Sr Director, Software Engineering

Sierra Space; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 239,133 - 328,808; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

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

3 weeks paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a senior software engineering leader to guide multiple components within a software division, shaping strategic plans and aligning efforts with business goals. The role emphasizes cross‑functional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and driving innovation across enterprise software practices.

The candidate should bring extensive senior engineering leadership, strong technical background, and experience managing large teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in CS/Software Engineering or related field.
• Typically 18+ years in software engineering with 10+ years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record managing large teams and complex enterprise projects.
• Strong technical background in software development and engineering principles.
• In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strategy and execute plans across a business area.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Lead components of a software engineering division at group or enterprise focus area.
• Establish strategic and tactical plans aligned to business strategy.
• Provide direction through managers responsible for operations.
• Drive adoption of new technologies and methodologies enterprise-wide.
• Develop relationships with executive leadership and external partners.
• Ensure software activities align with business goals across areas.
• Accountable for financial plans, goals, and schedules with value creation.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategy development

Budget management

Communication skills

Software engineering fundamentals

Regulatory standards knowledge

Executive stakeholder management

Security clearance awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead one or more components of a software engineering division, program, or function at a group level or a key enterprise focus area.
• Establish strategic and tactical plans for software engineering functions/areas based on business strategy.
• Make strategic decisions critical to function/area performance with potential short‑term impact.
• Provide direction and leadership through subordinate managers responsible for the successful operation of assigned areas.
• Drive innovation and adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance software development capabilities across the enterprise.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including executive leadership and external partners.
• Ensure alignment of software engineering activities with business goals and objectives across multiple areas.
• Accountable for meeting financial plans, goals, and schedules with a consistent focus on value creation.
• Lead major organizational change initiatives and foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Uphold and model company values; hold others accountable to those values.
• Interact with internal and external executive‑level management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Typically 18+ years of software engineering experience with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex projects at an enterprise level.
• Strong technical background in software development and engineering principles.
• In‑depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices in software engineering.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strategy, identify and implement the steps needed to execute that strategy over a business area or function.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.
• Experience leading and supporting organizational changes.
• Willing and able to obtain a Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance.
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Experience leading software development for space systems or other mission‑critical applications at an enterprise level.
• Demonstrated ability to drive strategic initiatives that deliver significant business value across multiple areas.
• Experience managing budgets and resources for enterprise‑scale software engineering organizations.
• Strong executive presence and ability to influence across organizational boundaries.
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or other significant organizational transformations.
• Track record of driving innovation and continuous improvement in software engineering practices across the enterprise.
• Experience with global or distributed software development teams.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in software engineering with the ability to translate them into strategic advantages.
• Experience with executive‑level stakeholder management and communication.

Compensation:

Pay Range: $239,133.00 - $328,807.50

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision plans; 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%; life insurance; 3 weeks paid time off; and more.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

Equal Opportunity:

Sierra Space is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact us.