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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$125K - $150K *

Build high-performing software teams that drive critical project success while managing technical architecture and mentorship. Collaborate with leadership to align solutions with business needs and en...

Overland Park, KSRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$199K - $260K *

Champion the development of robust data ingestion pipelines, transforming pentest results into actionable insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless data flow and operational...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Champion the evolution of defense Test & Evaluation by integrating modern software solutions, enhancing workflows, and fostering collaboration across teams to deliver data-driven, efficient testing en...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading Digital Test & Evaluation initiatives that integrate modern software solutions into defense workflows, enhancing efficiency and data-driven decision-making across the T&E l...

Mountain View, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead critical software development efforts by providing technical and programmatic leadership, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and effectively communicating with NASA and Boeing management for t...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Champion client success by managing multiple onboarding projects, ensuring effective communication and timely implementation. Drive value through expert project leadership while collaborating with cro...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by leading the strategy and delivery of a robust Salesforce ecosystem, driving business impact through innovative solutions and team development in a dynamic, global environment...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by designing and developing embedded software for safety-critical systems. Lead technical efforts, mentor teams, and collaborate across disciplines to create reliable applications...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage in the development of safety-critical embedded software while leading teams, designing systems, and enhancing applications for heavy equipment and driver-assistance technologies. Drive innovati...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$118K - $130K *

Empower your career by designing and developing secure, scalable applications for mission-critical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user interfaces and back-end services, dr...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing high-quality backend software solutions while mentoring junior developers and collaborating across teams. Drive project success through design, implementation, and mainte...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$202K - $224K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of code infrastructure, ensuring stability and efficiency for thousands of engineers. Drive impactful projects from design to deployment while enhancing developer...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$202K - $224K *

Elevate developer productivity by owning and enhancing code hosting and review platforms. Drive projects from inception to deployment, ensuring system stability and a seamless experience for thousands...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$202K - $224K *

Champion innovation by owning and evolving code hosting and review platforms, ensuring stability and efficiency for thousands of engineers. Drive projects from conception to deployment while enhancing...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$202K - $224K *

Build and enhance robust code hosting and review platforms, ensuring stability and efficiency for thousands of engineers. Drive projects from conception to deployment while improving developer experie...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$145K - $180K *

Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic team in engineering and project development. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance workflows, and collaborate across departments to deliver innovative solutio...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$193K - $290K *

Transform legal workflows by developing agent systems that enhance efficiency and optimize high-stakes processes. Collaborate with clients to deliver impactful solutions that ensure quality and accele...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of healthcare by developing innovative full-stack products. Collaborate across teams to transform complex problems into simple solutions, integrating AI for improved efficiency and us...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the enhancement of finance systems in a dynamic environment, focusing on optimizing NetSuite and integrating additional solutions. This role involves strategy, system configuration, and process i...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Engineer advanced knowledge systems by extracting and reasoning over data sources, enabling AI agents to deliver precise answers. Collaborate across teams to enhance reliability, performance, and data...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $180K *

Take ownership of complex software and DevOps engagements, leading multi-team efforts and ensuring successful delivery and commercial outcomes. Collaborate with clients and guide teams to achieve proj...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$180K - $220K *

Empower a globally distributed team to build and enhance an in-house ERP application, ensuring alignment across engineering, operations, and delivery while fostering a culture of collaboration, accoun...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $170K *

Lead the development of innovative applications that enhance engineering productivity and collaboration across teams, driving impactful change in our core platform to improve user experience and produ...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$225K - $265K *

Lead the charge in shaping robust data infrastructure that empowers teams across the organization. Drive strategy, foster innovation, and elevate team performance while ensuring reliable, high-quality...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$225K - $265K *

Unlock potential by leading a transformative data engineering team focused on building robust, high-performance data platforms. Drive innovation, foster a culture of learning, and ensure impactful out...

Nashville, TNRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.