Director, Software Engineering

About the role

The Director, Software Engineering role is based in East Syracuse, NY at Saab, Inc.’s Surveillance Systems Division. This position reports directly to the Senior Director, Engineering and is responsible for leading the Software and Cybersecurity organization.

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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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, anticipate change, mitigate risk, and make 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.
• Able to obtain a Secret level clearance.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Skills

• Technical skills in software development, cybersecurity, and project management.

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.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

About Us

Saab is a leading defense and security company with a mission to help nations keep their people and society safe. The company is headquartered in Syracuse, New York, and has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations. Saab is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and offers a range of benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth.