Director Software Engineering

Sierra Nevada Corporation • Zimmerman, MN

12d • $192,614 - $264,844

About The Position

The Director of Software Engineering is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the end-to-end software development lifecycle, including design, development, implementation, and sustainment. This position demands a deep understanding of both traditional application development and modern DevOps practices to ensure seamless integration, continuous delivery, and operational excellence. The Director will lead a team of skilled managers, developers, analysts, and DevOps professionals, driving innovation and efficiency through the adoption of best practices and technologies. As SNC's corporate team, we provide the company and its business areas with strategic direction and business support spanning executive management, finance and accounting, operations, human resources, legal, IT, information security, facilities, marketing, and communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree, Information Systems, Business, Computer Science, or related field of study
• 14+ years of experience in Software Development and/or DevOps, or related position. Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Progressive experience leading technical teams
• Extensive experience with software development and DevOps
• Deep knowledge of cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Project Management: Proven track record of managing large-scale, complex projects from inception to completion, including budget management and resource allocation.
• Certification (i.e. PMP, SAFe) preferred
• Proven leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews
• Mastery of the ability to drive innovative thinking, lead and inspire your team, instill collaboration, challenge status quo, manage complex situations, delegate authority, and demonstrate ability to adapt to dynamic situations
• Proven experience and skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, and strategic thinking
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly express technical concepts in verbal and written forms; ability to interpret technical requirements
• Ability to navigate change and uncertainty, make defensible decisions in ambiguity and own those decisions
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in building high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Driving organizational transformation toward agile and DevOps maturity.
• Familiarity with AI/ML integration in DevOps, Infrastructure as Code, and observability tools.
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and microservices.
• Understanding of secure coding practices, DevSecOps, and compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001).
• Familiarity with government security requirements.
• Ability to leverage data-driven decision-making and metrics for DevOps performance (DORA metrics, CI/CD KPIs).
• Demonstrated passion for ideation, intellectual curiosity, and innovation
• Experience motivating others to act by creating a shared sense of vision or purpose
• Proven long-term and strategic perspective that extends beyond the immediate initiatives; visualizes and articulates a clear direction
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense (Civilian), NASA/Civil or commercial space and/or US Military, with an understanding of defense, aerospace, intelligence, and adjacent markets

Responsibilities

• The Director of Software Engineering is responsible for defining and communicating the long-term vision and roadmap for software development and DevOps practices while driving organizational transformation toward Agile, CI/CD, and DevOps maturity.
• This role ensures alignment of technology initiatives with business objectives, champions innovation through technologies such as Infrastructure as Code and AI/ML, and oversees the end-to-end software development lifecycle to guarantee quality, scalability, and security.
• The Director establishes and enforces best practices for coding standards, secure development (DevSecOps), and compliance frameworks, while implementing and optimizing CI/CD pipelines and containerization across robust cloud environments.
• The Director also ensures adherence to security and regulatory requirements, proactively manages risks related to software delivery and infrastructure, and maintains operational resilience across platforms.

Benefits

• SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director