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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Director of Software Engineering - **Company:** Actalent - **Location:** Santa Barbara, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, C++ (Programming Language), Software Quality, Continuous Delivery, Continuous Integration, Linux, Embedded C, Linux on Embedded Systems, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Signal Processing, Software Engineering, Software Quality Assurance (SQA), System on a Chip, SC Clearance - **Published:** October 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/14_a62a85a5 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline. * 10+ years of experience developing software in professional environments. * 5+ years of engineering management experience leading software development teams. * Hands-on experience with both Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies. * Experience implementing and working within CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery) pipelines and practices. * Experience developing software in a CMMC cybersecurity environment or similar secure development framework. * Strong understanding of Software Quality Assurance processes, including testing, validation, and verification practices. * Analytical skills to evaluate and manage risks related to product design, development, scheduling, manufacturing, deployment, and maintenance. * Strong organizational skills for tracking requirements, technical progress, staffing, and project schedules. * Effective leadership skills with a track record of guiding and motivating engineering teams. * Strong interpersonal and communication skills for overseeing staff, conveying instructions and expectations, and coordinating with other leaders. * Experience with Linux operating systems, including Red Hat Linux and embedded Linux environments. * Proficiency in C++ and embedded C for software and firmware development. * Experience with engineering change management and engineering change orders. * Ability to understand and manage project workflow, including estimating and tracking man-hours required for programs. * Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Clearance; an active or previous Security Clearance is desired., * Experience with SoC and CPUFPGA co-design, particularly system-on-chip architectures that involve shared memory or tight CPUFPGA interaction. * Background in low power, low footprint embedded design, including work with very low power processors with minimal memory and program storage. * Experience developing software for Department of Defense (DoD) projects or similar highly regulated environments. * Prior exposure to undersea acoustics, sonar, or related signal-processing domains. * Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and secure software development practices. * Experience working with bills of material and related engineering documentation. * Demonstrated ability to support proposals and business development with clear, compelling technical input. * Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and staying current with emerging technologies and best practices. ## Description The Director of Software Engineering leads, mentors, and inspires a high-performing software engineering team to deliver robust systems and products that consistently exceed customer expectations. This role combines hands-on technical oversight with strategic staff management, ensuring that engineering initiatives align with business goals and program requirements. The director collaborates closely with cross-functional leaders, shapes technical strategy, and builds the processes, tools, and culture needed for reliable, secure, and high-quality software delivery., * Lead, manage, mentor, and support the Software Engineering team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture. * Translate program requirements into clear, actionable engineering tasks in partnership with Program Managers and Project Engineers. * Create and manage project schedules, including manpower estimating and allocation across multiple concurrent projects. * Work with subject matter experts to develop detailed technical plans and architectures for new products. * Develop and execute technical strategies that support broader engineering and organizational goals. * Plan and manage staffing for the Software Engineering team, ensuring appropriate coverage and expertise across projects. * Oversee and optimize the tools, infrastructure, and environments required for software development and testing. * Communicate engineering team goals, priorities, and expectations clearly to staff members. * Assess and determine training and professional development needs for the Software Engineering team. * Implement, monitor, and refine performance metrics; conduct annual performance reviews and ongoing feedback discussions. * Review the teams work for technical accuracy, code quality, and adherence to standards and best practices. * Serve as the primary software engineering representative to customers, providing clear and confident technical communication. * Provide regular status updates on engineering activities to Project Managers through meetings, briefings, and technical reports. * Contribute technical input for proposals and business development activities, helping to shape new opportunities and solutions. * Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training new Software Engineering staff to build and grow the teams capabilities.