Software Development Managers lead engineering teams that design, build, test, and maintain software products and platforms. They connect technical execution with business priorities, helping teams deliver reliable, valuable software while fostering an environment where engineers can do their best work. Explore vetted Software Development Manager opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.
Responsibilities vary by company and team, but commonly include hiring and developing engineers, setting goals and delivery plans, coordinating projects, and partnering with product, design, security, and operations teams. Managers may also guide architecture and technical decisions, monitor quality and delivery risks, and communicate progress to stakeholders. The balance between people leadership and hands-on technical work depends on the organization.
Employers often seek experience leading software teams and delivering production systems, along with a strong understanding of software development practices. Helpful strengths include coaching and feedback, project planning, prioritization, clear communication, and cross-functional collaboration. Familiarity with areas such as cloud platforms, distributed systems, DevOps, security, or agile methods may be important depending on the role.
Software Development Managers work across industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and enterprise services. Experienced leaders may progress to senior engineering management, director or vice president roles, or broader technology leadership positions. Some also move into product-focused or technical strategy roles, drawing on their experience guiding teams and delivering software.
Use Ladders to explore Software Development Manager openings with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare role scope, team responsibilities, technical expectations, and compensation details to identify opportunities that fit your leadership experience and career goals. Tailor your resume to highlight team outcomes, delivery impact, and the scale or complexity of the systems you have helped build.
$135K - $160K *
Unlock your potential as a Principal Software Developer, driving the design and deployment of cutting-edge AI platforms. Collaborate across the full stack to create intelligent applications that enhan...
1 week ago
Program Manager, Onsite Data Collection
$110K - $130K *
Explore the dynamic role of a Program Manager, overseeing end-to-end data collection programs. Drive operational excellence, client satisfaction, and strategic execution in a fast-paced environment, e...
Yesterday
$113K - $215K *
Drive transformative initiatives by leading complex, cross-functional programs to deliver impactful digital, data, and operational capabilities while aligning stakeholders and driving project success...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team in managing project lifecycles by applying proven methodologies. You will lead diverse project teams, enhance client satisfaction, and promote continuous improvement while driving...
1 month ago
Lead Software Development Engineer in Test
$165K - $185K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of test automation, driving quality and performance through innovative strategies and frameworks. Collaborate within an agile team to enhance product scalability a...
Reposted 2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading product vision and strategy, driving customer insights to align with business goals. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring impactful outcomes f...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Lead the charge in managing complex underground storage tank projects, coordinating with diverse stakeholders to ensure compliance, safety, and timely completion across multiple sites while overseeing...
1 month ago
Senior ML / Evaluation Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Explore exciting challenges in AI evaluation by developing frameworks and custom validators for cutting-edge machine learning applications. Collaborate to enhance the quality and reliability of AI age...
3 weeks ago
Senior Program Operations Manager
$110K - $130K *
Unlock the potential of strategic planning and program management, driving innovative financial forecasting and operational excellence. Lead day-to-day program operations, enhance service offerings, a...
1 month ago
$153K - $213K *
Take ownership of a customer-facing product area, driving strategy and execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance user experience, leverage AI, and achieve key performance metrics while deli...
2 weeks ago
$102K - $120K *
Lead high-impact proposal efforts globally, managing complex RFIs and RFPs. Drive collaboration, ensure quality, and optimize strategies for proposal submissions in a fast-paced, deadline-focused envi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, Applied AI
$153K - $213K *
Drive efficiency by automating internal processes, enhancing productivity across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify bottlenecks, implement AI solutions, and ensure measurable impact on w...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $200K *
Join a team that drives mission success in aerospace program management, overseeing the entire payload lifecycle from planning to execution. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and governm...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Trajectory Generation & Controls
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of autonomous driving by leading trajectory generation and controls. Collaborate across teams to deliver safe, optimized solutions while enhancing vehicle performance through innovati...
2 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Champion the delivery of innovative data solutions, leading cross-functional teams to modernize platforms and drive AI integration. Ensure project success through effective management of scope, qualit...
3 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Inspire delivery excellence by leading a diverse portfolio of 20+ Scrum teams across regions. Align engineering outcomes with client priorities, enhance AI adoption, and drive measurable value through...
1 week ago
$112K - $196K *
Drive innovation in software engineering by developing cutting-edge cyber tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance national defense capabilities while advancing your career in a fast-paced en...
Yesterday
Technical Program Manager - Mobile Platform Design System
$112K - $135K *
Elevate your career by driving delivery across mobile platform teams, ensuring alignment and timely releases. Collaborate with engineering leads to enhance app architecture and improve CI/CD processes...
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Senior Field Software Engineer, Advanced Missions Group
$140K - $190K *
Innovate software solutions in dynamic environments, collaborating with operators and engineers to rapidly prototype and deploy mission-critical capabilities. Leverage your technical expertise to inte...
2 weeks ago
Senior Program Manager, Leader Enablement & Development
$110K - $130K *
Transform frontline manager development by leading strategic programs that enhance coaching, deal inspection, and pipeline management. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive consistent team performan...
2 weeks ago
Director of Product Management, Agentic Software Delivery
$203K - $345K *
Champion the vision for Agentic Software Delivery, spearheading strategic innovation across CI, CD, and observability to enhance software delivery automation and customer experience while driving reve...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Project Manager - Airline Technology
$182K *
Lead transformative technology projects for airlines, managing delivery from planning to launch. Collaborate with stakeholders and technical teams to ensure successful implementation and alignment wit...
2 weeks ago
Senior Full Stack Software Engineer
$150K - $300K *
Transform the future of cloud-native applications by designing and developing scalable web solutions. Leverage your expertise in full stack development and cloud technologies to drive innovation and o...
2 days ago
Technical Program Manager (Software Engineer)
$140K - $165K *
Empower teams by leading complex, cross-functional programs that enhance cloud infrastructure. Drive execution through ambiguity, ensuring high-impact delivery while collaborating with engineering and...
1 week ago
Director, Software Engineering & Development
$170K - $220K *
Shape the future of our enterprise AI platform by leading a cross-functional team of engineers. You will drive talent development, enhance engineering practices, and foster a culture of high performan...
Reposted 1 month ago
What does a Software Development Manager do?
A Software Development Manager leads software engineers and coordinates the planning, development, and delivery of software. The role typically combines team leadership, project execution, stakeholder communication, and technical oversight.
What qualifications are commonly required for Software Development Manager jobs?
Requirements vary, but employers commonly look for a background in software engineering, experience delivering production software, and a record of leading or mentoring technical teams. Some roles also request experience with specific platforms, architecture, or development methods.
How much do Software Development Manager jobs pay?
Compensation varies based on location, industry, company size, experience, and role scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, so explore current listings for salary information and details.
What skills are important for a Software Development Manager?
Important skills often include people management, coaching, prioritization, project planning, communication, and cross-functional collaboration. Technical judgment and familiarity with the organization’s software stack and delivery practices are also valuable.
What career growth can follow a Software Development Manager role?
Potential paths include senior engineering manager, director of engineering, vice president of engineering, or other technology leadership roles. Career options depend on a person's strengths, experience, and the organization’s structure.