Explore Director of Software Development opportunities on Ladders, where professionals can find vetted jobs paying $100,000 or more. These senior technology leaders guide software engineering teams, shape development strategy, and deliver reliable products and platforms aligned with business goals.
Directors of Software Development oversee the people, processes, and technical plans behind software delivery. They partner with executives, product leaders, and engineering teams to set priorities, manage resources, improve development practices, and ensure projects meet requirements for quality, security, and performance. Depending on the organization, the role may include managing multiple teams, platforms, or product areas.
Employers commonly seek a strong background in software engineering and experience leading engineering managers or large development teams. Valuable strengths include technical judgment, strategic planning, budgeting, talent development, cross-functional communication, and familiarity with modern development methods, cloud platforms, architecture, and software delivery practices. Requirements vary by company, industry, and scope of responsibility.
Director-level software development roles are available across technology companies and in sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail, and professional services. The position can lead to broader technology leadership, including vice president of engineering, chief technology officer, or other executive roles. Browse current listings to compare responsibilities, industries, and compensation.
Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Search Director of Software Development jobs to discover leadership positions that match your experience, preferred industry, and career goals.
Chief Engineer Principal - Software
$118K - $204K *
Empower innovation as you lead software architecture for a cloud-native connected vehicle platform, driving engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful solutions for...
3 days ago
Director, Mainframe Systems Programming
$135K - $205K *
Lead the charge in delivering client-focused mainframe solutions. Oversee diverse projects, manage teams, and leverage strategic insights to enhance hardware and software lifecycle management while fo...
2 weeks ago
$103K - $160K *
Drive product development by leading a senior engineering pod to deliver high-quality software for city permitting and community operations, leveraging AI tools and coding agents to enhance efficiency...
2 weeks ago
Senior Business Systems Architect
$167K - $183K *
Lead the charge in optimizing G&A technology solutions, enhancing business processes through AI and automation. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive efficiency and compliance, ensuring scalable grow...
2 weeks ago
$155K - $190K *
Transform the future of software development by building scalable, AI-augmented solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance stability, engage in code reviews, and stay ahead of emerging tech...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Integrated Workflows
$125K - $150K *
Optimize integration capabilities within a dynamic software environment, leading the design and implementation of robust APIs and services while mentoring team members and enhancing project workflows...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$128K - $214K *
Empower cross-functional teams to deliver complex technical programs, ensuring alignment with business goals. Lead planning, execution, and stakeholder communication while fostering a collaborative en...
Yesterday
Director, Software Engineering - Remote
$134K - $230K *
Lead and empower a team of 60 engineers to innovate AI-first applications, modernize healthcare workflows, and drive cloud architecture strategies, ensuring scalable solutions and high performance acr...
5 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Lead the charge in managing complex ERP implementation projects, ensuring alignment between customer needs and internal resources. Drive project success through effective communication, risk managemen...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer, Dev Ops
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of cloud technology by architecting scalable infrastructures, automating CI/CD processes, and enhancing operational excellence through collaboration and innovation...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Transformation Engineering
$131K - $196K *
Unlock potential by developing AI-driven applications and data pipelines. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency through innovative technical solutions, ensuring quality and scalabil...
Yesterday
Principal Engineer Team Lead, Simulation Infrastructure
$200K - $275K *
Lead and optimize cloud infrastructure for simulation frameworks, driving team performance and technical strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance validation processes and ensure robust soft...
Reposted 3 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Unlock your leadership potential by guiding product engineers in creating exceptional developer experiences. This role blends technical expertise and product vision, enabling you to drive impactful in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - DevX
$190K - $267K *
Unlock potential by designing and building innovative developer tools that enhance software development processes. Collaborate across teams to improve reliability, usability, and scalability of servic...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead engineers in delivering high-quality technology. Drive performance, resource planning, and best practices across the SDLC while fostering a culture of collaboration and...
4 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to architect scalable AI solutions in healthcare, enhancing patient communication and safety. Lead cross-team projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in AI engineering pra...
2 weeks ago
Director of Product Design, Engage
$195K - $208K *
Reimagine user experiences by leading design for core product features, ensuring seamless integration and customer delight. Collaborate across teams to enhance engagement and trust, shaping the future...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Agent Platform & Growth
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining the onboarding experience for human and AI agents by leading innovative UX and engineering teams. Drive growth through strategic roadmap ownership, hands-on leadership, a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
SailPoint Engineering lead, IAM
$140K - $180K *
Transform identity governance at scale by leading the SailPoint ISC platform. Drive strategy, architecture, and compliance across global operations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...
1 week ago
$90K - $140K *
Join a team that's driving project success by leading technical initiatives, resolving complex challenges, and aligning outcomes with client objectives. Your expertise will enhance profitability and o...
5 days ago
Business Development Director, DOE
$157K - $283K *
Lead the charge in driving business growth by developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions for federal clients, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional res...
2 days ago
$104K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving project success in mission-critical environments. As a Project Manager, you'll oversee design and construction phases, manage stakeholder relations, and ensure project profi...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager Software Engineering
$128K - $252K *
Lead the charge in building and managing high-performing software engineering teams. Drive innovation, optimize processes, and deliver high-quality applications while fostering a culture of excellence...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Optimize user experience by managing Salesforce administration, enhancing platform functionality, and driving user adoption. Collaborate with teams to support business needs and ensure seamless integr...
2 weeks ago
Director, Quality Engineering, Primary Care
$156K - $215K *
Unlock your potential by leading quality engineering initiatives across diverse technology portfolios. Drive automation, enhance delivery quality, and foster team growth while collaborating with cross...
Reposted today
What does a Director of Software Development do?
A Director of Software Development leads software engineering teams and delivery, sets development priorities, allocates resources, and works with business and product leaders to deliver secure, reliable software.
What qualifications are commonly required for Director of Software Development jobs?
Employers typically look for substantial software engineering experience, a record of leading teams, and strengths in strategy, communication, planning, and delivery. Specific technical and education requirements vary by employer.
How much do Director of Software Development jobs pay?
Compensation varies based on factors such as employer, location, industry, and role scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; review each listing for its compensation details.
Where can a Director of Software Development work?
These leaders work across technology companies and many other industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and professional services.
What roles can follow a Director of Software Development position?
Potential next steps include vice president of engineering, senior technology leadership, or chief technology officer roles, depending on experience and organizational structure.