Director of Software Engineering

Director of Software Engineering

Compensation: The initial compensation for this role will be in the form of equity. Once the company secures equity funding, which is expected within the next 3-4 months, the candidate will receive a competitive market salary in addition to equity.

Position Summary
We are seeking an exceptional Director of Software Engineering to lead our organization's software development efforts. This senior leadership role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and management skills. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Computer Science, demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, and excel at bridging the gap between business and technical requirements. This role demands someone who can comfortably navigate both product and engineering landscapes while driving innovation and excellence in software development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership and Innovation o Drive the technical vision and strategy for the organization's software development efforts o Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, evaluating their potential impact o Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence o Collaborate with senior leaders to align technology initiatives with business goals
2. Team Management and Development o Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of software engineers, architects, and technical managers o Recruit, retain, and develop top engineering talent o Establish performance metrics and career development plans for team members o Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment
3. Project Oversight and Delivery o Oversee multiple complex software development projects simultaneously o Ensure timely delivery of high-quality software products o Implement and refine agile methodologies and best practices o Manage resource allocation across projects and teams
4. Architecture and System Design o Guide the development of scalable, robust, and efficient software architectures o Ensure adherence to architectural principles and design patterns o Lead technical design reviews and provide expert guidance on complex technical issues o Drive initiatives to improve system performance, scalability, and reliability
5. Requirements Analysis and Translation o Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail in all aspects of software development and management o Skillfully translate complex business requirements into clear, actionable technical requirements o Act as a bridge between the product team and technical team, ensuring effective communication and alignment o Collaborate closely with product managers to ensure software solutions meet business needs and user expectations o Conduct thorough requirement gathering sessions and create detailed technical specifications
6. Quality Assurance and Security o Establish and maintain high standards for code quality and software testing o Implement effective QA processes and tools o Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices for software security o Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive test plans and strategies
7. Stakeholder Management and Communication o Serve as a key liaison between the engineering department and other business units o Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and vice versa o Prepare and present regular reports on engineering activities, progress, and challenges to senior management
8. Budget and Resource Management o Develop and manage the engineering department's budget o Make strategic decisions on resource allocation and technology investments o Evaluate and select vendors and technology partners
9. Research and Development o Leverage PhD-level expertise to drive cutting-edge research initiatives o Collaborate with academic institutions and industry partners on joint research projects o Publish and present research findings at conferences and in academic journals Qualifications Education • PhD in Computer Science or a closely related field from an accredited institution • Additional certifications in relevant technologies or management practices are a plus Experience • 10+ years of progressive experience in software engineering, with at least 5 years in senior management roles • Proven track record of leading large-scale, complex software development projects • Experience managing teams of 50+ software engineers • Demonstrated expertise in multiple programming languages and technology stacks • Strong background in software architecture and system design • Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) • Track record of successful collaboration with product management and other business units Technical Skills • Deep understanding of software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Kanban) • Expertise in software design patterns and architectural principles • Proficiency in data structures, algorithms, and computational complexity analysis • Strong knowledge of database technologies (both SQL and NoSQL) • Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools • Understanding of machine learning and AI technologies • Experience with big data processing and analytics • Proven ability to translate business requirements into technical specifications with high attention to detail • Experience in requirements gathering, analysis, and documentation • Proficiency in creating and reviewing technical design documents and specifications Leadership and Management Skills • Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities • Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams • Excellent project management and organizational skills • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment • Strong financial acumen and experience with budget management • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Ability to influence and negotiate at all levels of the organization • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with both product and technical teams • Strong facilitation skills for requirements gathering sessions and cross-functional meetings Personal Attributes • Visionary thinker with a passion for technology and innovation • Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability • Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of work, from code reviews to project planning • Adaptable and resilient, able to thrive in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment • Committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace • High ethical standards and integrity • Continuous learner with a drive for personal and professional growth Performance Expectations • Develop and implement a comprehensive technical strategy within the first 90 days • Achieve measurable improvements in software quality, delivery speed, and team productivity within the first year • Successfully deliver at least one major software project on time and within budget annually • Implement innovative solutions that significantly enhance our product offerings or internal processes • Consistently deliver high-quality technical specifications that accurately reflect business requirements and facilitate smooth development processes • Publish at least one research paper or present at a major industry conference annually • Achieve high levels of team engagement and retention

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Qualified candidates who are passionate about leading cutting-edge software development initiatives, driving technological innovation, and excel at bridging the gap between business and technical domains are encouraged to apply. Join us in shaping the future of technology and making a significant impact in our industry.