Aerospace Software Embedded Engineering Director

Woodward, Inc.; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 184,000 - 276,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401(k) match

Annual stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

12 paid holidays

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm in Niles, IL, seeks a passionate Aerospace Software Embedded Engineering Director. In this full-time role, you will lead and mentor a global team of over 80 engineers, driving innovation and excellence in aerospace systems. You will set strategic directions and ensure compliance with high-level standards like DO-178 DAL A. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $184,000 to $276,000 and an extensive benefits package including an annual cash bonus, stock contributions, and comprehensive health insurance.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in software engineering and organizational management.
• Strong technical depth combined with financial acumen and market insight.
• Experience with aerospace development standards and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a global team of 80+ talented software engineers.
• Set the strategic direction and influence technical excellence.
• Drive systemic improvements and establish a strong design culture.
• Own product roadmaps, budgets, and infrastructure planning.

Skills

Leadership in software engineering

Aerospace development standards

Financial acumen

Exceptional communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Job description

Aerospace Software Embedded Engineering Director page is loaded## Aerospace Software Embedded Engineering Directorlocations: Niles, IL, UStime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR108891Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities, creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.**Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position.** Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Estimated annual base pay: $184,000 (minimum) - $230,000 (midpoint) - $276,000 (maximum)* All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity* 401(k) match (4.5%)* Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%) & Annual Time Based Equity (Stock)* Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members* 12 paid holidays* Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire* Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave* Paid parental leave* Adoption Assistance* Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits* Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life* Member referral bonus* Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending* Voluntary benefits, including: + Home / Auto Insurance discounts + Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military LeaveIf you’re a visionary **Director of Engineering** with a passion for software and a drive to shape the future of aerospace technology, this is your opportunity to make an impact at a global scale.As **Director of Engineering**, you’ll lead a high-performing organization that designs, develops, and sustains cutting-edge products and systems for commercial aerospace. Reporting directly to the VP of Engineering, you’ll set the strategic direction, influence technical excellence, and guide a global team of 80+ talented software engineers. Your leadership will ensure compliance with the most rigorous standards—DO-178 DAL A and MIL-STD-882—while fostering innovation and breakthrough solutions.**Why This Role Matters*** **Shape the Future:** Drive systemic improvements and establish a strong design culture that delivers world-class, compliant products.* **Lead at Scale:** Mentor and inspire a global team, championing career growth and aligning engineering excellence with organizational goals.* **Strategic Influence:** Own product roadmaps, budgets, and infrastructure planning while representing the company at industry events and shaping competitive strategies.* **Innovate Relentlessly:** Apply Design for Six Sigma, lean principles, Novel Agile Methodologies, and cutting-edge methods to eliminate waste and accelerate innovation.**What You’ll Bring*** Proven leadership in software engineering and organizational management.* Expertise in aerospace development standards and quality systems.* Strong technical depth combined with financial acumen and market insight.* Exceptional communication and stakeholder influence skills.* Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to **leave your mark on the next generation of aerospace technology** while leading a team that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and excellence.This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).Woodward is an Equal Opportunity EmployerEO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veterans#LI-AT1Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Together with our customers, we are enabling the path to a cleaner, decarbonized world. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion and motion control systems perform in some of the world’s harshest environments.At Woodward we have created a culture that appreciates and values the contributions of every member. We are a global team of curious, innovative problem-solvers who commit our knowledge, resources and technical expertise to the challenges associated with reducing emissions, enabling alternative energy sources and increasing efficiency, always innovating for a better future.Woodward is working with our customers to solve some of the world’s biggest energy challenges. This important work needs more than just the brightest technical minds. It requires talented and committed manufacturing professionals, accountants, supply chain managers, human resources experts, information technology specialists and many more. We are looking for dedicated people who want to learn and grow in a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and inclusion.