Director Of Software Engineering

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Director of Software Engineering

Job Description

The Director of Software Engineering leads, mentors, and inspires a high-performing software engineering team to deliver robust systems and products that consistently exceed customer expectations. This role combines hands-on technical oversight with strategic staff management, ensuring that engineering initiatives align with business goals and program requirements. The director collaborates closely with cross-functional leaders, shapes technical strategy, and builds the processes, tools, and culture needed for reliable, secure, and high-quality software delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, mentor, and support the Software Engineering team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Translate program requirements into clear, actionable engineering tasks in partnership with Program Managers and Project Engineers.
• Create and manage project schedules, including manpower estimating and allocation across multiple concurrent projects.
• Work with subject matter experts to develop detailed technical plans and architectures for new products.
• Develop and execute technical strategies that support broader engineering and organizational goals.
• Plan and manage staffing for the Software Engineering team, ensuring appropriate coverage and expertise across projects.
• Oversee and optimize the tools, infrastructure, and environments required for software development and testing.
• Communicate engineering team goals, priorities, and expectations clearly to staff members.
• Assess and determine training and professional development needs for the Software Engineering team.
• Implement, monitor, and refine performance metrics; conduct annual performance reviews and ongoing feedback discussions.
• Review the teams work for technical accuracy, code quality, and adherence to standards and best practices.
• Serve as the primary software engineering representative to customers, providing clear and confident technical communication.
• Provide regular status updates on engineering activities to Project Managers through meetings, briefings, and technical reports.
• Contribute technical input for proposals and business development activities, helping to shape new opportunities and solutions.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training new Software Engineering staff to build and grow the teams capabilities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience developing software in professional environments.
• 5+ years of engineering management experience leading software development teams.
• Hands-on experience with both Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies.
• Experience implementing and working within CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery) pipelines and practices.
• Experience developing software in a CMMC cybersecurity environment or similar secure development framework.
• Strong understanding of Software Quality Assurance processes, including testing, validation, and verification practices.
• Analytical skills to evaluate and manage risks related to product design, development, scheduling, manufacturing, deployment, and maintenance.
• Strong organizational skills for tracking requirements, technical progress, staffing, and project schedules.
• Effective leadership skills with a track record of guiding and motivating engineering teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for overseeing staff, conveying instructions and expectations, and coordinating with other leaders.
• Experience with Linux operating systems, including Red Hat Linux and embedded Linux environments.
• Proficiency in C++ and embedded C for software and firmware development.
• Experience with engineering change management and engineering change orders.
• Ability to understand and manage project workflow, including estimating and tracking man-hours required for programs.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Clearance; an active or previous Security Clearance is desired.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with SoC and CPUFPGA co-design, particularly system-on-chip architectures that involve shared memory or tight CPUFPGA interaction.
• Background in low power, low footprint embedded design, including work with very low power processors with minimal memory and program storage.
• Experience developing software for Department of Defense (DoD) projects or similar highly regulated environments.
• Prior exposure to undersea acoustics, sonar, or related signal-processing domains.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and secure software development practices.
• Experience working with bills of material and related engineering documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to support proposals and business development with clear, compelling technical input.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and staying current with emerging technologies and best practices.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional, engineering-focused environment that emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. The Software Engineering team works with modern Linux-based platforms, including Red Hat and embedded Linux, and develops in languages such as C++ and embedded C, supported by CI/CD pipelines and structured Software Quality Assurance processes. Work typically follows a standard full-time schedule, with coordination across multiple projects and stakeholders, including program management and subject matter experts. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a 401(k) plan with a 3% company contribution (no match required) and an additional discretionary 401(k) contribution that has historically averaged approximately 7% of eligible compensation, along with medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave. Employees have access to professional development and training opportunities, and they work in a supportive, inclusive environment that actively invests in employee growth and career advancement.

This is a Permanent position based out of Goleta, CA.

The pay range for this position is $175000.00 - $235000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

3% 401(k) company contribution (no match required). Additional bonus contribution to 401(k): Discretionary employer contribution historically averaging approximately 7% of eligible compensation, with actual contributions varying annually. Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Life insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave. Professional development and training opportunities.Supportive, inclusive work environment with active investment in employee growth

This is a Permanent position based out of Goleta, CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Goleta,CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.