Director, Software Engineering
About The Position
Saab, Inc.’s Surveillance Systems Division is seeking a Director, Software Engineering to lead its growing Software and Cybersecurity organization in East Syracuse, New York. Reporting directly to the Senior Director, Engineering, the Director leads engineers and software engineering managers to deliver high-quality software products. The role works closely with functional engineering, program management, and leadership teams to deliver quality products within cost and schedule targets. The Director leads and scales the Software Engineering organization, translates business strategy into engineering plans, and directs organizational planning, staffing, budgeting, and resource alignment across multiple programs and development efforts. The role also directs solution cybersecurity posture and oversees cost and schedule targets, technical execution, and cost estimating for contract proposals, IR&D, capital, and assigned overhead budgets. The position is responsible for recruiting, retaining, assigning, developing, and evaluating engineering talent. It provides technical oversight, mentorship, and coaching; develops technical solutions and risk mitigation strategies; and collaborates with engineering leadership to improve performance and establish best practices. The Director fosters accountability, innovation, and collaboration. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and 18 or more years of technical or engineering experience, including at least five years in a leadership role managing engineering and other people managers. A master’s degree and aerospace and defense experience are preferred. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain a Secret-level clearance. Travel of up to 10% is required. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation, and candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 18 or more years of experience in a technical or engineering environment, including at least five years in a leadership role focused on engineering management and leading other people managers.
- Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, software engineering principles, anti-tamper cybersecurity, and functional execution in regulated industries.
- 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, anticipate change, mitigate risk, and make sound, high-impact decisions.
- Demonstrated success developing technical talent and managing team performance.
- Deep software development expertise, especially in object-oriented design, UML, and embedded systems.
- Proficiency in C/C++, Java, and tools including VS Code, DOORS, Git, SVN, and PTC Integrity Modeler.
- Experience with multiple development methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, and Spiral.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including 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.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree preferred.
- Aerospace and Defense experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and scale the Software Engineering organization to meet technical, program, and business objectives.
- Partner with senior leadership to translate business strategy into actionable software engineering plans and ensure consistent execution.
- Lead organizational planning and execution, including staffing, budgeting, and resource alignment for multiple programs, customers, and development efforts.
- Direct solution cybersecurity posture, balancing cost, security, usability, and compliance.
- Ensure accurate cost and schedule targets are established and technical work is executed in accordance with those targets.
- Oversee cost estimating for contract proposals, IR&D, capital, and assigned overhead budgets.
- Recruit, retain, and assign engineering talent to meet organizational and timeline needs and ensure programs are properly staffed.
- Manage annual performance reviews, compensation reviews, and career development for the software engineering organization.
- Develop management and technical talent through training, growth-oriented work, knowledge sharing, and development planning.
- Provide technical oversight, guidance, mentorship, and coaching to assigned personnel.
- Develop technical solutions, assess technical risk, and identify mitigation strategies within the assigned discipline.
- Collaborate with the Engineering Leadership Team to identify opportunities, drive continuous improvement, and implement engineering best practices.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents.
- Generous paid time off, including eight 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.
- Professional growth opportunities.
- Competitive wages.
- Work-life balance.
- Business casual atmosphere.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
