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 *

Champion new business program growth by leading capture strategies and execution. Oversee portfolio management across development and sustainment phases, driving performance, efficiency, and continuou...

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

New York, NYRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead and enhance partner programs, ensuring effective onboarding, enablement, and communication with technology partners to drive mutual success and streamline processes for...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$156K - $215K *

Transform quality engineering practices across a technology portfolio by leading teams in test automation, release readiness, and continuous improvement, ensuring high delivery quality and production...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join us to drive software integration projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables and seamless collaboration across teams while implementing DevSecOps practices and enhancing our aerospace technology...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Transform project outcomes by leading planning, budgeting, and coordination initiatives. Drive operational efficiency, oversee a diverse team, and ensure compliance with regulations while delivering q...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$136K - $252K *

Lead engineering excellence by managing multiple teams in a SaaS environment, ensuring on-time product delivery through effective collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders and adherence to tech...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of software architecture by driving innovation across platforms. Collaborate with teams to design systems, develop applications, and implement technical policies that enhance project...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovative solutions by analyzing, developing, and deploying enterprise APIs and database layers. Lead project teams, mentor junior members, and ensure high-quality software delivery using cl...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation in UI and API automation testing, optimizing CI/CD pipelines and enhancing application performance. Collaborate in Agile teams to deliver robust solutions and ensure quality across mu...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Drive modernization efforts by leading cloud-native transformations and designing scalable microservices. Collaborate on architecture, define coding standards, and ensure operational excellence across...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Engineer robust systems by designing and implementing complex cloud-native solutions. Collaborate across domains to enhance performance, scalability, and security of mission-critical applications whil...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $153K *

Elevate quality assurance by owning end-to-end testing strategies, driving automation, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions for a new business opportunity in a f...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$88K - $105K *

Accelerate progress at optimizing business processes and systems by leading initiatives that align with strategic objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and drive co...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

The Senior Software Engineer at Solidroad will lead the development of advanced AI-driven customer support solutions and architect real-time multimodal simulations. This role involves significant tech...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$108K - $130K *

Manage a large contract team delivering combat system simulation support, ensuring project success across multiple sites and geographies. Oversee performance metrics, CDRL deliveries, and lifecycle ma...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$151K - $217K *

Lead the establishment and scaling of a high-performing PMO, driving strategic execution and operational excellence across complex AI infrastructure projects while fostering cross-functional collabora...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $200K *

Partner with us to develop groundbreaking simulation products, focusing on AI and robotics. Engage with customers to shape product roadmaps, create prototypes, and enhance integration within the simul...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in engineering excellence by managing a dynamic team focused on product innovation, process optimization, and customer satisfaction. Drive strategic initiatives and foster a culture of...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Take ownership of agile operations projects, delivering quick, impactful results. Collaborate across teams to improve processes, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvements. Use agile methods...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$146K - $235K *

Drive excellence in quality engineering by designing and executing automation frameworks. Lead manual and automated testing efforts to ensure top-tier product quality, while mentoring junior team memb...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $155K *

Drive digital product strategy and execution, enhancing user experiences across platforms. Lead end-to-end product processes, integrating technology and human-centered design to foster meaningful conn...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$133K - $190K *

Drive innovation as you lead the design and deployment of scalable AI-native platforms, blending advanced technologies with enterprise systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure high performance and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$133K - $190K *

Join a team that's driving Mergers & Acquisitions success by leading Dynamics 365 configuration and customization efforts. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize business processes and ensure seaml...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$70K - $93K *

Lead and grow a dynamic Experience Design team, driving high-quality web experiences through hands-on design, collaboration, and innovative workflows. Shape the future of design while mentoring talent...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.