Software Engineer - Production Engineering

Location:                         Waterbeach, UK
Department:                    R&D – Production Engineering
Reports to:                      Production Engineering Manager
Type:                                Full-time, Permanent
 

Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award-winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in-house R&D, cutting-edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.
Thermoteknix is establishing a new Production Engineering team within R&D to transition products from development into robust, scalable manufacturing. The Software Production Engineer will play a key role in developing software to aid our production process. 
 
This role will focus on the software aspects of New Product Introduction (NPI), production test automation, device programming, configuration control, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.
 
Key Responsibilities
New Product Introduction & Transfer to Manufacturing

• Support the structured transfer of products from R&D into engineering and manufacturing.
• Work with other team members to develop a test strategy for each product and analyse test coverage of designs. 
• Collaborate with the engineering team to maximise testability prior to production.

 
Production Test Software & Automation Development

• Create and maintain automated production test solutions for functional verification, calibration, and system-level validation.
• Work with electronics and systems engineers to integrate test software with test fixtures and ATE equipment.

 
Programming, Configuration & Deployment

• Define and implement robust processes for:
  • Firmware flashing
  • Software installation
  • Product configuration
  • Calibration data handling
  • Version control in production builds
• Support secure and repeatable programming methods for embedded and system software.
• Ensure correct traceability of software versions through manufacturing and product lifecycle.

 
Continuous Improvement & Manufacturing Optimisation

• Drive improvements in manufacturing efficiency through better tooling, automation, and streamlined workflows.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manual steps, improve test coverage, and increase production throughput.
• Support design changes and software updates that improve manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability.
• Enhance diagnostic capability and data capture for production and field issue analysis.

 
Production Support & Issue Resolution

• Support diagnosis of hardware faults or process issues found during production.
• Perform root cause analysis and develop corrective actions 
• Support non-conformance investigations, concessions, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).

 
Documentation & Engineering Control

• Produce and maintain clear software-related production documentation, including:
  • Programming instructions
  • Test software user guides
  • Manufacturing configuration procedures
  • Release and version control processes
• Support configuration management and engineering change control for production software releases.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the software interface between R&D, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Work closely with electronics, embedded software and mechanical engineers to deliver fully integrated production solutions.
• Support supplier and partner engagement where software tools or programming processes are outsourced.
• Contribute to defining standards and best practices for the new Production Engineering team.

 
Required Skills & Experience

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, or related discipline.
• Experience developing software tools and scripts for production test and process automation.
• Strong experience using LabVIEW for test automation.
• Strong understanding of software release processes and configuration control.
• Ability to troubleshoot software/firmware issues in embedded or hardware-integrated systems.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working across R&D and production environments.

 
Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience supporting NPI from prototype through to volume manufacture.
• Familiarity with embedded firmware programming tools.
• Knowledge of manufacturing test systems, calibration workflows, and automation frameworks.
• Experience with other programming languages such as LabVIEW, Python and C/C++.
• Understanding of engineering change control, ISO9001 environments, and traceability requirements.
• Exposure to thermal imaging products, rugged electronics, or real-time embedded systems.

 
Personal Attributes

• Practical and solution-focused mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong communicator able to work effectively with engineering and production stakeholders.
• Analytical approach to root cause investigation and continuous improvement.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, comfortable helping build a new function from the ground up.
• Passionate about delivering robust production-ready software and manufacturing excellence.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

• Opportunity to join and shape a newly formed Production Engineering team.
• A key role bridging cutting-edge R&D and real-world manufacturing.
• Collaborative environment working on advanced thermal imaging technologies.
• Career development and growth within a high-technology engineering organisation.
• Training and career development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.