Electronic Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Electronic Design Manager

Company: Spirax-Sarco Ltd. (Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions)

Location: Redruth, Cornwall, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Product Development

Date Posted: 2025-08-14

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office, 3 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of electronics design engineers to deliver innovative electronic solutions for fluid management technologies.

• Oversee the end-to-end product development lifecycle for electronic systems, from concept through to production, ensuring adherence to project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

• Drive technical excellence and innovation in analogue and digital circuit design, PCB layout, and embedded firmware development.

• Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with cross-functional teams (mechanical, software, manufacturing) to ensure seamless product integration and market readiness.

• Champion continuous improvement in electronics design processes, methodologies, and quality assurance practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "Electronic Design Manager," the responsibilities and required skills suggest a strong emphasis on managing the operations of an electronics design department, including team leadership, project execution, budget management, and process optimization, aligning it with an operations-focused role within an engineering context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development:

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing electronics design team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Set clear performance objectives, conduct regular appraisals, and support career development for team members.
  • Oversee the recruitment and onboarding of new electronics engineering talent.

• Project Management & Execution:

  • Spearhead the planning, execution, and delivery of electronics design projects from initial concept to mass production, ensuring adherence to scope, timeline, budget, and quality metrics.
  • Develop and manage project roadmaps, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies for electronic system development.
  • Ensure robust documentation is maintained throughout the project lifecycle, including design specifications, test plans, and manufacturing release packages.

• Technical Strategy & Innovation:

  • Drive technological advancements by staying abreast of emerging trends in electronics, sensor technologies, embedded systems, and relevant industry standards.
  • Establish and enforce best practices in analogue and digital circuit design, PCB layout, embedded firmware development, and hardware-software integration.
  • Review and approve technical designs, schematics, and prototypes to ensure compliance with product requirements and regulatory standards.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Act as the primary liaison for electronics design matters, collaborating effectively with mechanical engineering, software development, manufacturing, product management, and quality assurance teams.
  • Facilitate seamless integration of electronic components and systems into complete product solutions.
  • Engage with sales and customer support to translate market needs and customer feedback into actionable design requirements.

• Process Improvement & Quality Assurance:

  • Promote and implement a culture of quality, reliability, and continuous improvement within the electronics design function.
  • Lead root cause analysis for design-related failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Champion the adoption of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Testability (DFT), and robust prototyping methodologies.

• Budget Management:

  • Develop and manage the budget for the electronics design department, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and cost-effective project execution.

  • Monitor expenditure, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure financial targets are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership and operational management, common in senior engineering roles. The emphasis on project management, process improvement (DFM, DFT), and budget oversight positions this as a role where operational efficiency and structured execution are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in electronics design and development.

• At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or management role, overseeing engineering teams or significant projects within a high-technology, regulated industry.

Required Skills:

• Analogue & Digital Circuit Design: Deep expertise in designing and troubleshooting analogue and digital circuits, including power management, signal conditioning, and control systems.

• PCB Layout & Design: Proficiency with PCB design principles and advanced CAD tools (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD, Eagle) for complex multi-layer boards.

• Embedded Firmware Development: Strong skills in embedded C/C++ programming, microcontroller interfacing, and real-time operating systems (RTOS). Experience with VHDL/Verilog for FPGA/CPLD development is a plus.

• System Integration: Proven ability to integrate electronic subsystems with mechanical, software, and other components to create functional products.

• Design for Compliance: Thorough understanding of design for EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), safety standards (e.g., CE, UL), and product certification processes.

• Project Management: Demonstrated success in managing multiple complex engineering projects from inception to completion, utilizing project management methodologies to meet deadlines and budgets.

• Leadership & People Management: Ability to lead, motivate, coach, and develop engineering teams, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong aptitude for identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex technical issues with a pragmatic, data-driven approach.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences, including senior management, peers, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Sensor Technologies & Signal Processing: In-depth knowledge of various sensor types, signal acquisition, filtering, and processing techniques.

• IoT & Wireless Communication: Familiarity with Internet of Things (IoT) concepts, connectivity protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRaWAN), and embedded system security.

• Simulation & Modelling: Experience with electronic simulation tools (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink) for circuit analysis and system performance prediction.

• Regulatory Standards: Familiarity with specific industry regulations and standards relevant to instrumentation and fluid control applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a strong foundation in core electronics engineering disciplines, coupled with practical project and people management capabilities. The "preferred skills" indicate a forward-looking approach to technology adoption, particularly in IoT and wireless communication, which are increasingly relevant in modern industrial automation and operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies of complex electronic product development projects managed or significantly contributed to. These should illustrate the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept and requirements gathering to design, testing, validation, and successful product launch.

