Job Summary:

The Software Squad Leader is a technical leader and hands-on engineer within Acuity’s Electronics organization, based in our new Cork office. This role leads a multidisciplinary scrum team developing firmware, software controllers, wireless communication features, and configuration/calibration tools for Acuity’s next generation LED drivers and lighting control systems.

The Squad Leader provides technical direction, architectural guidance, and engineering mentorship, while contributing directly to design and implementation across embedded C, C#, JavaScript, and React. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working close to hardware, understands wireless protocols, and can guide a team through complex engineering challenges while supporting Agile delivery practices.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the technical lead for the squad, guiding architecture, design decisions, and implementation quality across firmware, backend, and frontend components.

• Collaborate with Solution Architects to translate system level vision into actionable engineering plans and high-quality designs.

• Review and refine technical designs, ensuring scalability, maintainability, and alignment with Acuity’s engineering standards.

• Mentor and coach engineers in best practices, problem solving, and technical decision-making.

Hands-On Engineering

• Build software controllers, configuration tools, and user interfaces using C#, JavaScript, and React.

• Work across the full stack, integrating firmware, application logic, and cloud connected components.

• Develop and maintain embedded C firmware for the next generation software controls network.

• Engage directly with hardware for debugging, validation, and integration activities.

Wireless & Connectivity

• Design and implement features involving TCP/UDP/BLE/Thread and other wireless communication protocols.

• Support device provisioning, secure communication flows, and network level behavior.

Team Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the squad’s technical execution while supporting Agile practices such as planning, refinement, and retrospectives.

• Partner with the Product Owner to shape backlog items, clarify requirements, and ensure technical feasibility.

• Collaborate with the System Architect to translate high-level architecture into clear, executable software designs.

• Identify risks, dependencies, and impediments, and work proactively to resolve them.

• Support hiring, onboarding, and development of engineering talent within the Cork office.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required Technical Skills:

• 5+ years of experience in full stack- software development.

• Strong proficiency in:

o C (embedded/firmware)

o C# / .NET

o JavaScript & React

• Experience developing firmware for embedded systems or hardware centric- products.

• Solid understanding of software architecture, system design, and engineering best practices.

• Familiarity with communication protocols such as TCP/UDP/BLE/Thread, or similar IoT technologies.

• Experience working with hardware interfaces, device communication, or firmware update workflows.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams through influence rather than authority.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to guide, mentor, and collaborate across disciplines.

• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments with a practical, delivery focused- mindset.

• Ability to operate effectively in a global, matrixed organization, collaborating across multiple teams, time zones, and functional areas.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.

• 5–8 years of software development experience, ideally in embedded or IoT product environments.

• Experience as a technical lead, squad leader, or similar role.

• Hands-on experience with multiple programming languages or tools such as C++, Python, Node.js, SQL, Azure, or automated testing frameworks.

• Experience with TCP/UDP, Bluetooth communications, or other device level- protocols.

• Familiarity with Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing.

• Experience with mobile development (iOS/Android), Xamarin/MAUI, or cross platform- frameworks.

• Background in lighting, IoT devices, or hardware software- integrated products.