Director of Software Development Jobs

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.

What Does a Director of Software Development Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Career Outlook and Opportunities

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.

Find Director of Software Development Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$150K - $180K *

Lead and inspire a blended team of developers to enhance AI-driven legal automation platforms, ensuring technical excellence, delivery, and collaboration across functions while managing architecture...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing secure, scalable software solutions for the U.S. Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense system. Collaborate in an Agile environment to tackle complex chal...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving technical excellence in life sciences. You'll lead project delivery, mentor engineers, and collaborate with stakeholders to transform client needs into robust systems, ensur...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform software development by leading a dynamic team in creating innovative AWS cloud-native applications. Drive quality and efficiency through CI/CD practices while ensuring compliance with indus...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$108K - $142K *

Join us to lead a talented software engineering team, shaping web and mobile platforms through strategic direction and innovation, while fostering a collaborative environment that enhances e-commerce...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$95K - $115K *

Unlock new possibilities as you drive application development and integrate solutions across diverse technologies, fostering collaboration and innovation in a dynamic environment...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of enterprise-scale cybersecurity by leading vulnerability management initiatives. Drive program strategy, enhance client relationships, and mentor teams to achieve measurable risk re...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion enterprise-scale delivery by leading vulnerability management initiatives, driving program strategy, and fostering client relationships to achieve measurable risk reduction across diverse tec...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in enterprise-scale vulnerability management, driving strategy and governance while transforming technical initiatives into measurable risk reduction across diverse teams and stakehold...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$220K - $290K *

Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$220K - $290K *

Empower innovation by leading systems engineering for autonomous aviation. Drive strategy, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure safety and performance in developing cutting-edge technologies for...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $288K *

Drive software development excellence by leading multiple teams to deliver scalable solutions. Collaborate with partners to enhance technical strategies and ensure timely project execution, impacting...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$160K - $288K *

Lead multiple software development teams to innovate and deliver scalable solutions, ensuring timely project execution and budget adherence while enhancing collaboration and technical strategy across...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$160K - $288K *

Lead multiple software development teams to deliver innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with partners to integrate technical roadmaps and over...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$192K - $274K *

Lead the development of innovative mobile solutions for drivers. Drive technical strategy and operational excellence, while managing a high-performing team in a dynamic, cross-functional environment...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$192K - $274K *

Drive mobile engineering excellence by leading a talented team in developing intuitive applications that enhance truck drivers' experiences. Focus on delivering high-impact features, operational relia...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$250K - $290K *

Elevate your career by leading a high-performing engineering team, driving strategy and innovation in web3 technologies. Shape the future of decentralized systems while ensuring top-tier security and...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $168K *

Transform your career as a Lead Software Developer, enhancing product security, leading integration solutions, and driving platform migration while collaborating across diverse teams in a dynamic, mis...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive the strategic design and governance of a comprehensive identity and access management program to enhance security and compliance while enabling business initiatives in a highly regulated financi...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Help us design and enhance robust software systems, guiding teams on innovative projects while ensuring software performance and quality standards are met with leading-edge technologies...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$159K - $273K *

Transform your career by leading a large-scale engineering organization focused on modernizing financial platforms for healthcare. Drive innovation, strategy, and operational excellence while collabor...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$159K - $273K *

Drive your career with a leadership role in transforming enterprise marketing technology through agentic AI. Lead engineering teams to enhance personalization, automation, and customer engagement at s...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $165K *

Join a team that's tackling complex challenges by developing intuitive software solutions for mission-critical applications. You'll lead technical initiatives while collaborating with a skilled engine...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead a dynamic team of software engineers to enhance data import systems, ensuring efficient document processing and integration. Drive technical direction, improve engineering practices, and foster a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Pioneer the design execution strategy for a large-scale semiconductor facility, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to meet operational requirements and ensure project milestones are achieved efficie...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Software Development do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Potential next steps include vice president of engineering, senior technology leadership, or chief technology officer roles, depending on experience and organizational structure.