Director of Software Engineering

Alava Consulting; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 184,000 - 276,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Annual performance bonus

401(k) with match

Medical, dental, vision from day one

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Extensive PTO package

Job summary

A leading U.S. technology manufacturer is seeking a Director of Embedded Software Engineering in Niles, IL, to lead a global team. You'll be responsible for the design and development of safety-critical systems, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards. Candidates should have proven leadership experience in embedded software engineering, particularly in aerospace or defense. This full-time role offers a competitive salary range of $184,000–$276,000, bonus opportunities, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a large-scale embedded software engineering organization.
• Deep knowledge of DO-178 DAL A or MIL-STD-882 compliance processes.
• Experience with complex, regulated product development, preferably in aerospace/defense.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a global team of 80+ software engineers.
• Oversee full software lifecycle for new development and product sustainment.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards.
• Drive a strong engineering culture focused on design quality.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering teams.
• Establish and evolve development standards, tools, and processes.
• Manage department budgets and staffing plans.
• Represent the company at industry events and technical forums.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

DO-178 DAL A compliance

MIL-STD-882 compliance

Job description

Overview

A leading U.S.-based technology manufacturer supporting the aerospace and defense sectors is seeking a Director of Embedded Software Engineering to lead a global team responsible for the design, development, and sustainment of complex embedded systems. This role reports into the VP of Engineering and offers the opportunity to shape the future of safety-critical systems used in advanced aerospace platforms.

Location: Niles, IL

Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder (ITAR-regulated work)

Base pay range

$184,000.00/yr - $276,000.00/yr

Additional compensation

Annual Bonus and RSUs

What’s Offered

• Competitive base salary and performance bonus
• Annual equity participation
• 401(k) with match + pension-style company stock contributions
• Medical, dental, vision from day one
• Paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and extensive PTO package

Position details

Position: Director of Embedded Software Engineering

Location: Niles, IL

Salary Range: $184,000 – $276,000 + Bonus + Equity

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a global team of 80+ software engineers
• Oversee full software lifecycle for both new development and existing product sustainment
• Ensure strict compliance with aerospace standards, including DO-178 DAL A and MIL-STD-882
• Drive a strong engineering culture focused on design quality, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, product, and manufacturing engineering
• Establish and evolve development standards, tools, and processes
• Manage department budgets, staffing plans, and capital resources
• Represent the company externally at industry events and technical forums

Required qualifications

• Proven experience leading a large-scale embedded software engineering organization
• Deep knowledge of DO-178 DAL A or MIL-STD-882 compliance processes
• Experience with complex, regulated product development (aerospace/defense strongly preferred)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Product Management, Quality Assurance, and Engineering

Industries

• Software Development, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, and IT System Testing and Evaluation