Position: Product Category Manager – Tech

Location: Northampton, UK

Blackstar Amplification’s Marketing team are recruiting for a truly exciting position, a dream role for someone who is passionate about music tech and guitars, and has their finger on the pulse with the latest trends in music equipment and software.

This role isn’t for the faint hearted and would suit someone who loves being busy! It is an incredibly varied role and would fit someone who is driven by achieving targets.

Being the “point-person” for Tech will require a strong team ethic and an ability to focus on ‘the bigger company picture’, helping the company achieve its future growth ambitions.

The successful candidate will be joining our award-winning global business and taking ownership of growing the awareness and success of our Tech category.

The role:

You will take lead responsibility for Blackstar’s Tech product category. Your goal is to make Blackstar the #1 choice for home recording musicians worldwide. Success in this role will be measured by the impact that your initiatives have on the global commercial success and reputation of the Blackstar Tech product offering.

As the specialist for this product category you are the main contact, internally and externally, for any Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, and field needs.

The PM owns decisions on, and helps to create, materials and communications for educational, presentational, and positioning purposes. These include marketing assets, product copy, video and visual content, product launch campaigns, selling tools, and training and LMS content.

The duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Develop innovative content for the Tech category to engage consumers, staff and retailers.
• Materials and communications will be evidence based with competitive information, industry trends, and real-world applications in mind.
• Ensure all content is on-brand, consistent in style and quality, and optimised for consumers.
• Deliver content requirements set by brand management including copywriting, developing concepts for print and digital advertising, video direction / production or editing.
• Communicate launch plans, ETAs, new product production schedules and relevant product information to the company as required.
• Provide general editorial direction and support.
• Interface with external partners, including global distributors and dealers.
• Understand the competitive landscape – be an expert on our competitors and how the products are positioned in the market.
• Work with the New Products Introduction team on the planning, specification and development of new products.
• Develop compelling product positioning and messaging strategies for each new product launch, as well as updating and redefining the messaging and marketing content for existing products.
• Be the “on-screen” face when necessary to demonstrate products in video, live tradeshows and at retailers. Where appropriate bring in external demonstrators as needed to support initiatives.
• Interact with retailers and reps to maintain expert awareness and knowledge of dealer networks, and the retail environment.
• Plan, organise, and attend video and photo shoots.
• Assist and lead trade show preparations as required by the management team.
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing and Product Design team on projects that help to increase sales, awareness, and advocacy of Blackstar products.
• Work closely with the sales department to drive the category sales number globally.
• KPIs for category success include: global sales performance, digital and social media stats, on / offline reviews, artist acquisition, media exposure and end-user satisfaction surveys.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Must possess a high proficiency in music and recording tech, including DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), plugins, interfaces, MIDI and monitors.
• Have a passion for music tech, home recording and consider themselves a music producer and composer.
• Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for our products and be the go-to resource for “all things” tech product-related.
• The ability to Beta test products during the design process.
• Possess the interpersonal skills to develop strong rapport with Blackstar and retail personnel, artists and members of the media.
• Possess excellent organisational and time management skills; must be able to independently manage a diverse workload while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced business environment.
• Possess analytical skills and the ability to convert numbers to summaries, strategies and actions.
• Must have strong presentation skills – on and off camera.
• Possess a strong working knowledge of MS Office and CRM.
• Demonstrate the desire and drive for continual self-improvement in all relevant areas.
• Must have the ability to play guitar and have in-depth knowledge of guitar amps, pedals, and associated equipment, plus home and studio recording.
• Video recording and editing experience is a major benefit.

The company:

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone.

Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tools for self-expression.

The Environment:

• Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians/music lovers and the dress code is relaxed.
• Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole.
• Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.
• Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve project deliverables to schedule. Flexible approach to working hours/environment where possible, according to business needs.
• If you share our passion, approach your work with pride, are driven by innovation, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its highest potential we would love to hear from you. Please apply with an up-to-date CV and a 60 second introductory video. We are looking to hold interviews ASAP, for which an initial telephone conversation would be the first step.

Position: C++ Software Developer – Guitar Amplification

Location: Northampton, UK

Permanent role

Blackstar Amplification’s R&D team are recruiting for an exciting new position, the perfect role for a Software Engineer who is passionate about guitars and music technology. The successful candidate’s primary role will be the development and maintenance of desktop applications and DAW plug-ins.

The duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain, design and develop cross-platform (Windows and Mac) C++ applications and DAW plug-ins
• Contribute new features and enhancements to library code
• Propose and produce technical solutions to product managers specifications
• Devise, control and carry out pre-release test procedures for hardware and software products
• Collaborate to review code, fix bugs, and improve the codebase

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum of a BSc in Computer Science or related field
• 2+ years experience in a software development environment
• Familiarity with the JUCE framework.
• Proven Knowledge of Modern C++ Techniques
• Application Development Architecture and UI Design Pattern knowledge
• Experience in Designing GUI Components
• Low level Programming Knowledge (working alongside Embedded Systems)
• Experience with Git and the command line.

Desirable skills, however not essential

• Guitar player with a passion for the music industry
• Build System Experience, ideally CMake
• CI/CD Experience, ideally Github Actions
• Audio Plug-in Architecture Knowledge (AU, VST3, AAX)
• Android and iOS mobile application development experience
• Bash scripting
• Experience with Unit Testing

Personal characteristics

• Logical thinker
• Good Communicator
• Pragmatic
• Clean coder with attention to detail
• Team player and easily able to work with engineers with different disciplines
• Ability to work independently from a specification.

The company:

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone. Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tools for self-expression.

The Environment:

Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians/music lovers and the dress code is relaxed.

Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole. Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.

Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve project deliverables to schedule. Flexible approach to working hours/environment where possible, according to business needs.

If you share our passion, approach your work with pride, are driven by innovation, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its highest potential we would love to hear from you. Please apply with an up-to-date CV for an immediate response. We are looking to hold interviews ASAP, for which an initial telephone conversation would be the first step.

Position: Software Development Team Leader

Location: Northampton, UK 

Blackstar Amplification’s R&D team are seeking a talented and motivated Software Development Team Leader

The role:

As the Software Development Team Leader, you will lead a team of skilled software developers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Helping take projects from conception to completion and ensure Blackstar continues to deliver our best in market products and software.   

The duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Line management of the Software Team, with responsibility for efficiency and output.
• Managing the successful development of scalable firmware and software using a structured, process-driven approach.
• Plan the detailed Software Team workload and regularly communicate the milestone progress to the Project Lead, Programme Manager and Stakeholders.
• Maintain best practices within the Software Team, ensuring technical journals, essential research and company QMS process are followed.
• Leadership and administration of the Sprint process for the Software Team.
• Support the delivery of product firmware and software within the Software Team, from an initial design brief through to full production, encompassing the testing and verification of the design.
• Assisting with project planning, scoping and problem-solving.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Degree in a technical discipline. 
• Minimum 5 years’ experience within a commercial software environment.
  • Experience of working with audio software, JUCE based applications or embedded firmware considered an advantage.
• Strong understanding of software engineering principles.
• Experience with Agile Scrum/Sprint planning principles.
• Strong People Management skills with proven experience as a formal Line Manager.
• Experience with project ownership and coordination, from conception to completion. 
• Methodical, with a structured approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, building relationships with people at all levels.
• Ability to manage working time effectively and prioritise assignments appropriately.
• Enthusiastic, committed and dependable.
• Guitar playing, a musical background or strong passion for music, although not essential, would also be considered an advantage.

The Company:

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone. 

Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 100 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tools for self-expression. 

The Environment:

• Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians/music lovers and the dress code is relaxed. 
• Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole. 
• Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success. 
• Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve project deliverables to schedule. Flexible approach to working hours/environment where possible, according to needs. 
• If you share our passion, approach your work with pride, are driven by innovation, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its highest potential we would love to hear from you. Please apply with an up-to-date CV and a covering letter telling us why you are the right person for the role. 

Position: Electronics Engineer (Audio)

Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire

Salary: Negotiable depending on experience

Due to continued year on year growth, Blackstar are looking to appoint a number of Audio Electronics Engineer at varying levels, to join our established team on a full-time permanent basis. These are important positions within the R&D team and you will be key in driving the development of new audio products from initial design, through to production and post-production maintenance.

