine work skills.

To be considered for this role, please send a CV and cover letter to infoh explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education, work experience and current salary.

Big Sis is an equal opportunities employer. Applicants will be considered without attention to age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religious background.