Engineering Manager - Software Verification&Validation (V&V), Antwerpen

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

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

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