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.
Lead Project Manager (AI Initiatives) - Remote
$110K - $130K *
Champion the execution of AI initiatives across the enterprise by overseeing project governance, planning, and cross-functional coordination, driving effective delivery from concept to measurable outc...
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Senior Project and Portfolio Manager
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Lead the charge in establishing a robust project management portfolio, optimizing planning and execution processes at the Space Weather Prediction Center. Drive continuous improvement and support lead...
Today
Software Development Engineer, Amazon MQ
$168K - $227K *
Join our dynamic team to design and develop open-source message broker systems. Collaborate with peers and project maintainers while leading system architecture and mentoring junior engineers to deliv...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Staff Product Manager, Legal Technology
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of legal technology by leading multi-platform strategies, driving AI initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions that enhance operational...
2 weeks ago
$176K - $243K *
Empower innovation by leading the design and delivery of AI/ML systems. Drive architectural decisions, optimize model development, and enhance system reliability while collaborating with cross-functio...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer IV - Windows Instrumentation and Automation
$107K - $190K *
Innovate in the field of scientific software engineering by leading the design and development of cutting-edge Windows applications that drive advanced atomic force microscopy systems and enhance perf...
Reposted 6 days ago
$94K - $179K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and developing high-quality software solutions. Lead agile projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure robust application systems that meet user needs and i...
2 weeks ago
$94K - $266K *
Champion MuleSoft implementations by developing clean code and guiding teams. Leverage expertise in Salesforce and API management to deliver enterprise-grade solutions while mentoring junior developer...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Data Infrastructure
$175K - $200K *
Optimize our data infrastructure platform by enhancing automation, observability, and stability. Drive architectural changes to support long-term service requirements while ensuring high throughput an...
3 days ago
Principal Software Engineer, Capital Marketplace
$186K - $257K *
Help us shape the future of lending technology as a Principal Engineer, driving impactful engineering initiatives and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance our Capital Marketplace systems for op...
4 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Proactive Security - Platform
$193K - $285K *
Empower the Security Engineering team by leading the technical vision for platform hardening across global operations, ensuring a secure and resilient delivery network through innovative practices and...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by driving client success through expert system configuration, data analysis, and consultative training. Ensure timely project delivery while enhancing user experience and satisfactio...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock your potential by leading quality assurance initiatives across the loan origination lifecycle. Drive team performance, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency while fostering a co...
2 weeks ago
Staff+ Software Engineer, Memory & Search
$405K - $485K *
Join us to design and build innovative memory and search experiences that enhance user interaction across platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful products that prioritiz...
4 days ago
Global Software Implementation Manager
$110K - $130K *
Champion global software implementation initiatives, leading eLIMS-BPT and eELN programs across diverse sectors. Drive strategic project management, organizational change, and team leadership to ensur...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Contribute to the development of a robust Kubernetes control plane, enhancing multi-cloud infrastructure and driving scalable architecture for enterprise-grade cloud services...
2 weeks ago
Advanced Specialist, Project Management
$100K - $135K *
Help us drive project success by leading teams in enhancing product areas, managing budgets, and ensuring quality delivery. Collaborate across departments to achieve project goals while navigating ris...
Reposted 3 days ago
Advanced Specialist, Project Management
$125K - $135K *
Lead the charge in driving strategic project delivery across multiple squads, ensuring alignment with business priorities and effective communication among stakeholders. Utilize program management exp...
1 week ago
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Innovate and build across multiple surfaces, enhancing developer tools and agent products. Collaborate closely with a small team to deliver high-quality software solutions that drive enterprise adopti...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $200K *
Lead the charge in driving revenue through innovative pricing strategies and a high-performing engineering team. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance user experiences while maintaining technical...
3 days ago
$96K - $145K *
Accelerate your career by supporting critical mainframe applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and resolve complex issues, while driving continuous impro...
Yesterday
$125K - $225K *
Elevate project success by leading multidisciplinary teams in nuclear design and program management, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance across all phases of construction and operations for compl...
1 week ago
Senior / Lead / Principal Software Engineer - Foundations Team (Infrastructure/Platform)
$117K - $313K *
Drive impactful change by building highly scalable cloud infrastructure and CI/CD systems. Collaborate with a top-tier team to enhance performance and quality while participating in dynamic software d...
Reposted 4 days ago
Central Engineering Team Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team, driving innovation and product development while ensuring quality and efficiency in facility design and technical support for sales initiatives...
1 week ago
$128K - $165K *
Lead reliability initiatives across complex systems, driving automation and observability. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational outcomes, manage incidents, and mentor engineers, ensuring comp...
2 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.