Head of R&D Department (Sofia, BG, 1784)

Festo
Festo

Sofia, Bulgaria

Posted on Aug 10, 2026

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 attracting projects to Sofia.

Key Duties and 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 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.
  • Drive innovation and innovative products related to AI and Digital Twins.

Education and qualifications:

  • 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.

Professional knowledge and experience:

  • 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 heterogenous 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.

In case your professional qualification corresponds to the above requirements and you wish to join our growing team, please send us your CV and a cover letter.​

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