Director, Software Engineering

Saab, Inc.; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 189,000 - 255,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Generous paid time off

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition assistance

Employee stock purchase opportunities

Job summary

A leading defense and security company is seeking a Director of Software Engineering to oversee a talented engineering team. This role requires a strong leader with 18+ years of experience in software engineering and proven ability to manage cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will ensure high-quality software delivery, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Located in Syracuse, NY, the organization offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical insurance and 401(k) contributions.

Qualifications

• 18+ years in technical/engineering environment with 5+ years in leadership.
• Experience in Aerospace and Defense preferred.
• Ability to obtain Secret level clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale the Software Engineering team.
• Partner with leadership to translate strategy into plans.
• Ensure accurate cost and schedule targets.

Skills

Leadership

Software Engineering

Communication

Project Management

Cybersecurity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

C/C++

Java

VS Code

Git

DOORS

PTC Integrity Modeler

Job description

Director, Software Engineering

Location: East Syracuse, NY. Reporting directly to Senior Director, Engineering, this role will lead a team of engineers and software engineering managers to deliver high-quality software products. They will collaborate closely with functional engineering, program management, and leadership teams to ensure execution and delivery within cost and schedule targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and scale the Software Engineering organization, focusing on meeting technical, program, and business objectives.
• Partner with senior leadership to translate business strategy into actionable software engineering plans and ensure consistent execution across the software engineering function.
• Drive software engineering organizational planning and execution including staffing, budgeting, and resource alignment, ensuring readiness to support multiple programs, customers, and development efforts.
• Direct solution cybersecurity posture, leading teams to balance cost, security, usability, and compliance.
• Ensure accountability for creation of accurate cost and schedule targets, and execution of technical effort in accordance with those targets.
• Responsible for cost estimating activities related to contract proposals, IR&D, Capital, and assigned overhead budgets.
• Recruit, retain, and assign engineering talent to meet evolving organizational and timeline needs, ensuring teams and programs are properly staffed with the right skills.
• Manage the annual performance review process, compensation reviews, and career development process for the software engineering organization.
• Build organizational capability by developing both management and technical talent through various training opportunities, job-related work that promotes continuous growth, knowledge‑sharing across teams, and development planning.
• Provide technical oversight, guidance, mentorship and coaching to assigned personnel in the performance of their assigned tasks.
• Develop technical solutions, assess technical risk and identify risk mitigation strategies within assigned discipline.
• Collaborate with the Engineering Leadership Team to identify areas for opportunity and growth, drive continuous improvement, and implement best practices to enhance engineering performance.
• Foster a high-performing culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

Compensation Range

$189,000 - $255,100

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related discipline. Master’s degree preferred.
• 18+ years of experience in a technical/engineering environment with at least 5+ years in a leadership role focused on engineering management and leading other people managers.
• Proven success building, scaling, and leading a high-performing engineering function with preference for Aerospace and Defense experience.
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, software engineering principles, anti‑tamper cybersecurity and functional execution in regulated industries.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to and aligning engineering strategy and execution with broader business and programmatic goals.
• Experience shaping organizational direction through technical leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity, anticipating change, mitigating risk, and making sound high‑impact decisions.
• Demonstrated success in developing technical talent and managing team performance.
• Deep expertise in software development, especially object‑oriented design, UML, and embedded systems.
• Proficient in C/C++, Java, and tools like VS Code, DOORS, Git, SVN, and PTC Integrity Modeler.
• Experience with multiple development methodologies like Agile, Waterfall, and Spiral.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% in support of program and business efforts.
• Ability to obtain a Secret level clearance.

Citizenship Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug‑Free Workplaces

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug‑free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre‑employment drug screen.

Benefits

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work‑life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
• Wellness and employee assistance resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage

About Us

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Saab values diversity and is an affirmative action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.