Software Engineering Manager
* Oxford (3 days onsite)
* Up to £110,000 + bonus + equity
The Opportunity
We’re partnering with a well-funded deep-tech company building highly complex, next-generation technology.
They’re looking for a hands-on Software Engineering Manager to lead a small, high-calibre team working on software that sits close to the core of their platform - where software meets hardware, and performance really matters.
This is a role for someone who enjoys technical leadership, real ownership, and working on systems that operate beyond typical web or cloud environments.
The Role
You’ll lead a team of around five engineers responsible for a critical part of the overall system - coordinating components, interacting with hardware, and ensuring everything works reliably together.
You will:
* Lead and support a team of experienced engineers
* Own prioritisation, planning and delivery for your area
* Work closely with hardware engineers and technical specialists
* Stay close to the technology, guiding design and problem-solving
* Help bring structure and momentum to a fast-moving environment
* Support team growth through coaching and clear direction
What We’re Looking For
This role suits someone who combines strong technical understanding with confident team leadership.
You’ll likely have:
* Experience leading or managing small, high-performing engineering teams
* Strong background working with Linux-based systems
* Experience building software that interacts with hardware or complex systems
* A solid foundation in C/C++ or similar systems-level languages
* The ability to prioritise effectively and drive delivery in a dynamic environment
Nice to have:
* Experience with hardware protocols (USB, PCIe, Ethernet)
* Exposure to real-time or distributed systems
* Familiarity with Rust or modern systems languages
Why This Role?
* Work on genuinely complex systems with real-world impact
* Small team → high ownership and visibility
* Strong package: £110k base + bonus + equity
* A highly collaborative environment across engineering and technical teams
* Opportunity to shape both team direction and technical outcomes
Interested?
If you enjoy leading teams close to the technology, and want a role where you can still stay hands-on while making a real impact - this is worth a conversation.
Apply now or reach out for more information.
We are committed to inclusive hiring
Our recruitment partners and clients believe in equal access to opportunities and building diverse, supportive teams. If you need adjustments during the application process or would like to explore how your experience aligns with the role, we would be happy to have a conversation.