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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Sr Director, Software Engineering - **Company:** Sierra Space - **Location:** United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $239,133.0 - $328,808.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Software Engineering, Information Technology - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/sr-director-software-engineering-sierra-space-8554825 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree). * 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 strategy over a business area/function. * Strong financial acumen and budget management skills. * Experience leading and supporting organizational changes. * Willing and able to obtain Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance., * 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., This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility 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 (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. ## Description The Sr Director of Software Engineering role involves leading multiple components of a software engineering division or a key enterprise focus area for space systems and technologies. This leadership position requires extensive technical expertise combined with exceptional strategic vision and leadership skills to guide the organization in achieving its objectives. The role includes establishing strategic and tactical plans based on business strategy, making critical decisions that impact function/area performance, and leading through subordinate managers., * 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 that are critical to function/area performance with potential short-term impact. * Provide direction and leadership through subordinate managers who have overall responsibility 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 values. * Interact with internal and external executive level management. ## Related Videos - [The Avengers Initiative (Practical Ethics for Software Engineers)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2070-the-avengers-initiative-practical-ethics-for-software-engineers) - [Why Your Best Mediors Never Become Seniors (And How to Fix It)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2108-why-your-best-mediors-never-become-seniors-and-how-to-fix-it) - [Enabling intelligent logistics automation: home-grown Industrial IoT platform at Austrian Post](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2018-enabling-intelligent-logistics-automation-home-grown-industrial-iot-platform-at-austrian-post) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Official Opening of WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2026](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100000-official-opening-of-wearedevelopers-world-congress-2026) - [It's not easy being green](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/558-it-s-not-easy-being-green) ## Related Articles - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023)