Director of Software Engineering

Through inspired engineering and design, we deliver outstanding solutions that positively impact lives. We use an interdisciplinary development process that combines our diverse engineering experience with creative industrial design solutions. We succeed when our partners succeed – it’s all about solving the most complex challenges by creating transformative technology. Our Culture and People: At Goddard, our most important asset is our people. We don't just work together; we thrive together. We foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and mutual support. We believe in taking exceptionally good care of each other because great teams build great solutions. If you are someone who embodies the values of accountability, inspiration, dedication, efficiency, innovation, integrity, quality, and reliability, we want you on our team. Come be a part of a workplace where your ideas are valued, your growth is encouraged, and your contributions make a real impact. Join us in shaping the future of transformative technology – together. The Role: The Director of Software Engineering is a leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of software & firmware developments within Goddard. This role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in software engineering, a strong understanding of software development methodologies, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to align software development efforts with business objectives. Your role involves partnering with the V.P. of Engineering and other Directors to establish both short and long-term objectives, as well as strategies for project teams and your direct reports. While leading your team(s), you'll engage in diverse projects spanning the medical device, consumer product, and industrial automation robotic sectors, serving as consultants to our clients. These clients range from innovative startups in the medical device field to Fortune 500 technology giants. An ideal candidate will demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the software landscape and a commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements. Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership: Develop and communicate a clear vision for the software engineering team aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. Drive innovation and the adoption of new technologies to enhance the organization's software products and services. Collaborate with senior management to define the long‑term technical roadmap and strategy. Team Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of software engineers, consultants (when needed), and technical leads to deliver high‑quality software solutions. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the software engineering team. You will conduct and lead interviews of additional teammates with expectations of growing and developing a cohesive team. Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities to team members to help them grow and excel in their roles. Project Management: Manage and facilitate client interactions with strong, clear communication as it relates to deliverables, budgets, design reviews, deadlines, etc. Work closely with product management, quality assurance, and other cross‑functional teams to ensure successful project outcomes. Identify and mitigate risks, resolve issues, and elevate concerns as necessary to ensure project success. Source, vet, and manage 3rd‑party resources as needed to bolster Goddard’s internal expertise. Technical Leadership: Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies relevant to software development. Provide technical guidance and direction to the software engineering team, ensuring adherence to coding standards, architectural principles, and design patterns. Promote a culture of technical excellence, code quality, and scalability across all software development efforts. When needed, be the primary lead on multiple projects, manage and lead groups of engineers, advise, or assist in the design and execution of projects. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including executives, product managers, and business leaders, to understand their requirements and priorities. Act as a liaison between the software engineering team and other departments to facilitate effective communication and alignment. Present updates, proposals, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders as needed. Qualifications: 10+ years of embedded software development experience. 5+ years of Medical Device Experience. Coding languages – C/C++ and Python programming expertise required. Version control, compiling, and code packaging – Experience with tools set like GCC, CMake, and Git required. Scripting – Experience with developing Linux based applications using various scripting languages. Code reviews, including unit test development and use of static analysis tools. Wireless technology – Familiarity with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi‑Fi and other low power wireless standards. Microcontrollers – Experience in designing microcontroller and microprocessor‑based systems including ARM Cortex‑M series microcontrollers. Serial Communication – Experience with firmware stacks for enabling connected devices via RS232/485, I2C, SPI, CAN, USB and Ethernet required. Networking – Experience with transport‑layer communications protocols and related network experience (TCP/IP, UDP, sockets, Wireshark, etc.). Security and cryptography in embedded devices – AES, RSA, hardware security, etc. Low power – Ability to design a system to minimize power consumption for portable battery‑operated devices. Cloud – Familiarity with connecting devices to the cloud (e.g. AWS, Azure, etc.). Hardware peripherals – Ability to recommend correct hardware for a project, and write drivers for motors, MEMS sensors, actuators and other peripherals. Compliance / Certification / Agency Approvals – Experience with and knowledge of the latest FDA product compliance requirements including IEC 62304 and IEC 60601. Experience with various cost‑reduction techniques. Bringing up hardware in the loop testing environments, including but not limited to threads, synchronization, drivers, performance analysis, networking, root‑causing, peripheral input and output validation. State machine scheduler and RTOS device. Familiarity with Agile methodologies. Collaboration with Electrical Engineers & PCB Development: PCB reviews Logic analyzers and multimeters Ability to produce QMS documentation within regulated industries including user requirement documents, trace matrices, and verification and validation plans. Collaboratively work with Systems Engineering to translate system level requirements into product architectures. Either create or oversee the creation of product documentation for the design, manufacturing and assembly process in accordance with Godard Technologies practices. Advise, research, and recommend hardware & software applications that will benefit the company and its team members by way of efficiency. Sensitivity to Intellectual Property, HIPAA compliance, and other types of privileged information. Flexible to travel as needed. Nice To Have: Familiar with automation systems using PLC and related software. Experience in coding out‑sourcing for prototype and production. 3+ years of Robotics Experience. Flexible Time Off: Benefit from our generous flexible time off policy. We also provide sick leave and bereavement time because we understand that not all time off is for fun. Retirement Savings: Invest in your future with a 401(k) retirement plan. Goddard contributes 3% of your annual salary directly into your 401(k) account—regardless of your own contributions. Health Coverage: Access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family. Goddard contributes 80% of monthly premiums for all medical plan options. Family Support: To take the time you need to welcome the newest member of your family, Goddard offers 6 weeks fully paid parental leave with support of PFML state programs. Company Engagement: Engage with your colleagues through a variety of regular company and team events, including weekly social hours, Athletic Club outings, and department outings. Compensation: The pay range for this role is: 190,000 - 220,000 USD per year (Wilmington Office) #J-18808-Ljbffr