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.
$150K - $190K *
Unlock potential by managing complex technical programs that drive innovation and operational excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and clients to ensure successful delivery of large-sca...
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$110K - $130K *
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Senior QA Automation Engineer (Platform)
$110K - $130K *
Empower engineering teams by building robust test automation solutions that enhance productivity. Design and own comprehensive frameworks that streamline workflows, and collaborate with product teams...
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Senior QA Engineer - DroneDeploy
$100K - $138K *
Elevate quality assurance standards by leading testing initiatives for drone software and hardware. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define test programs, execute flight tests, and implement...
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$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in software engineering by leading development efforts to deliver high-quality solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity and crea...
4 weeks ago
$143K - $200K *
Innovate solutions as a Senior Appian Developer, tackling complex BPM challenges. Collaborate with teams to design, implement, and optimize high-performance applications while mentoring junior develop...
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$115K - $150K *
Lead the charge in a hands-on data engineering role focused on Snowflake. Own technical solutions from discovery to production, guiding teams and clients through complex data challenges while optimizi...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $120K *
Elevate your career by joining our Innovation team as a Software Engineer. Collaborate on Proofs-of-Concept and drive features through the full software development lifecycle, from design to deploymen...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $120K *
Join a team that's focused on innovative software development, tackling various layers of the tech stack. You'll engage in documentation, automated testing, and debugging, while optimizing performance...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion customer solutions by rapidly prototyping and deploying AI-driven applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product capabilities and drive adoption, ensuring impactful...
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$160K - $190K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing enterprise AI architecture strategy, ensuring scalable, ethical AI integration across platforms. Drive innovation through Generative and Agentic AI, aligning...
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$160K - $193K *
Lead the charge in HiL testing for autonomous trucks, guiding a team to ensure robust verification and validation. Shape the test strategy, align with safety standards, and collaborate across teams to...
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Program Chief Engineer, Cyclops (Remote considered)
$190K - $275K *
Elevate technical excellence as the Chief Engineer, guiding multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success through robust architecture, requirements management, and strategic decision-making in com...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Project Manager, CSP - Remote
$160K - $246K *
Lead cross-functional teams to deliver innovative CSP offerings, focusing on compute, storage, and GPU products. Utilize senior project management skills to ensure timely and budget-compliant executio...
1 week ago
Architect, Software Engineering (Adobe AEP Architect)
$138K - $175K *
Lead the charge in driving digital marketing solutions by leveraging your expertise as a Solution Architect. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize customer engagements and ensure success...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in transforming tax software by eliminating manual tasks through AI. Own product outcomes, shape new concepts, and drive client success in an agile environment, ensuring measurable imp...
1 week ago
EPMO Project Manager (Research)
$80K - $95K *
Execute project management strategies to drive research initiatives, ensuring effective collaboration and communication across teams. Manage project life cycles, optimize processes, and enhance outcom...
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$135K - $160K *
Transform AI agent systems by owning technical decisions and delivery from design to production. Collaborate with stakeholders, develop workflows, and ensure reliability while mentoring engineers and...
3 weeks ago
$105K - $140K *
Contribute to the evolution of cloud platform capabilities by designing and building backend services for orchestration and job execution, ensuring reliable service coordination and operational visibi...
2 weeks ago
Staff Professional Services Operations Manager
$139K - $235K *
Shape the future of Professional Services by establishing scalable operations to enhance planning, resource management, and financial performance, while driving process improvements and alignment acro...
1 month ago
$82K - $110K *
Transform the productivity landscape by administering and enhancing Microsoft 365 services, including SharePoint, Teams, and Power Platform. Collaborate with teams to deliver scalable solutions and su...
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Senior Manager : Tax Technology Implementations
$155K - $228K *
Transform tax technology implementations by leading cross-domain projects, ensuring accurate indirect tax calculations, and driving collaboration between engineering and tax teams for seamless operati...
3 weeks ago
Business Development Team Manager (Remote)
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by leading a high-performing remote sales team. Drive success through coaching, accountability, and hands-on prospecting while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous i...
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$103K - $181K *
Empower a dynamic Agile team in developing critical mission applications, utilizing your expertise in enterprise software development and fostering effective collaboration to enhance solutions for com...
4 weeks ago
$144K - $170K *
Transform critical business applications by developing robust software solutions. Collaborate with clients and government leads to gather requirements, ensuring high-quality delivery in a dynamic, Agi...
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.