Director, Software Engineering

Job Description:

Saab, Inc.’s Surveillance Systems Division is seeking a Director, Software Engineering to lead their growing and evolving Software and Cybersecurity organization in our East Syracuse, NY location.

Reporting directly to the Senior Director, Engineering, this role will lead a team of engineers and software engineering managers to deliver high quality software products. They will collaborate closely with other members of the functional engineering, program management, and leadership teams to ensure the execution and delivery of quality end products within cost and schedule targets.

Responsibilities will include:

• Lead, develop, and scale the Software Engineering organization, focusing on meeting technical, program, and business objectives.
• Partner with senior leadership to translate business strategy into actionable software engineering plans and ensure consistent execution across the software engineering function.
• Drive software engineering organizational planning and execution including staffing, budgeting, and resource alignment, ensuring readiness to support multiple programs, customers, and development efforts.
• Direct solution cybersecurity posture, leading teams to balance cost, security, usability, and compliance.
• Ensure accountability for creation of accurate cost and schedule targets, and execution of technical effort in accordance with those targets.
• Responsible for cost estimating activities related to contract proposals, IR&D, Capital, and assigned overhead budgets.
• Recruit, retain, and assign engineering talent to meet evolving organizational and timeline needs, ensuring teams and programs are properly staffed with the right skills.
• Manage the annual performance review process, compensation reviews, and career development process for the software engineering organization.
• Build organizational capability by developing both management and technical talent through various training opportunities, job related work that promotes continuous growth, knowledge‑sharing across teams, and development planning.
• Provide technical oversight, guidance, mentorship and coaching to assigned personnel in the performance of their assigned tasks.
• Develop technical solutions, assess technical risk and identify risk mitigation strategies within assigned discipline.
• Collaborate with the Engineering Leadership Team to identify areas for opportunity and growth, drive continuous improvement, and implement best practices to enhance engineering performance.
• Foster a high‑performing culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

Compensation Range: $189,000 - $255,100

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate’s work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related discipline. Master’s degree preferred.
• 18+ years of experience in a technical/engineering environment with at least 5+ years in a leadership role focused on engineering management and leading other people managers.
• Proven success building, scaling, and leading a high-performing engineering function with preference for Aerospace and Defense experience.
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, software engineering principles, anti‑tamper cybersecurity and functional execution in regulated industries.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to and aligning engineering strategy and execution with broader business and programmatic goals.
• Experience shaping organizational direction through technical leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity, anticipating change, mitigating risk, and making sound high-impact decisions.
• Demonstrated success in developing technical talent and managing team performance.
• Deep expertise in software development, especially object-oriented design, UML, and embedded systems.
• Proficient in C/C++, Java, and tools like VS Code, DOORS, Git, SVN, and PTC Integrity Modeler.
• Experience with multiple development methodologies like Agile, Waterfall, and Spiral.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% in support of program and business efforts.
• Ability to obtain a Secret level clearance.

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug‑free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre‑employment drug screen.

Benefits:

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work‑life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.

Highlights include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
• Wellness and employee assistance resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage

Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.