• Technical Documentation Samples: Provide examples of key technical documentation, such as circuit schematics, PCB layout files (or annotated screenshots), Bill of Materials (BOM) management processes, and detailed design specifications.

• Project Management Artifacts: Include samples of project plans, risk assessment matrices, progress tracking reports, and budget summaries for past projects to demonstrate project management proficiency.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Highlight instances where complex technical challenges were overcome, detailing the diagnostic process, implemented solutions, and the resulting impact on product performance or reliability.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow: Demonstrate understanding of structured electronic design workflows, including phases like requirements definition, feasibility studies, schematic capture, PCB layout, prototyping, testing, and verification.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Testability (DFT): Provide evidence of applying DFM/DFT principles in design processes to optimize for efficient manufacturing and robust testing, including examples of design choices made to improve yield and reduce costs.

• Change Management: Illustrate processes for managing design changes (ECOs/ECNs) throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring proper documentation, impact analysis, and stakeholder approval.

• Quality & Reliability Processes: Detail methodologies used for ensuring product quality and reliability, such as FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), HALT/HASS (Highly Accelerated Life Testing/Highly Accelerated Stress Screening), and end-of-life testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in electronics design, a portfolio should not only showcase technical achievements but also demonstrate a structured approach to managing the design process and team. The ability to articulate and demonstrate proficiency in DFM/DFT, change management, and quality assurance processes is crucial for operational efficiency and product reliability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Reflecting experience and responsibilities.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Allowing for a healthy work-life balance, with a hybrid model (2 days in office, 3 days remote).

• Generous Holiday Allowance: Providing ample paid time off.

• Life Assurance: Financial protection for dependents.

• Three Days’ Paid Volunteering Leave: Encouraging community involvement.

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Including Gender-neutral parental leave, 15 days of extra paid caregiver leave, paid time off and support for pregnancy loss or domestic abuse, and menopause-friendly workplace principles.

• Pension Scheme: Contributing to long-term financial security.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attending industry conferences.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid working arrangement offers flexibility in how these hours are structured, balancing office-based collaboration with remote work efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general UK engineering management salaries and the specific location. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is extensive and reflects a strong commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which is a significant draw for operations and engineering professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Engineering, Fluid Technology, Process Control, Life Sciences, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Healthcare.

Company Size: Spirax Group is a large, multinational industrial engineering group, likely employing thousands of individuals globally. Watson-Marlow specifically is a significant division within this group.

Founded: Watson-Marlow was founded in 1960. Spirax Group (formerly Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc) has a much longer history, tracing its origins back to 1880. This long history suggests a stable, established company with deep expertise and a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Electronic Design Manager will lead a dedicated team of electronics design engineers within the New Product Innovation (NPI) Engineering department.

• This team will likely be part of a larger engineering function that includes mechanical, software, systems, and test engineers.

• Collaboration is expected with Product Management, Operations/Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Sales/Marketing teams.

Methodology:

• The NPI Engineering team likely employs a structured product development methodology, potentially a hybrid of Waterfall and Agile principles, tailored for hardware development. This would involve distinct phases for concept, design, prototyping, verification, validation, and production ramp-up.

• Emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, rigorous testing, and adherence to quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).

Company Website:

• Watson-Marlow: https://www.wmfts.com/en/

• Spirax Group: https://www.spiraxgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and FTSE100 status suggest a robust, process-driven environment. The emphasis on NPI and innovation indicates a dynamic aspect within a stable organization. Understanding the company's purpose ("engineer a more efficient, safer and sustainable world") and its commitment to inclusion will be key for cultural fit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into engineering management. It moves beyond individual technical contribution to encompass team leadership, strategic project oversight, and departmental operational management. It's a mid-to-senior level management position.

Reporting Structure: The Electronic Design Manager will likely report to a Senior Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering, or Head of NPI. They will manage a team of electronics engineers, potentially ranging from junior to senior levels. Cross-functional collaboration will be integral, requiring effective communication and influence with peers in mechanical, software, operations, and product management.

Operations Impact: The Electronic Design Manager's role has a direct impact on the company's operational efficiency and product innovation pipeline. By successfully bringing new, reliable, and efficient electronic solutions to market, they contribute directly to the company's competitive advantage, revenue growth, and ability to meet customer demands in critical industries like life sciences and process industries. Efficient product development processes managed by this role also influence manufacturing costs and time-to-market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like IoT integration, advanced sensor technologies, or power electronics for fluid management systems.

