Engineering Manager

Join us at Smartbox as an Engineering Manager!

Are you a passionate Engineering Manager looking to make a real impact by giving a voice to those without speech Smartbox is looking for a dedicated individual like you to join our team and contribute to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.

Your Impact

As our Engineering Manager, you will:

Technical Planning & Delivery:

Oversee day-to-day engineering task planning and execution across firmware, electronics, mechanical, and QA/test.
Work cross-functionally with Product Managers and Designers to align technical planning with product goals, ensuring engineering output consistently meets expectations for quality, cost, and time.
Support Engineers in making architectural decisions that are robust, scalable, and support long-term maintainability.
Support Engineers in making informed platform decisions, balancing innovation, reliability, cost, and compliance.
Make resourcing and delivery risks visible early at a leadership level.
Provide oversight and guidance on our component technology roadmap, aligning technical direction with product strategy. 

Process, Quality & Compliance:

Develop and uphold product realisation processes to comply with ISO 13485, including documentation, review, IOVV, and transfer.
Take ownership for the engineering team’s compliance with ISO 14971, IEC (phone number removed) and other related standards necessary for ensuring essential safety and performance.
Ensure CAPA is executed with speed, precision, and clear, consistent communication that promotes trust, collaboration and resolution.

QA/Test Oversight:

Oversee hardware testing, including test planning, traceability, verification, and formal reporting.
Manage the shared engineering lab space, ensuring it is safe, well-equipped, and well-used.

Develop World-class Engineers:

Provide regular 1:1s, feedback, coaching, and career development support.
Help Engineers set meaningful goals and hold them accountable.
Support onboarding and mentoring of new team members.

Essential Qualifications/Skills/Experience:

A passion for improving lives through assistive technology.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
3+ years’ experience leading teams to deliver innovative products in a highly regulated industry.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills – able to listen, mediate, motivate, and build consensus across diverse technical teams.
A hands-on, people-first approach, with a genuine interest in helping others grow and succeed.
Deep understanding of electronic embedded systems.
Deep understanding of engineering best practices, including structured design reviews, traceability, risk-based validation, and root cause analysis with a focus on building safe, scalable, high-quality products.
Proven ability to balance speed and quality, helping teams stay focused and aligned without micromanaging.
Strong working knowledge of UK MDR, EU MDR, and FDA 21 CFR Part 820 regulations for medical devices.
Strong working knowledge of ISO 13485 (quality management), ISO 14971 (risk management), and IEC 60601 series (electrical safety).

About Smartbox

At Smartbox, we're proud to be at the forefront of assistive communication technology. Our innovative products are used globally by individuals with diverse needs. Our values - passionate, caring, empowering, achieving together, and enabling change - resonate in everything we do.

Our Inclusive Culture

We believe in giving everyone a voice. Joining Smartbox means joining a diverse team that values collaboration and supports a community that relies on our technology for effective communication.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Smartbox, we not only innovate but also prioritise sustainability. We aim to minimise our carbon footprint and promote a greener world through sustainable solutions. By joining us, you'll contribute to shaping a more inclusive society while actively supporting our sustainability efforts.

Our D&I Commitments

At Smartbox, we prioritise diversity and inclusivity in our work environment. Here's how we do it:

Recognised as a Disability Confident Employer by the UK Government and Founding Partner of Purple Tuesday.
Our recruitment practices are inclusive and barrier-free, with adjustments available during the application process and throughout your career with us.
We believe in adding to our culture, not just fitting in. Our diverse team combines unique talents to create products that reflect the diversity of our users and customers.

Rewards and Benefits

Discover a world of rewards and benefits tailored to your wellbeing at Smartbox. Beyond a competitive salary and private medical insurance, explore perks like a hybrid working model, wellness benefits, and paid volunteering days. Dive into our website to uncover all the fantastic benefits waiting for you at Smartbox.

Ready to Make a Difference

Join us at Smartbox and embark on a fulfilling career where your work truly matters. Click the link where you will be redirected to our Careers site where you can make your application.

Agencies

Please respect that at this current time, we wish to try and recruit directly from the market rather than engage support from an agency