Director of Software Engineering

SUMMARY: The Director of Software Engineering is responsible for the leadership, development, and execution of software engineering activities across the organization. This role provides organizational leadership for software engineering teams focused on embedded software, applications, user interfaces, data platforms, and product software development. The Director will establish engineering practices, drive technical excellence, develop engineering talent, and ensure the successful delivery of software solutions aligned with company objectives, customer needs, and product roadmaps.
This position works closely with Product Management, Hardware Engineering, Cloud Engineering, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and Executive Leadership to deliver innovative software solutions while fostering a collaborative, high-performing engineering culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead, develop, and manage software engineering teams responsible for embedded software, applications, gateway software, edge computing software, mobile applications, and user interface development.
Establish and communicate software engineering strategy, goals, priorities, and best practices.
Build, mentor, and retain high-performing engineers through coaching, career development, performance management, and succession planning.
Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering leadership to establish roadmaps, project priorities, staffing plans, and resource allocations.
Drive successful execution of software development projects, ensuring quality, schedule, budget, and technical objectives are achieved.
Oversee software architecture, design reviews, and development processes to ensure maintainable, scalable, secure, and reliable solutions.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives related to engineering processes, quality systems, development methodologies, testing, and automation.
Promote and enforce software development standards, coding practices, cybersecurity requirements, documentation standards, and quality procedures.
Monitor project status, identify risks, and remove obstacles impacting development teams.
Guide adoption of modern development tools, DevOps practices, CI/CD workflows, and software quality metrics.
Support recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and workforce planning activities.
Establish engineering performance objectives and monitor team effectiveness through key performance indicators.
Participate in strategic planning, technology evaluations, build-versus-buy decisions, and long-term product architecture discussions.
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, AI, IoT software platforms, cybersecurity requirements, and software engineering best practices.
Adhere to and model the quality system standards pertaining to the job.
Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to lead teams distributed across geographically diverse locations.
Demonstrated success building and managing high-performing software organizations.
Strong organizational, project management, and decision-making skills.
Ability to balance technical priorities with business objectives.
Skilled at conflict resolution, coaching, and talent development.
Strong understanding of product development lifecycles and engineering management principles.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field required. Master's degree preferred.
10+ years of software engineering experience.
5+ years of engineering leadership experience managing technical teams.
Experience leading embedded software, Linux-based systems, networking, IoT, or industrial software development teams.
Strong understanding of software architecture, software design methodologies, and development processes.
Experience with Agile development methodologies and software project management.
Experience with source control systems, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and release processes.
Experience managing budgets, staffing plans, and vendor relationships preferred.
Experience with cybersecurity and secure software development practices preferred.
Experience developing connected products, IoT platforms, or industrial communications solutions preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Lifting requirements up to 25 pounds.
Requires sitting for periods of time and occasional standing.
Use hands to finger, handle or feel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Minimal noise.
Our Minnesota facility includes a manufacturing environment. Moderate noise level. Machinery operation requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; safety glasses, hearing protection, wrist and shoe straps, and ESD smock. Loose fitting clothing and jewelry are not permitted. No food allowed in the manufacturing area. No cell phone use allowed in manufacturing area unless approved by management.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED:

Laptop computer
Standard office equipment