Software Engineering Manager

At Gentex Corporation, we’ve created an environment where great ideas and great people can thrive. Leveraging a history that spans over 130 years, Gentex is a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel operating in high performance environments. Join our multinational team of exceptional and dedicated employees around the world and work on challenging and rewarding projects, grow your skills, and advance your career all while making a positive difference in the lives of our customers. Together, you and Gentex can build a career that’s uniquely yours. ABOUT THE JOB We are seeking an experienced Software Engineering Manager to build, lead, and grow a high-performing in-house software engineering organization. This position is software-first in focus and combines people leadership with hands-on technical guidance in the development of embedded firmware, mobile applications, and PC-based software for next-generation electro-mechanical and electro-acoustic systems. The Software Engineering Manager will initially lead a small team of firmware and application engineers and will be responsible for scaling the organization as software becomes a core product differentiator. This role is central to transitioning development from external subcontractors to internal teams while establishing engineering standards, processes, and long-term software strategy. Some team members will be remotely located in California, UK and Pennsylvania. Gentex offers a robust benefit package- including, but not limited to, medical coverages, 401k, paid time off and excellent work schedules including a 9/80 work week. EDUCATION B.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related field required. Training in supervision and leadership preferred. EXPERIENCE 8+ years of experience in software engineering with emphasis on new product development. 2–5 years of experience in engineering leadership or technical supervision preferred. Experience building or scaling a software engineering team preferred. Experience managing subcontractors and remote teams preferred. Experience supporting military or other regulated programs preferred. Experience with embedded or real-time systems a plus. Security clearance desired or ability to obtain. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Leadership & Management Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop software engineering teams. Ability to plan, estimate, and allocate resources across multiple programs. Experience in workforce talent evaluation, hiring, and performance management. Ability to set team goals, drive execution, and maintain accountability. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Software Engineering Strong understanding of embedded software and firmware development practices. Experience with C/C++ with emphasis on real-time embedded development. Experience developing software on current generation SOC's with embedded audio DSPs and microcontrollers (e.g., ARM, MSP430). Experience with object-oriented principles. Experience with software configuration management and version control tools (e.g., Git). Familiarity with software development lifecycle (SDLC), configuration management, and issue tracking tools (e.g., Visure, Cora, Jira, DOORS). Ability to review software/firmware requirements for compatibility with hardware design constraints. Experience programming with limited memory and processing resources and optimizing performance. Experience with embedded systems development on custom hardware. Preferred / Plus Experience Experience with encryption algorithms. Experience with embedded wireless development. Experience with low power devices and software techniques to increase battery run time. Knowledge of Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or related tools is a plus. Experience designing, deploying, or maintaining customer-facing infrastructure for software distribution and software/firmware updates (e.g., secure delivery mechanisms, device update pipelines, lifecycle support systems) a plus. Experience creating and managing mobile and PC-based companion applications that interface with embedded products a plus. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration Strong cross-discipline communication skills to align hardware and software requirements, testing, and validation. Experience reading schematics and hardware datasheets. Ability to collaborate effectively with Electrical Engineering, Test Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management. Competence in technical documentation and presentations using MS Office tools. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Build, lead, and scale the software engineering organization, including hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and performance management. Set technical direction for embedded and application software development aligned with system architecture and program requirements. Provide technical leadership, architectural guidance, and design oversight; contribute hands-on as needed to support delivery and technical risk reduction. Establish and enforce software engineering standards, best practices, design reviews, and lessons‑learned activities. Drive transition from outsourced development to internal ownership of critical software capabilities. Serve as main interface for software subcontractors and external partners; develop statements of work and provide technical guidance. Plan, estimate, and track software development activities to meet cost, schedule, and performance commitments. Support bids and proposals, including conceptual design, cost estimates, and technical writing. Ensure compliance with site quality management system requirements and applicable regulatory requirements. Prepare and deliver technical reports, recommendations, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. Support transition to production, including test strategies, process controls, and lifecycle support. Collaborate with cross-functional groups to achieve enterprise and departmental goals. TO APPLY Visit: LOCATION Gentex’s Manchester facility is located in southern New Hampshire. Manchester is the largest convention, sports, entertainment, and arts & cultural destination in New Hampshire. There is so much to do, see and experience in Manchester including major concerts and ECHL Hockey, AA minor league baseball, live performances at the historic Palace Theatre or exhibits at our renowned museums. Located in the heart of New England, Manchester is also conveniently located within an hour’s drive of Boston, an hour from the Atlantic Ocean and less than two hours from New Hampshire’s scenic White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee and the many other well-known vacation destinations in Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts. Gentex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for any applicable state or federal protected class. Gentex is an E-Verify Participant. Pre-employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required. #J-18808-Ljbffr