Software Engineering Manager

About the Opportunity

A leading U.S. defense technology organization is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to provide technical leadership for a team developing advanced real-time software solutions supporting critical defense programs. This role is ideal for an experienced software engineer who enjoys remaining deeply involved in technical work while mentoring and developing engineers. Unlike many engineering management positions, this opportunity is approximately 80% hands-on technical leadership and 20% people management , allowing you to continue designing, developing, and solving complex engineering challenges while helping build a high-performing team.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Position Overview

As a Software Engineering Manager, you will lead the technical direction of software development efforts while supporting the professional growth of a small engineering team. You'll collaborate with systems, hardware, integration, and program leadership to deliver reliable, high-performance software for sophisticated defense applications.

Primary Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership (Approximately 80%)

• Provide technical leadership throughout the software development lifecycle for complex defense applications.
• Design, develop, and enhance software using C, C++, Python, and/or C#.
• Guide modernization efforts involving legacy software while improving performance, maintainability, and long-term reliability.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, integration, and program teams to ensure successful implementation of software solutions.
• Lead technical reviews, software architecture discussions, and engineering decision-making.
• Troubleshoot complex software challenges involving real-time, embedded, and mission-critical systems.
• Support software planning activities, including resource planning, Basis of Estimates (BOEs), Integrated Master Plans (IMP), and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).
• Promote engineering best practices through code reviews, technical mentoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Functional Leadership (Approximately 20%)

• Coach, mentor, and develop software engineers while supporting career growth and technical excellence.
• Conduct performance reviews, establish development goals, and provide ongoing feedback.
• Assist with staffing, workload planning, recruiting, and team development.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing engineering culture.
• Support proposal efforts, software process improvements, and organizational initiatives.
• Communicate organizational priorities while ensuring consistent application of engineering processes and standards.