Director of Software Engineering
Description
SFU Rocketry is seeking an exceptional individual to join us as the Director of Software Engineering. In this role you will build, lead, and oversee a talented software development team in the creation of cutting-edge software and firmware for all related SFU Rocketry projects. Your primary responsibilities will include ensuring on-time and high-quality deliverables that meet internal and external expectations, providing technical expertise and knowledge sharing, determining personnel needs, and actively participating in recruitment and selection processes. You will establish design standards, review deliverables, enforce requirements and budgets, and collaborate with key stakeholders.
As the driving force behind our hardware engineering efforts, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our organization's growth and success. Join us and take your leadership skills to new heights!
Duties & Responsibilities
Lead and manage the software development team to develop the electronics systems and subsystems for all SFU Rocketry products, ensuring deliverables are completed on time, on cost, and on committed quality to meet internal and external expectations.
Provide subject matter expertise in technical engineering and share knowledge with team members, support the software development team’s capabilities and continuous growth both on technical skills and soft skills.
Determine personnel needs by disciplines, by team and for each individual project based upon the current and projected workload; collect information and feedback from Officers and Leads including staffing recommendations and workload projections.
Convey personnel needs to the CEO, COO, and Chief Engineer, and participate in the recruitment, interviewing and selection of prospective candidates for Lead, Senior, and Junior level software positions.
Review the performance and work quality of software personnel through evaluations, including quarterly reviews; Provide recognition for outstanding contributions as well as provide constructive criticism for areas of improvement.
Lead formal code reviews and pull requests of all software development deliverables for adherence to code/project requirements.
Discuss project objectives with the CEO, CSO, and Chief Engineer, and enforce requirements and budgets with Software members.
Establish design standards and procedures to manage requirements and deliverables of Software projects.
Consult with the Chief Safety Officer to develop safety plans, procedures, and standards for tasks with inherent risk, including processes involved in Product Manufacturing, and Chemical and Material Handling.
Own the strategic planning, direction, and day-to-day execution of Software Development efforts across the entire product lifecycle.
Build up meaningful relationships with customers, vendors, manufacturing sites, and others as needed, to help organizational growth.
Perform other duties as needed.
Key Qualifications
Demonstrated technical abilities within the Software Development field
Firmware and embedded system programming (C, C++, etc)
Serial communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, etc)
Full-Stack knowledge is a strong asset
Low level operating systems knowledge and the understanding of computer operation
Outstanding written and oral communication skills
Professional timeliness in coordination and communications with SFU Rocketry members, SFU Faculty, and external contacts and clients
Demonstrated ability to promote and establish teamwork and individual leadership within the discipline
Ability to successfully and continuously lead a team of technical university students in meeting and exceeding organization goals
A proven capacity for team leadership and the ability to respond to unexpected outcomes with tactful solutions
Demonstrated skill in identifying individual team members' needs and taking appropriate action to ensure their success
Effective time management and organizational skills
Ability to become involved in several tasks and remain up-to-date on the various developmental stages
Professional contribution and quality of work
SFU Rocketry hires and produces quality talent, we look for members who produce quality deliverables that exceed expectations of the leadership team within SFU Rocketry
Education & Experience
Preference for students in their 3rd or 4th year in an undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University, with concentrations in Computing Science, Computer Engineering, or Engineering related degrees.
Preference for this role is given to those with related experience in key qualifications, though all levels of experience are encouraged to apply
Position Details
Student Design Team Position
Part-Time, Volunteer
Hybrid (Remote and In-Person)
Must be able to attend in-person meetings and work sessions at the Surrey campus
Commitment for a minimum of 12 months after onboarding
Expected minimum time commitment of 8 hours per week
Statement from SFU Rocketry
SFU Rocketry is an inclusive and equal-opportunity organization. We welcome, include, and respect all regardless of race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political belief, or conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offense unrelated to employment.
SFU Rocketry is Simon Fraser University’s largest comprehensive design team in the University’s history, and has a strong reputation to uphold. Our members are highly sought-after and have been actively recruited for permanent and co-op intern industry positions. We operate as a professional organization, where professional conduct is required and expected from all SFU Rocketry members at all times.