• Management Progression: Advance to higher management roles, such as Head of Electronics Engineering, Director of Engineering, or VP of R&D, within Watson-Marlow or the broader Spirax Group.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into roles in Product Management, Program Management, or Operations Management, leveraging a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle and technical systems.

• Global Opportunities: With Spirax Group being a multinational entity, there may be opportunities for international assignments or leadership roles in other divisions or regions.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training programs, industry conferences, and potential for further academic study to stay at the forefront of electronic design and management practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical stepping stone for engineers looking to move into leadership. The growth path emphasizes not only vertical progression within engineering management but also horizontal movement into broader business functions, leveraging the technical foundation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, with a 2/3 home/office split. This suggests a modern approach to work, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration and team cohesion with the flexibility and focus of remote work.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Location: Cardrew Industrial Estate, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 1SH, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model mandates in-office days for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and direct collaboration with colleagues across departments. The office environment is likely equipped to support these activities.

• Technology & Tools: Access to state-of-the-art electronics design labs, testing equipment, simulation software, and standard office technology will be essential for the team's productivity.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the electronics design team, as well as cross-functional teams, will be frequent. This fosters knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and a cohesive approach to product development.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week comprises approximately 40 hours. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, likely allowing team members to structure their working days to optimize productivity, manage personal commitments, and attend necessary in-office meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of remote and in-office work and be proactive in managing their time and communication across both settings. The specific location in Cornwall may appeal to those seeking a lifestyle change or a balance between professional career and personal life outside of major metropolitan hubs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial review of applications and conduct a brief screening call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the direct hiring manager (likely a Head of Engineering or Director) to discuss technical experience, leadership style, project management approach, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates might be asked to present a detailed case study from their portfolio, focusing on a complex electronics design project they managed or significantly influenced. This will assess their technical depth, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate technical concepts and outcomes.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key members of the electronics design team and representatives from cross-functional departments (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Software, Product Management) to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and cultural alignment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Engineering or R&D Director) to discuss strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly outline the project background, the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the technical solutions implemented, the challenges faced and how they were overcome, the project outcomes (quantified where possible), and lessons learned.

• Highlight Leadership & Process: Emphasize your leadership contributions, team management approach, and how you applied structured design methodologies (DFM, DFT, etc.) and project management principles.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. This could include improvements in product performance, reliability, cost reduction, time-to-market, team efficiency, or successful project delivery against KPIs.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the intricacies of your designs, the rationale behind key technical decisions, and your proficiency with relevant tools and technologies.

• Tailor to the Role: Select portfolio examples that best align with the requirements of the Electronic Design Manager role at Watson-Marlow, particularly focusing on industrial electronics, embedded systems, and product innovation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss hypothetical or real-world technical challenges related to analogue/digital design, embedded systems, or system integration. Practice articulating your thought process for diagnosing issues and developing solutions.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to answer behavioral questions about managing teams, handling conflict, motivating engineers, and driving performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

• Strategic Thinking: Consider how you would approach setting technical direction for the team, managing project portfolios, and contributing to the company's overall innovation strategy. Be prepared to discuss how you stay current with industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical expertise but also leadership capabilities and how well a candidate can integrate into a collaborative, innovation-focused environment. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases both technical and managerial achievements is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronics CAD Software: Altium Designer, OrCAD, Eagle (or similar professional PCB design suites).

• Simulation Software: SPICE, LTspice, MATLAB/Simulink, PSpice (for circuit simulation and analysis).

• Embedded Development Tools: IDEs (e.g., Keil MDK, IAR Embedded Workbench, Eclipse), C/C++ compilers, debuggers (e.g., J-Link, ST-Link), oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters. Experience with version control systems like Git is essential.

• FPGA/CPLD Design Tools: (If applicable) Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus Prime, or similar for VHDL/Verilog development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, or similar for planning, tracking, and resource management.

• Data Analysis Tools: Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, VBA), potentially Python with libraries like Pandas for data analysis and reporting.

• ERP/PLM Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for managing BOMs, product data, and manufacturing processes.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by this role, understanding how electronic designs integrate with CRM (e.g., Salesforce) for product configuration or support and how automation (e.g., Jenkins for firmware builds) can be leveraged in the development process is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard electronics design automation (EDA) tools and embedded development environments is non-negotiable. Familiarity with project management and potentially PLM/ERP systems is also crucial for effective operational management of the design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to create novel solutions that push the boundaries of fluid management technology.

