Dir Software Engineering

19109 SPEEDPAY RD; Norcross (GA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Global collaboration

Job summary

ACI Worldwide is seeking a Director of Software Engineering to define and execute the engineering strategy for major product lines. This senior leader will own end-to-end delivery accountability, drive technical excellence at scale, and manage a substantial budget with executive visibility.

The role requires 10-15 years of software/tech leadership, 5+ years managing engineering managers, and a proven track record delivering enterprise-scale software. Payments industry experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred
• 10-15 years of software/tech leadership experience
• 5+ years managing engineering managers and large teams
• Experience with P&L, budgets, and resource planning
• Payments or regulated industry experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead an engineering organization of 30-60 engineers across 3-5 managers
• Define and execute engineering strategy for major product lines
• Own end-to-end delivery accountability with executive visibility
• Manage budgets of $2M-$5M+ including headcount and OPEX
• Build strategic partnerships with Product, Design, and other Engineering leaders

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Enterprise architecture

Budget management

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field

Job description

Job Purpose

The Director, Software Engineering defines and executes engineering strategy for major product lines. This senior leadership position owns end-to-end delivery accountability for significant engineering organizations, drives technical excellence at scale, manages substantial budgets, and builds strategic partnerships that enable business success.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Impact

• Lead significant engineering organization of 30-60 engineers across 3-5 managers
• Define and execute engineering strategy for major product lines
• Own end-to-end delivery accountability with executive visibility
• Manage substantial budget ($2M-$5M+) including headcount and operational expenses
• Lead critical initiatives that directly impact business outcomes and revenue

Engineering Excellence & Organizational Development

• Drive engineering excellence including architecture, quality, velocity, and reliability
• Define engineering standards, practices, and methodologies for the organization
• Build and scale high-performing engineering organization through strategic hiring
• Develop leadership pipeline including managers and senior technical talent
• Shape organizational culture emphasizing innovation, quality, and collaboration

Cross-Functional Partnership & Executive Communication

• Build strategic partnerships with Product, Design, and other Engineering leaders
• Present engineering strategy, progress, and recommendations to executive leadership
• Collaborate with peers on enterprise initiatives and technical strategy
• Drive adoption of AI-assisted development and transformative engineering practices
• Represent engineering in customer and partner engagements as needed

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred
• Equivalent experience (12+ years) may substitute for degree

Experience

• 10-15 years of software engineering or technology leadership experience
• 5+ years managing engineering managers and leading large teams
• Proven track record of delivering complex, enterprise-scale software products
• Experience with P&L management, budget ownership, and resource planning
• Payments, financial services, or regulated industry experience preferred

Technical Skills

• Deep understanding of software architecture at enterprise scale
• Expert knowledge of modern engineering practices and methodologies
• Understanding of scalability, reliability, and performance at high scale
• Knowledge of security, compliance, and regulatory requirements
• Strong understanding of engineering metrics and organizational effectiveness

Leadership & Management Skills

• Exceptional leadership and organizational transformation capabilities
• Strategic vision with strong business acumen
• Executive presence and communication skills
• Proven ability to build and scale engineering organizations
• Strong influence and partnership across all organizational levels

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading engineering through company growth or transformation
• Track record of technical innovation and competitive differentiation
• Experience with M&A integration or organizational restructuring
• Industry thought leadership through speaking or publications

Work Environment

• Hybrid work model with flexibility; multiple office locations available
• 20-30% travel for leadership meetings, customer engagements, and strategic initiatives
• High availability for executive meetings and global collaboration

Equal Opportunity Statement

ACI Worldwide is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Requirement

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visa status or work permit now or in the future.

In return for your expertise, we offer opportunities for growth, career development, and a competitive compensation and benefits package—all within an innovative and collaborative work environment.