Director - Software Development Engineer

MetLife; Cary (NC); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Life insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Stock-based long-term incentives

Paid time off / holidays

Job summary

MetLife is seeking a Director of Application Development to lead API/data exchange modernization, overseeing onshore and offshore teams, and collaborating with Product and Design to deliver modern technology solutions.

This hybrid US role requires 9+ years in full-stack development, strong Azure/Kubernetes cloud design experience, and proven leadership of large tech teams. Expect both hands-on coding and strategic oversight with competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of hands-on development in full-stack software engineering.
• 3+ years of cloud design experience in Azure and Kubernetes, including migrations.
• Experience leading/managing tech teams, onshore and offshore.
• 5+ years of development with Java and JavaScript.

Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation across the product portfolio using Java Spring Boot, React, and cloud tech.
• Provide solution architecture for new features in line with modern practices.
• Develop architectural runways and POCs, typically in Java/Spring Boot and React.
• Lead technical code and solution reviews.
• Direct technical teams of 50+ resources, including offshore partners.
• Manage people, hiring, development, and performance reviews.
• Act as technology advisor to the Product Manager.
• Develop and manage an application roadmap delivering short- and long-term value.

Skills

Full-stack software engineering

Azure

Kubernetes

Team leadership

Java

JavaScript

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Azure DevOps

OpenShift

Docker

Spring Boot

React

Job description

When you join MetLife’s Global Technology team, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking group dedicated to shaping the future of digital solutions for customers worldwide. You’ll develop, maintain and support technology applications and delivery, leveraging AI, automation, and contemporary ways of working to enhance experiences and drive business outcomes. Your work will simplify complex processes, improve tech resiliency, and ensure high-performing, seamless solutions that power life’s most important moments. In this dynamic environment, you’ll collaborate with talented peers across teams and functions, expanding your skills in impactful ways. Ready to push boundaries and set new industry standards? Join us and help drive the future of technology forward.

MetLife is one of the leading providers of Group Benefits worldwide and is the premier provider of U.S. Benefits. We have an exciting opportunity to join and lead a dynamic application development team specializing in APIs, data exchanges, and Applications Modernization, where you will play a key role in driving critical business deliverables and transforming our legacy systems into modern platforms. Your responsibilities will include designing solutions for IT and Business objectives, executing Proof of Concepts to address fast-moving objectives with emerging technologies, and providing end-to-end technical direction for IT product development teams. As a director, this is a hands-on role overseeing multi-phased initiatives, managing onshore and offshore teams, and collaborating closely with Product and Design teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions. This role offers the chance to significantly impact, foster curiosity, and play a critical part in delivering innovative technology and customer solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee technical implementation across the product portfolio, including distributed technologies like Java with Spring Boot and/or react, JavaScript / Python, JSON / XML, OpenShift, containers, headless API development, and Azure technologies including DevOps, Cloud implementations, and general software development in Azure.
• Provide solution architecture for various new features in line with modern development practices.
• Develop architectural runways and POCs typically in java-spring boot and react.
• Do technical code and solution walkthroughs.
• Lead technical teams of 50+ resources, including employees and onshore/offshore partner teams.
• Manage people and resources, including hiring, development, talent engagement, upskilling, performance management, and annual reviews.
• Serve as the key technology advisor to the Product Manager.
• Develop and manage an application roadmap that delivers value in the short and long term.

Required Qualifications

• 9+ years of hands-on development experience in full-stack software engineering.
• 3+ years of creating technical designs in the cloud preferably Azure and Kubernetes. Experience with cloud-based technologies, implementation/migrations.
• Proven experience in leading/managing a team of technologists. Experience in managing effective teams, both onshore and offshore.
• 5+ years of development experience with one or more programming languages, such as Java, and JavaScript.

Preferred Qualifications

• A person who wants to be hands-on in solving technical challenges.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent.
• DevOps practices for CI/CD, release management, and automation using Azure DevOps or equivalent.
• Ability to guide teams in detailed analysis, pattern recognition, and diagnosis of issues.

Location Expectation

This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in office.

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,000. This role may also be eligible for annual short-term incentive compensation and stock-based long-term incentives. All incentives and benefits are subject to the applicable plan terms.

Benefits We Offer

Our U.S. benefits address holistic well-being with programs for physical and mental health, financial wellness, and support for families. We offer a comprehensive health plan that includes medical/prescription drug and vision, dental insurance, and no-cost short- and long-term disability. We also provide company-paid life insurance and legal services, a retirement pension funded entirely by MetLife and 401(k) with employer matching, group discounts on voluntary insurance products including auto and home, pet, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance, as well as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and digital mental health programs, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, volunteer time off, tuition assistance and much more!

About MetLife

Recognized on Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies", Fortune World’s 25 Best Workplaces™, as well as the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®, MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world’s leading financial services companies; providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. With operations in more than 40 markets, we hold leading positions in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

As part of our New Frontier strategy, MetLife is building an AI-enabled, people-centered future. We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset as we use AI to enhance how we serve customers, support communities, and evolve the way work gets done. At MetLife, AI is a responsible partner that supports human judgment, creativity, and continuous improvement while helping us build trust, inclusion, and long-term value.

Our purpose is simple - to help our colleagues, customers, communities, and the world at large create a more confident future. United by purpose and guided by our core values - Win Together, Do the Right Thing, Deliver Impact Over Activity, and Think Ahead - we’re inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it’s #AllTogetherPossible. Join us!

MetLife is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status (although applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States), uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law ("protected characteristics").

If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at [e-mail]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process.

MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liabilities.

This posting is for a current vacancy and is anticipated to remain open for at least 90 days from the listed posting date.