• Excellence: Commitment to high standards in design, quality, reliability, and execution.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams and disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting customer needs through superior product design and performance.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings and design practices.

• Efficiency: Striving for optimized processes, resource utilization, and cost-effectiveness in product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Mechanical, Software, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management teams. This involves regular communication, joint problem-solving sessions, and shared ownership of project outcomes.

• Open Communication: An environment where ideas can be freely shared, feedback is constructively given and received, and transparency is valued.

• Process-Oriented: A culture that values structured approaches to design, development, and problem-solving, with a focus on continuous improvement of processes.

• Proactive Engagement: Encouraging team members to proactively engage with stakeholders, identify potential issues early, and contribute to a proactive problem-solving culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of inclusion, innovation, and creating sustainable value are likely integrated into the team's culture. Candidates who can demonstrate these values through their past experiences and approach to work will be a strong fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Advancements: Keeping the team's skill set current with the fast pace of change in electronics, embedded systems, and IoT technologies.

• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Driving innovation while ensuring designs are robust, cost-effective, manufacturable, and meet stringent regulatory requirements.

• Managing Hybrid Team Dynamics: Effectively leading and fostering cohesion within a team that splits its time between office and remote work.

• Cross-Functional Dependencies: Navigating complex interdependencies with other engineering disciplines and departments to ensure smooth product integration and timely delivery.

• Resource Constraints: Effectively managing budgets and personnel to deliver on multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications in areas like embedded systems security, advanced sensor integration, or specific IoT protocols.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone management skills through internal or external training, workshops, and mentorship.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Encouragement to attend relevant industry events to stay abreast of the latest technological trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior engineering leaders within Spirax Group, providing insights into strategic decision-making and career progression.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of NPI projects across different product lines and market segments, broadening experience and technical knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a rich environment for both technical and managerial growth. Addressing the inherent challenges proactively, such as staying current with technology and managing a hybrid team, will be key to success and will provide significant learning opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Vision & Strategy: "How would you develop a technology roadmap for the electronics design team over the next 3-5 years, considering industry trends and Watson-Marlow's product strategy?" (Focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, foresight, and understanding of innovation drivers.)

• Team Development & Management: "Describe your philosophy for leading and developing an engineering team. How do you foster innovation, ensure accountability, and manage performance, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Prepare examples using the STAR method.)

• Project Portfolio Management: "How do you prioritize and manage multiple complex electronic design projects simultaneously? What methodologies do you use to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery?" (Highlight your project management skills and experience with tools/processes.)

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate closely with mechanical or software engineering teams to integrate electronic systems. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure successful integration?" (Showcase your communication and collaboration abilities.)

• Problem-Solving Approach: "Walk me through a challenging technical problem you encountered in a past electronics design project. How did you diagnose it, what solutions did you consider, and what was the final outcome?" (Be ready to go into technical detail and demonstrate analytical rigor.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Watson-Marlow and Spirax Group, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission and values, particularly regarding innovation and sustainability?" (Research the company’s mission, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture?" (Connect your approach to the company's stated commitment to inclusion.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio case studies as compelling narratives that highlight challenges, solutions, and impactful results.

• Visual Aids: Use clear schematics, PCB layout images, photos of prototypes, and simple charts/graphs to illustrate your points.

• Quantify Results: Be ready to present metrics that demonstrate success (e.g., performance improvements, cost savings, efficiency gains).

• Focus on Leadership: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and leadership actions within each project.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most relevant and impactful aspects of your work. Practice your presentation to ensure it flows logically and fits within any allocated time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of both technical engineering and effective management practices. Candidates should be ready to articulate their leadership style, project management approach, and how they foster innovation and collaboration, backed by concrete examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Electronic Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SSE Academy careersite.

• Portfolio Customization: Review your professional portfolio. Select 2-3 key electronic design projects that best showcase your leadership, technical expertise in analogue/digital design and embedded systems, and successful product development lifecycle management.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience, project management achievements, specific technical skills (PCB design, embedded C/C++, EMC/safety standards), and any experience in industrial automation or fluid technology sectors. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare to present your portfolio case studies, focusing on quantifiable results and your leadership contributions. Research Watson-Marlow and Spirax Group's products, mission, and values.

• Company Research: Understand Watson-Marlow's position in the market, its key product offerings (peristaltic pumps, fluid technology), and Spirax Group's broader engineering focus. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to sustainability and inclusion.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.