Director of Software Engineering (Hawthorne)

Job Summary

The Director of Software Engineering is a key leadership role responsible for the overall technical direction, strategic planning, and execution of the company's software development initiatives. Supported by technical leads and project managers, this leader will drive software design, project execution, shape product strategy, and manage team growth, ensuring our software products and the engineering organization continue to scale effectively while delivering mature, high-quality, and maintainable systems.

Essential Job Duties And Responsibilities

Leadership & Personnel Management

• Provide inspirational leadership and mentorship to the SW Development, SW Quality Assurance, and SW DevOps teams.
• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture, leveraging Agile development methodologies.
• Be involved in all aspects of talent management and team building.
• Oversee development of program plan estimates and drive teams to meet the plan.
• Ensure adequate allocation of resources to support the simultaneous execution of multiple programs and product lines.

Technical Strategy & Oversight

• Develop and champion the long‑term approach for software architecture and design and utilization of AI in software development across all products.
• Provide effective and efficient design support through the conceptual design, detailed design, integration, and test phases of the software development lifecycle.
• Prepare and present design, analysis, and test case summary materials for both internal and external design reviews.
• Oversee the development, integration, and testing of complex system software.

Process & Quality Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in software development processes, utilization of AI in software development, tooling (e.g., Jira, Confluence), and product quality.
• Monitor project progress, making timely adjustments to assignments and team structure to ensure on‑time completion of assigned tasks.
• Ensure all software designs and development activities adhere to company procedures, SW Security protocols, and corporate policies.

Business & Program Support

• Support business development activities by providing technical leadership and assistance during proposal efforts.
• Oversee documentation of software designs, system integration, data collection, and product support as required.

Skills And/or Experience Needed

• BS or MS in CS/CE/EE or equivalent industry experience.
• 10+ years of professional software development experience, with at least 2 years in a technical leadership or management role.
• Extensive experience with embedded software coding, algorithm development, and definition of SW requirements.
• Experience in C, C++, Java, Linux, MATLAB, Python, Bash and other object-oriented programming languages.
• Experience in Agile Development process.
• Graphical User Interface design experience is preferred.
• Experience in writing detailed test plans and procedures.
• Technically proficient in MS Office products.

Language Skills

• Interpersonal skills to effectively work with internal peers as well as working effectively with suppliers and customers.
• Ability to effectively present information in team meetings and design reviews, as needed.

Other Abilities

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in verbal and written form.
• Must have substantial reasoning and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong analytical skills and solid work ethic.

Additional Requirements

• Must be eligible to obtain and hold a US DoD Security Clearance in support of US Government contracts/subcontracts.

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time.
• This position uses a computer terminal to access, input, and retrieve data.
• This position may be subject to frequent or occasional on‑the‑job interruptions that may cause a change in immediate priorities and/or work focus.
• While performing duties of this position, employees are occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, reach, and/or bend.
• May occasionally lift and/or move parts, files or boxes up to 40 pounds.
• May be subjected to occasional irregular or extended work hours.
• May be required to sit for extended lengths of time.
• Must be able to work in an environment that may be subjected to occasional loud noises, hazardous materials, chemicals and electro‑magnetic energy.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range - $170,000 - $220,000.

ThinKom offers generous benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, 401k Matching (4%), PTO, paid Holidays and Bonus Plan.

ThinKom Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

ThinKom Solutions is a Drug and Alcohol‑free working environment with a zero‑tolerance policy.