Sr Director, Software Testing & Performance Engineering

Advarra

16h•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Director of Software Testing and Performance leads a global, quality-focused organization responsible for enterprise-wide software testing strategy, performance engineering, test automation, quality governance, and release readiness across Advarra’s technology portfolio. This leader partners closely with Engineering, Product Management, Cloud/Infrastructure, Security, Compliance, and Operations to ensure scalable, compliant, high-performing, and reliable software delivery. The Senior Director is accountable for translating strategic objectives into operational execution, advancing “shift-left” quality initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) to enable predictable, high-quality releases without impeding velocity. The role combines hands-on quality and test engineering expertise with strong operational leadership, cross-functional influence, and executive communication.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field
15+ years of experience in software quality assurance, test engineering, or related disciplines
8+ years of progressive leadership experience managing multi-level, global teams
Proven experience implementing enterprise test automation frameworks and performance testing architectures
Demonstrated experience in release test planning, defect analysis, and SDLC optimization
Experience operating in Agile/Lean environments at scale
Demonstrated executive presence, including strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
Excellent influencing, facilitation, communication, and presentation skills at the senior executive level.
Adept at leading teams who evaluate situations, exercise good judgment and discretion, and independently make decisions that are a matter of significance.
Previous experience in clinical research or healthcare technology
Extensive experience defining goals and objectives for teams that meet the driving business needs of the company.
Advanced experience with and innate curiosity about software test engineering, product documentation, end user workflows and systems.
Visionary thinker with a desire to excel and inspire others.
Proven track record of embracing, leading, and driving change.
Demonstrated ability to act as an ambassador for continuous improvement.
Demonstrated success leading and helping teams manage high stress situations with professionalism.
Self-reliant, passionate, enthusiastic with a focus on driving results.
Experience in team building, conflict resolution and problem solving from identification through root cause and resolution.
Knowledge of DevOps, Product Management, Portfolio Management, Vendor Management.

Responsibilities

Define and execute the enterprise software testing and performance engineering strategy aligned with Product & Technology and corporate objectives
Champion a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across the SDLC
Implement and sustain a risk-based testing approach that drives toward a “zero defects” mindset while maintaining release velocity
Advance “quality left” initiatives, embedding testing, automation, and performance validation early in the development lifecycle
Establish quality and efficiency metrics for product and process measurement, providing transparent reporting to senior leadership
Own release test planning, quality gates, defect management practices, and overall release readiness
Partner cross-functionally to design, implement, and optimize scalable testing frameworks and operational processes
Lead performance engineering initiatives to ensure system scalability, reliability, availability, and resilience
Facilitate management reviews of testing performance, quality metrics, and adherence to Quality Management System standards
Align staffing, capacity planning, and resource allocation with product roadmaps and business priorities
Set direction for the selection, adoption, and effective use of automated testing tools and performance frameworks
Drive modernization of manual and automated test processes to improve efficiency, coverage, and reliability
Standardize tooling and processes across teams, including integration of newly acquired technologies where applicable
Ensure testing processes support compliance with applicable regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, ISO 9001/13485, 21 CFR Part 11, CMS)
Oversee product and process quality audits and promote best practices across teams
Lead and develop a high-performing, globally distributed team of test engineers and performance specialists
Establish annual goals and measurable objectives aligned to corporate priorities
Provide mentorship and professional development for directors, managers, and senior engineers
Foster Lean-Agile practices and empower teams with decision-making authority at appropriate levels
Collaborate with executive leadership, summarizing findings and presenting recommendations clearly and concisely
Partner internally and externally to gather feedback and promote adoption of high-quality, compliant, and reliable solutions
Support customer-facing discussions related to quality, performance, and release execution
Lead resolution of escalations related to product quality and performance