Director of R&D Software Engineering

Southwest Research Institute

San Antonio (TX)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 210,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX is seeking a Software Engineering Section Manager to lead top software developers delivering signal intelligence solutions across Air, Land and Sea platforms. You will mentor engineers, guide requirements, planning, and estimates, promote CI/CD practices, and partner with customers and division leaders to drive technical excellence.

The role demands a strong track record in leadership, end-to-end software lifecycle experience, and the ability to

Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Software Development, Software Management, Engineering Management, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field with related experience.
PMP preferred.
10 years: Experience leading software engineering teams, conducting performance reviews, and developing direct reports.
End-to-end software lifecycle experience required; hands-on design/development experience and a self-motivated commitment to continuous learning are highly desired.
Proficient with Microsoft tools and experienced using AI tools to improve software development and routine workflows.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and tools such as GitLab and TeamCity is highly desired.
Skilled at developing and presenting material to varied audiences.
Excellent verbal, written, and listening skills required for technical and management responsibilities.
Must be detail-oriented, proactive, self-directed, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.
Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills required.
Experience supporting software proposals, including technical writing and development estimates.
Skilled in reviewing technical documentation, architectures, frameworks, and designs.
Familiarity with CMMI and other software quality standards is highly desired.
A valid/clear driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

Provide direct line management for software engineers, including mentoring, career development, performance reviews, regular one-on-one engagement, workload coordination, and personnel responsibilities consistent with company policies and procedures.
Grow and sustain software engineering teams through recruiting, interviewing, hiring, workforce planning, and resource management.
Support Department and Division staffing needs and provide effective leadership on boards, committees, and technical initiatives.
Provide software leadership at the project and Scrum Master level.
Guide requirements development, software design, alternatives analysis, technical debt management, task estimation, scheduling, and execution to support predictable, on-time delivery.
Partner with technical leaders to establish, improve, and promote software engineering standards, tools, and development practices aligned with evolving industry standards.
Encourage innovation and support internal research and development initiatives.
Support business development and capture activities aligned with organizational strategy.
Contribute to proposals by developing software technical approaches, writing technical content, defining staffing and schedules, and producing credible development estimates.