Launched in 2007, Blackstar are an internationally recognised Audio Design and Amplification Company. We are a company of musicians who we are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone – whether practicing at home or on stage in a live environment.

Blackstar are based in Northampton, England with over 100 years combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. We are totally committed to providing people with the ultimate tools for self-expression.

The duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Assisting with the design, input and modification of electronic schematics, with guidance from the Chief Engineer and experienced team.
• Undertaking the building and testing of electronic prototypes.
• Advising and assisting with the sourcing of components for prototype production and testing.
• Writing and performing new audio product tests, recording and presenting results.
• Setting up Speaker test environments.
• Brainstorming new product ideas and technical requirements/ specifications.
• Communicating with UK and overseas teams on project-specific topics.
• Assisting other day-to day technical activities of the R&D department.
• Possible, infrequent overseas travel as required – this is not essential, however can be an exciting opportunity for an engineer to broaden their knowledge and experience.

The ideally sought candidate will possess the following:

• Degree qualified in electronics or similar engineering subject.
• 2+ years’ commercial experience in electronic design, ideally in audio electronics.
• Audio experience working with ADC/DAC (Analogue/Digital Converters) and associated components, Op-amps etc.
• High speed digital electronics experience, working with microcontrollers, DSPs etc.
• PCB layout experience.

The below skills would be beneficial, however not essential.

• Commercial proficiency using Altium design software.
• Appreciation of EMC and its considerations during design.
• Experience using Audio Precision test equipment.
• Experience with project coordination, helping to deliver a project from concept through to delivery.

The Person fit

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Guitar or bass player is preferred.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Independent and self-reliant.
• A flexible approach to work.

Environment

• Blackstar is a very unique environment; we are all musicians and dress code is very relaxed.
• Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole.
• Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.
• Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve project deliverables to schedule.
• Flexible approach to working hours/environment where possible, according to business needs.

Please apply with an up-to-date CV and tailored cover letter for an immediate response. We are looking to hold interviews asap of which an initial telephone conversation would be the first step.

Position: Experienced Electronics Engineer (Audio)

Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire

Salary: Negotiable depending on experience

Due to continued year on year growth, Blackstar are looking to appoint a number of Audio Electronics Engineer at varying levels, to join our established team on a full-time permanent basis. These are important positions within the R&D team and you will be key in driving the development of new audio products from initial design, through to production and post-production maintenance.

Launched in 2007, Blackstar are an internationally recognised Audio Design and Amplification Company. We are a company of musicians who we are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone – whether practicing at home or on stage in a live environment.

Blackstar are based in Northampton, England with over 100 years combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. We are totally committed to providing people with the ultimate tools for self-expression.

The duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Project lead and design of system architecture.
• Responsible for all research and full development, through full life cycle, of assigned projects.
• Contributing towards new innovative design ideas to drive Blackstar’s technology forward.
• Undertaking the building and testing of electronic prototypes.
• Brainstorming new product ideas and technical requirements/ specifications.
• Communicating with UK and overseas teams on project-specific topics.
• Assisting other day-to day technical activities of the R&D department.
• Possible, infrequent overseas travel as required – this is not essential, however can be an exciting opportunity for an engineer to broaden their knowledge and experience.

The ideally sought candidate will possess the following:

• Degree qualified in electronics or similar engineering subject.
• 5+ years’ commercial experience in electronic design, ideally within audio electronics.
• Audio experience working with ADC/DAC (Analogue/Digital Converters) and associated components, Op-amps etc.
• High speed digital electronics experience, working with microcontrollers, DSPs etc.
• PCB layout and design experience.

The below skills would be beneficial, however not essential.

• Commercial proficiency using Altium design software.
• Appreciation of EMC and its considerations during design.
• Experience with project ownership, helping to deliver a project, on time and on cost, from initial concept through all sample stages and mass production.

The Person fit

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Guitar or bass player is preferred.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Independent and self-reliant.
• A flexible approach to work.

Environment

• Blackstar is a very unique environment; we are a company of musicians and dress code is very relaxed.
• Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole.
• Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.
• Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve project deliverables to schedule.
• Flexible approach to working hours/environment where possible, according to business needs.

Please apply with an up-to-date CV and tailored cover letter for an immediate response. We are looking to hold interviews asap of which an initial telephone conversation would be the first step.