Change people’s lives and love what you do! Cochlear develops world-leading medical devices that help people hear. As a top 100 medical device company and market-leader in implantable hearing devices, more people choose a Cochlear-branded cochlear implant system than any other. Our employees tell us that the number one reason they enjoy working for Cochlear is the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives.
Position Overview / Purpose:
The Engineering Manager, Software Verification & Validation (V&V) is a dual accountability leadership role that combines people management, deep V&V technical craftsmanship, and hands-on project contribution within Cochlear’s regulated software development environment.
As a People Manager, the role leads, develops, and sustains a high performing Software V&V function, accountable for capability building, coaching, performance management, and workforce planning across internal and external resources.
As a V&V Craft Subject Matter Expert, the role acts as the recognised authority for Software and Product level Verification & Validation practices. The role defines, evolves, and governs V&V standards, methods, tools, automation strategy, and regulatory compliance, ensuring technical excellence and consistent, high-quality outcomes across the portfolio.
As an Active Project Contributor and Senior V&V Engineer, the role directly contributes to complex, high impact development programs. This includes hands-on ownership of end-to-end V&V strategy and execution at Software and subsystem level, providing expert judgement on test coverage, risk, timelines, and quality, and partnering closely with development and systems teams to deliver safe, reliable, user centric products.
The role operates across R&D, IT, Quality, Product Systems, and external partners, balancing functional leadership with project delivery responsibilities in support of Cochlear’s customers and regulatory obligations.
Role Dimensions:
This role explicitly spans three complementary dimensions:
People Leadership (Functional Management)
Accountable for building, leading, and sustaining the Software V&V organisation, including capability, performance, culture, and resourcing.
V&V Craft Leadership (SME)
Accountable for the technical excellence, consistency, and evolution of V&V practices, standards, tools, automation, and regulatory compliance.
Project Contribution (Senior Individual Contributor)
Accountable for hands-on V&V leadership and delivery on complex, high-risk or strategically critical programs.
What You’ll Bring
Essential
University degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or similar
Proven experience as a people manager who grows talent and builds sustainable capability
2+ years leading or managing a QA or V&V team
6+ years’ experience in software verification, validation, or quality assurance
Strong knowledge of software test and validation principles
Proficiency with a range of V&V techniques including manual and automated testing
Solid understanding of software development lifecycles and design processes
Working knowledge of C++, Managed C++, and C#/.NET environments
Strong communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills
Interest in medical device development and quality regulations
Excellent technical English
Desirable
Experience in medical device or regulated software testing
Broader experience in healthcare or medical technology environments
Ability to build strong cross functional and cross regional relationships
Experience contributing to functional strategy and technical roadmaps
What we offer
An attractive remuneration package and flexible extra-legal benefits
An extensive onboarding and training program
An enjoyable work environment with attention to life-work balance and homeworking
A stimulating environment with growth opportunities and opportunity to meet multi-disciplinary colleagues across the globe
This is your chance to be part of a premier organization with a great culture, working in a dynamic, growing and rapidly evolving environment to deliver outstanding results that benefit our customers every day. Be part of something purposeful and APPLY now by clicking on the link below and see your career grow!
Cochlear Summary
Cochlear’s mission is to help people hear and be heard. Around the world, more people chose a Cochlear-branded hearing implant system than any other. Our employees tell us that the number one reason they enjoy working for Cochlear is the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. Learn and grow with us as we tackle the most complex challenges in helping people to Hear Now. And Always. Cochlear is the global market leader in implantable hearing solutions including cochlear implant systems (CI) and bone anchored hearing aids (Baha™).
Equal opportunities
Cochlear is committed to providing equal opportunities to avoid unlawful discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion/belief or age. In line with our corporate ethics and statutory obligations we strive to ensure that the work environment is free of harassment and bullying and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect - this is an important aspect of ensuring equal opportunities in employment.