Head of R&D Department

About the Position

Festo inspires people and organizations around the world with innovative solutions for industrial automation. We are an independent family business and offer more than 20,000 employees the opportunity to take bold steps, realize their ideas, and take on responsibility. As a team, we grow by tackling challenges together and we welcome everyone who wants to move the world with us.

We are currently seeking a Head of R&D Department to lead our growing agile team of Software Engineers in Bulgaria, focusing on industrial automation.

Purpose / Mission

• Lead a growing agile team of Software Engineers developing controllers (PLCs) for Industrial automation.
• Define Bulgaria Electric Automation Controls department strategy in line with the corporate and business unit strategy.
• Closely cooperates with key stakeholders to ensure new product implementation deadlines are met with reliable design solutions.
• Drive innovation topics linked to AI, Digital Twin, and factory digitalization.
• Take ownership of projects and strategically attract projects to Sofia.

Responsibilities

• Defines and implements the development strategy of the Electric Automation Controls department.
• Improves the overall organization of the department according to the product and technology roadmap of the business unit.
• Grows the department by recruiting and onboarding engineers according to the hiring strategy.
• Delivers products under the responsibility of his department according to the defined requirements, cost, schedule, and quality targets and company processes.
• Investigates, develops, and implements new design possibilities and technological processes in relation to the optimization of products in production.
• Improves existing products and processes in terms of design, quality, automation possibilities, and cost.
• Sets individual annual goals, development plans, trainings, and has an annual evaluation call.
• Assures proper collaboration of the two Controls engineering locations in Sofia and Gabrovo and maintains close cooperation with development hubs and central departments in Germany, Austria, and India.
• Drives innovation and innovative products related to AI and Digital Twins.

Requirements

• University degree in the area of Computer Science or comparable education.
• Fluent English (C1 level).
• Experience with agile methodologies will be considered a plus.
• German knowledge will be considered a plus.
• Min 5 years’ experience of leading and developing multinational engineering teams.
• Proven technical background in software development of embedded products (realtime-Linux, ARM, industrial Ethernet fieldbuses).
• Technical knowledge in industrial automation (or other domains with a heterogeneous customer base) will be considered a plus.
• Strong project management experience.
• Strong system engineering experience.
• Experience in development projects with security and/or safety requirements will be considered a plus.

We Offer

• Diverse opportunities for your development.
• A strong team by your side.
• Freedom to drive your ideas forward.
• Develop innovative solutions with real impact.
• Be part of a global network – in a family-owned company.
• Attractive compensation and additional benefits.

About the Company

Festo is an independent family business with more than 20,000 employees worldwide. We offer a dynamic and innovative environment where you can take bold steps, realize your ideas, and take on responsibility. Join our growing team and be part of a global network that values your contributions.

Contact person: Aleksandar Antonov Angelov, +359(2)4631-352

We look forward to your application and to getting to know you!

Apply now »