Director Software Engineering

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Englewood (CO); Hybrid; USD 192,613 - 264,844; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Three weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation is seeking a Director of Software Engineering in Englewood, Colorado. This strategic leadership role involves overseeing the software development lifecycle, ensuring quality and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will have over 14 years of experience in Software Development/DevOps, lead cross-functional teams, and drive innovation while managing large-scale projects.

Compensation ranges from $192,613.86 – $264,844.06, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 14+ years of experience in Software Development and/or DevOps.
• Progressive experience leading technical teams.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale, complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Define long-term vision and roadmap for software development.
• Drive transformation toward Agile, CI/CD, and DevOps maturity.
• Ensure alignment of technology initiatives with business objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Software Development

DevOps Practices

Cloud Architecture

Agile Methodologies

Communication Skills

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, Business, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Job Summary

The Director of Software Engineering is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the end‑to‑end software development lifecycle, including design, development, implementation, and sustainment. This position demands a deep understanding of both traditional application development and modern DevOps practices to ensure seamless integration, continuous delivery, and operational excellence. The Director will lead a team of skilled managers, developers, analysts, and DevOps professionals, driving innovation and efficiency through the adoption of best practices and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Define and communicate the long‑term vision and roadmap for software development and DevOps practices.
• Drive organizational transformation toward Agile, CI/CD, and DevOps maturity.
• Ensure alignment of technology initiatives with business objectives.
• Champion innovation through technologies such as Infrastructure as Code and AI/ML.
• Oversee the end‑to‑end software development lifecycle to guarantee quality, scalability, and security.
• Establish and enforce best practices for coding standards, secure development (DevSecOps), and compliance frameworks.
• Implement and optimize CI/CD pipelines and containerization across robust cloud environments.
• Ensure adherence to security and regulatory requirements.
• Proactively manage risks related to software delivery and infrastructure.
• Maintain operational resilience across platforms.

Qualifications – You Must Have

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, Business, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 14+ years of experience in Software Development and/or DevOps, or a related position. A higher level degree may substitute for experience.
• Progressive experience leading technical teams.
• Extensive experience with software development and DevOps.
• Deep knowledge of cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven track record managing large‑scale, complex projects from inception to completion, including budget management and resource allocation.
• Certification (e.g., PMP, SAFe) preferred.
• Proven leadership abilities inclusive of change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews.
• Mastery of driving innovative thinking, leading and inspiring a team, instilling collaboration, challenging status quo, managing complex situations, delegating authority, and adapting to dynamic situations.
• Proven experience in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, and strategic thinking.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly express technical concepts in verbal and written forms and to interpret technical requirements.
• Ability to navigate change and uncertainty, make defensible decisions in ambiguity, and own those decisions.

Qualifications – We Prefer

• Expertise in building high‑performing, cross‑functional teams.
• Driving organizational transformation toward agile and DevOps maturity.
• Familiarity with AI/ML integration in DevOps, Infrastructure as Code, and observability tools.
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and microservices.
• Understanding of secure coding practices, DevSecOps, and compliance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001).
• Familiarity with government security requirements.
• Ability to leverage data‑driven decision‑making and metrics for DevOps performance (DORA metrics, CI/CD KPIs).
• Demonstrated passion for ideation, intellectual curiosity, and innovation.
• Experience motivating others to act by creating a shared sense of vision or purpose.
• Proven long‑term and strategic perspective that extends beyond immediate initiatives; visualizes and articulates a clear direction.

Essential Functions

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Frequent communication with team members and stakeholders.
• Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to lead and inspire teams in a highly regulated environment.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and demonstrate resilience and change agility.
• Utilize advanced analytical skills to interpret complex data sets, providing actionable insights to support decision‑making processes.
• Foster strong collaboration with other departments, including IT, compliance, and operations, to ensure seamless data flow and usage across the organization.

Compensation and Benefits

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $192,613.86 – $264,844.06. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors such as candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position and a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans; 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%; life insurance; three weeks paid time off; tuition reimbursement; and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non‑U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants.

EEO Statement

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.