Lead Director - Software Engineering (Specialty Pharmacy)

CVS Health; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 144,000 - 288,000; Full time

Job summary

CVS Health Specialty Pharmacy Engineering is seeking a seasoned Lead Director of Software Development Engineering to shape and deliver modern technology solutions that drive efficiency and value.

You will lead a cross‑functional team across geographies, partner with Strategy, Operations, and Product leaders, and guide the delivery of a multi‑year modernization roadmap in healthcare technology.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of software development experience with Agile methods.
• 7+ years building microservices in Python/Java (Spring Boot).
• 5+ years using container technologies (Kubernetes, Docker).
• 3+ years of cloud platforms (GCP preferred).
• 1+ years using AI frameworks and generative AI web-services.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiyear modernization roadmap for Specialty Pharmacy value streams.
• Design and develop Specialty pharmacy products and technology assets.
• Improve engineering practices to increase efficiency and quality.
• Manage and mentor distributed engineering teams across geographies.
• Hire, evaluate performance, and support career growth.
• Collaborate with Business, Product and Technology to enable delivery roadmaps.
• Research emerging tech to shape long‑term strategy.

Skills

Agile methodologies

Microservices development

Distributed teams leadership

AI frameworks familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

GCP

Claude Code / AI tools

Job description

We're building a world of health around every individual - shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you'll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger - helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time.

Position Summary

CVS Health Specialty Pharmacy Engineering is looking for a hands-on, passionate people leader to join a high-energy, growing team focused on making a difference in customers' lives.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Director, Software Development Engineering who will be accountable for building and executing technology solutions for Specialty Pharmacy, with a focus on operational efficiency, value stream optimization, and delivery of a multi-year technology strategy. This leader will partner closely with Strategy, Operations, and Product leaders to plan, build, and deliver a modernization roadmap that advances both business and technology objectives.

The Lead Director will lead a diverse team of technology associates across engineering and change management functions, working across multiple geographies to deliver high-quality software solutions through disciplined Agile releases. This role will be responsible for driving the technology strategy for key Specialty Pharmacy value streams and overseeing the design, development, testing, and delivery of scalable solutions. In addition, the Lead Director will foster innovation, drive continuous improvement, and ensure opportunities to build industry-leading technology capabilities are fully realized in support of business growth and customer outcomes.

Expectations for the Role

• Lead the strategy and creation of a multiyear modernization roadmap to support Specialty Pharmacy value streams
• Lead the design, foundational framework and development of Specialty pharmacy products and associated technology assets
• Assess software engineering practices, driving continuous improvement, improving operational efficiency, time to market and overall product quality
• Lead engineering teams, guiding and mentoring them in implementing solutions across a wide range of technological platforms
• People management including hiring, performance management, team building, leading career growth and skill development through coaching, and setting measurable professional goals
• Build and cultivate strong relationships with Business, Product and Technology partners to support the delivery roadmap
• Conduct technology research and innovation to develop a long-term strategy based on emerging trends in healthcare and technology industries

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of overall Software Development experience utilizing Agile methodologies
• 7+ years of experience in development of microservices using python, java [spring boot]
• 5+ years of experience in containerization tools and technologies such as Kubernetes, docker etc.
• At least 3+ years of experience in cloud platforms (GCP preferred)
• At least 1+ years of experience using Agentic AI frameworks and generative AI based web-services and tools
• Experience in hiring, leading high performing distributed multi-sited / remote software engineering teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving abilities and a data-driven mindset
• Experience in defining and analyzing KPIs to measure project success
• Out of the box thinker and implementor with open source publicly visible work on GitHub
• Experience in understanding AI/ML algorithms, frameworks, and tools
• Experience leveraging AI-powered engineering tools such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, and similar technologies to improve software development productivity, platform operations, engineering efficiency, and secure delivery practices.
• Experience working with distributed teams, working across multiple time zones and geographical locations.
• Experience in Healthcare or Pharmacy domain
• Experience working with onshore and offshore technology resources from vendors

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (HS diploma + 4 years relevant experience)

Pay Range

The typical pay range for this role is:

$144,200.00 - $288,400.00

This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above. This position also includes an award target in the company's equity award program.

Our people fuel our future. Our teams reflect the customers, patients, members and communities we serve and we are committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels valued and that they belong.

Great benefits for great people

We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families.

This full-time position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of colleagues and their families. The benefits for this position include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources, based on eligibility.

Additional details about available benefits are provided during the application process and on Benefits Moments.

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on: 09/02/2026

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.