Lead Design Engineer

Lead Design Engineer

We Go Beyond for A Safer World

Te Tūranga - The Role

Are you passionate about embedded systems and practical engineering leadership? We are seeking a Lead Design Engineer to support and guide a small team of embedded firmware engineers, with a focus on platform-centric, low-level software.

In this role, you will balance people leadership with technical contribution. You'll support agile delivery practices, maintain and refine the development backlog, and contribute to embedded firmware design, implementation and testing where required.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will help ensure our products meet quality, performance and reliability expectations.

Key Focus Areas

• Scrum Master responsibilities
• Backlog grooming and sprint planning
• Line management of a small engineering team
• Hands-on embedded firmware design, implementation and testing

Key Responsibilities

• Groom and plan the platform-centric backlog of development activities
• Facilitate agile ceremonies and support effective sprint delivery
• Provide line management to a small, diverse team of embedded firmware engineers
• Support mentoring and career development of team members
• Contribute technically to embedded firmware development as required
• Participate in technical discussions and contribute to documentation and presentations where appropriate

Ō pūkenga - About You

To be successful in this role, you will have a relevant Bachelor's, Postgraduate or other NZQA-approved tertiary qualification, or equivalent practical experience.

You will also bring:

• 5+ years' experience in commercial product development
• Experience in low-level embedded firmware development
• Exposure to digital hardware fundamentals
• Scrum Master experience in an agile environment
• Line management experience
• Exposure to the full lifecycle of commercial product development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A genuine interest in technology and problem solving

Experience with radio technology would be advantageous.

Ngā painga - What's in it for you?

We are an employer that is committed to making a difference for families and communities and supporting people to build rewarding careers. We achieve this through employing people who connect with our Values (Commitment to listen. Courage to Act and Integrity to Deliver) that underpin our way of working together. We are committed to investing in our people, developing both individuals and teams to support a high-performance culture. 

We support our people through:

• We prioritise your wellbeing through health insurance after 12 months, annual flu vaccinations and extra sick leave in your first year.
• We provide a comfortable work environment through modern office facilities with onsite parking, gym, and café.
• We recognise your commitment through long service benefits.
• We balance work with fun through our active social club!

Ko wai mātou - About Us

For more than 50 years, Tait Communications has been designing, delivering and supporting critical communications networks for public safety, transportation and utility customers around the world. Founded in Christchurch by Sir Angus Tait, we now support customers and partners globally.

Our people value being part of a collaborative team that develops technology with real-world impact.

Ko koe pea tēnei? - Sound like your kind of role?

If you're ready to take the next step in your engineering career and contribute to meaningful technology solutions, please submit your CV and cover letter by 30th May 2026

Applications will be assessed as they are received and may close prior to the advertised date.

For more information about our products and solutions, visit: www.taitcommunications.com