Lead Software Engineer

As a Lead Software Engineer at Hayward Holdings Inc., your primary responsibilities will include mentoring software engineering staff, managing and executing product development projects, and leading the design of firmware and software subsystems. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that products meet safety, compliance, and performance standards while effectively communicating project statuses to all stakeholders.

To qualify for the Lead Software Engineer position at Hayward Holdings Inc., candidates should possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, along with at least 10 years of embedded software engineering experience. Additionally, 3 years of experience leading cross-functional development efforts is required, with preference given to those who have worked with consumer products—especially in the water technology sector.

Starting as a Lead Software Engineer at Hayward Holdings Inc. can lead to numerous opportunities for career advancement. As you gain experience and demonstrate leadership capabilities, you could progress to senior management roles or specialized technical positions within the software engineering organization, shaping the direction of future product innovations.

Teamwork is crucial for the Lead Software Engineer role at Hayward Holdings Inc. You will collaborate with various functional areas, including product testing, manufacturing engineering, and external vendors, to ensure successful project outcomes. Your ability to communicate and work effectively with others directly influences our innovative product development.

In the Lead Software Engineer position at Hayward Holdings Inc., you will utilize various product development tools and methodologies. Familiarity with configuration management, engineering change control processes, and analysis methods will be beneficial. Moreover, you will be expected to stay updated on safety standards and regulations, ensuring that our products are compliant and reliable.

When discussing your leadership style as a Lead Software Engineer, emphasize your collaborative approach. Share examples of how you've supported team members, fostered open communication, and guided projects to success. Highlighting your ability to mentor and motivate others can show your suitability for leading cross-functional teams.

Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've developed embedded software, detailing the technologies you used and challenges you faced. Mention your experience with firmware design, testing, and how those projects contributed to the final product, showcasing your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

Discuss your familiarity with safety standards that apply to software development, particularly in consumer products. Describe your process for incorporating compliance considerations into the development lifecycle and mention any experience coordinating with regulatory bodies to meet project requirements.

Your response should outline your methodology for project management, highlighting tools and practices you've found most effective. Discuss how you prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and communicate with stakeholders to keep everyone informed, ensuring projects stay on track and within budget.

Prepare a detailed example of a technical challenge you faced, the steps you took to address it, and the outcomes of your solution. This demonstrates your analytical and problem-solving abilities, as well as your resilience when handling technical difficulties.

Share specific resources such as industry publications, technical forums, and professional networks you follow to stay current with trends in embedded systems. Highlight how you leverage this knowledge to inspire innovative solutions in your projects.

Discuss your mentoring philosophy and provide examples of how you've guided junior staff, including techniques for knowledge transfer, providing constructive feedback, and fostering an environment of continuous learning. This response showcases your investment in developing the next generation of engineers.

Highlight the importance of collaboration across different departments and functions in product development. Discuss practices you’ve implemented for effective cross-functional communication and how those practices have led to successful product outcomes.

Describe your conflict resolution strategy, emphasizing your communication skills and your ability to empathize with team members. Provide an example where you successfully resolved a conflict, which illustrates your ability to maintain a harmonious working environment.

Convey your passion for the pool and spa industry and Hayward’s commitment to quality and innovation. Discuss how your skills and interests align with Hayward’s mission, and share how you envision contributing to the company’s goals while growing as a professional.