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.
Staff Product Manager, AGSE Service
$135K - $160K *
Transform the future of autonomous ground support equipment by leading product strategy and roadmap development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, performance, and reliability...
4 days ago
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Make your mark at the forefront of innovation as a Senior Technical Project Manager, overseeing proposal development, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring successful project execu...
Reposted today
Strategic Technical Project Manager
$150K - $160K *
Empower large-scale customer projects by leading multi-workstream implementations. As a key facilitator, you will align stakeholders, manage risks, and ensure solutions meet success criteria within ag...
Reposted 1 month ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer - National Imagery
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Innovate advanced GIS and remote sensing software for defense and intelligence, collaborating with a skilled team to enhance analytical workflows and imagery processing capabilities, while mentoring j...
1 week ago
$202K - $253K *
Shape the future of cardiometabolic care by driving backend architecture and cross-functional collaboration. Lead technical direction, mentor engineers, and deliver scalable solutions that enhance mem...
2 weeks ago
Senior Applied AI Product Manager
$138K - $165K *
Shape the future of AI products by leading strategy, vision, and execution. Drive innovation through collaboration and influence, ensuring exceptional value and responsible practices across diverse bu...
2 weeks ago
Senior Applied AI Product Manager
$138K - $165K *
Drive the end-to-end lifecycle of innovative AI-powered products, shaping strategy and vision while collaborating cross-functionally to deliver exceptional business and customer value through effectiv...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineering L5, Open Connect Platform
$388K - $500K+*
Drive impactful solutions for one of the largest CDNs by managing and optimizing our Open Connect platform through scalable microservices and data models, while collaborating with multidisciplinary te...
4 weeks ago
Senior Web Software Developer (Full Stack Java)
$120K - $145K *
Join us to drive innovative full stack solutions using Java and modern frameworks. Collaborate on mission-critical applications to enhance user experiences and support robust integrations in a dynamic...
4 weeks ago
Senior Web Software Developer (Full Stack Java)
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Web Developer, leveraging extensive Java and frontend expertise to create robust full-stack applications. Collaborate with teams to innovate solutions, perfecting user...
4 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Full-Stack
$160K - $210K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and deliver full-stack features, enhancing code quality and mentoring junior engineers while owning projects from inception to deployment in a dynamic...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Product Manager - AI Gateway
$132K - $188K *
Elevate your career by owning product strategy and execution for AI Gateway capabilities, ensuring seamless connectivity across the AI ecosystem while collaborating with cross-functional teams to driv...
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Project Manager, Industrial Controls Implementation
$116K - $170K *
Join a dynamic team to drive the planning and execution of PLC updates, ensuring seamless operations across automated warehouse sites while coordinating with cross-functional partners and enhancing de...
Yesterday
Remote Services Portfolio Program Manager
$167K - $188K *
Unlock potential by leading a complex portfolio of services projects, driving customer value and business outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish priorities, manage dependencies...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Security Design & Delivery
$170K - $200K *
Champion the security design and delivery for hyperscale projects, ensuring comprehensive protection through physical and electronic systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish stand...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Public Sector
$180K - $200K *
Champion innovation by developing scalable backend solutions and troubleshooting complex issues within our Cyber-Physical Systems platform. Collaborate with global teams to enhance performance and ens...
2 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Champion the development of scalable software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and technical excellence. Mentor engineers and influence architectural decisions...
2 weeks ago
Staff Full Stack Software Engineer
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Reimagine your career as a Staff Full-Stack Software Engineer, leading technical direction and mentoring teams while developing a cloud-based platform that empowers forensic investigators to uncover c...
2 days ago
Tech Lead, Performance Evaluation
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Lead innovative data analysis initiatives to develop contextual insights from autonomous vehicle data, driving meaningful improvements in safety and performance across mobility services...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$143K - $241K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable data solutions, optimize performance, and enhance software architecture while adhering to coding standards and leveraging AI to...
3 weeks ago
Senior Strategic Automation Project Manager
$115K - $150K *
Engage in strategic automation initiatives to enhance manufacturing capabilities, leading complex projects from concept to execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and al...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing high-impact data center construction projects, overseeing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure operational success from inception to completion...
Reposted 1 week ago
$56K - $114K *
Drive the design, development, and support of applications and integrations using Java, .NET, and JavaScript. Collaborate on incident management and ensure quality through testing and documentation wh...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $150K *
Lead the charge in business development, driving growth in Medical and Industrial Automation sectors, while cultivating strong partnerships and translating market needs into actionable growth strategi...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Infrastructure
$230K - $275K *
Join a team that's committed to enhancing cloud reliability through innovative software and infrastructure solutions. Impact lives by maintaining scalable and secure systems supporting thousands of dr...
4 weeks 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.