Position Summary
The Director, Application Engineering leads the design, development, deployment, and ongoing support of internally developed software solutions that enable START's clinical research operations. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for transforming validated prototypes into secure, scalable production systems, establishing software development standards, and leading a growing engineering team. The Director owns application delivery, SDLC governance, AI-assisted development practices, and cross-functional collaboration with Systems Engineering, Enterprise Architecture, Quality, and Compliance
This is a remote role. The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $200,000. However, base pay may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Work Hours: M-F, 8am-5pm
Location: Remote
Essential Responsibilities
Software Delivery & Engineering Execution
- Lead the design, development, deployment, and support of internally developed software solutions that enable clinical research operations.
- Transform approved requirements, prototypes, and business concepts into secure, scalable, and maintainable production systems.
- Maintain active involvement in software design, development, architecture reviews, and code reviews, serving as a hands-on technical leader.
- Own application release management, deployment processes, and production readiness across the software portfolio.
- Ensure systems are reliable, supportable, and aligned with business, security, and compliance requirements.
Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) & Engineering Governance
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve software development standards, methodologies, and lifecycle processes.
- Establish and maintain engineering practices for code quality, testing, CI/CD, version control, change management, release governance, and documentation.
- Define quality metrics, review processes, and delivery standards that promote consistency, scalability, and operational excellence.
- Ensure appropriate technical documentation, SOPs, and audit-ready evidence are maintained throughout the system lifecycle.
AI-Assisted Development & Innovation
- Lead the adoption and governance of AI-assisted software development practices across the engineering organization.
- Establish standards for the responsible use of AI tools in software development, testing, documentation, and code review.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and development practices to improve engineering productivity, quality, and delivery outcomes.
- Ensure all AI-assisted development activities comply with organizational governance, security, privacy, and data-handling standards.
Architecture, Infrastructure & Technology Partnership
- Collaborate with Systems Engineering and Enterprise Architecture to design scalable, secure, and maintainable application solutions.
- Define infrastructure requirements and infrastructure-as-code standards that support application delivery and operational success.
- Contribute to technology roadmap planning and architectural decisions that align with organizational goals and growth objectives.
- Ensure application architecture, infrastructure design, and development practices support long-term scalability and maintainability.
Quality, Validation & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure software systems are developed, tested, released, and maintained in accordance with applicable quality, validation, and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with Quality, Compliance, and business stakeholders to support system validation, change control, risk management, and audit readiness activities.
- Maintain appropriate controls, traceability, and documentation to support GxP, SOC 2, and other compliance requirements as applicable.
- Support internal and external audits by providing technical documentation, system evidence, and control validation records.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop software engineers through coaching, technical guidance, performance management, and career development planning.
- Establish a high-performance engineering culture focused on accountability, collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with business and technology leaders to prioritize initiatives, allocate resources, and manage delivery expectations.
- Develop staffing plans and hiring strategies to support organizational growth and engineering capability needs.
- Manage support ownership, operational readiness, and escalation processes for systems delivered by the engineering team.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 8+ years of progressive software engineering experience, including 3+ years leading engineering teams.
- Demonstrated success delivering, deploying, and supporting enterprise software applications in production environments.
- Hands-on software development experience with strong capabilities across web applications, APIs, and data services.
- Experience establishing or significantly improving software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices, including code review, testing, CI/CD, release management, and change control.
- Experience applying AI-assisted development tools and practices within a software engineering environment.
- Knowledge of cloud architecture and infrastructure-as-code principles, with the ability to partner effectively with infrastructure and platform engineering teams.
- Demonstrated ability to transform prototypes and business requirements into scalable, maintainable production solutions.
- Strong communication and documentation skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts for business and executive stakeholders.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Experience developing software in regulated environments (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP, computer system validation).
- Experience within clinical research, life sciences, healthcare, or CRO organizations.
- Experience leading, mentoring, and developing software engineers.
- Experience scaling engineering teams, processes, or technology platforms within a growing organization.
- Familiarity with Azure, Entra ID, modern CI/CD platforms, and compliance frameworks such as SOC 2.
Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks
We value the time, talent, and dedication our employees bring to START. Our commitment to your well-being and growth is reflected in a competitive compensation package-based on experience-along with comprehensive benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally:
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
- Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverageand optional insuranceoptions
- Company paid life and disability insurance for added financial protection
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential, no -cost support for you and your family from day one
- Flexible FSA and HSA plans to support your financial wellness
- Commitment to a supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility
- We'recommitted to fostering a collaborative, creative workplace where every team member is encouraged to contribute. At START,you'lljoin a team that values continuous learning, professional growth, shared ideas, and a culture built on inclusivity and innovation.
