Director of Software Development

OPENING HOOK Are you a visionary technical leader with a passion for driving innovation in national security? Director of Software Development to lead groundbreaking research and development efforts that directly impact the U.S. Department of Defense. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic organization, blending hands-on technical leadership with strategic vision to deliver critical solutions for our nation's defense. THE OPPORTUNITY This Director of Software Development role is a pivotal leadership position, offering the chance to act as a "player-coach" and Principal Investigator on select Department of Defense projects. You will not only lead and mentor a talented team of software engineers but also actively contribute to the technical architecture and development, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in cyber systems. This role offers significant autonomy, the opportunity to shape R&D strategy in a rapidly evolving threat landscape, and a clear path for professional growth within a company committed to technological excellence. Success in this role means consistently delivering innovative solutions, fostering a high-performing team, and strategically advancing our technical capabilities to meet critical national security needs. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Lead and mentor a distributed team of software developers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. * Serve as a Principal Investigator on select R&D projects, driving technical direction and ensuring successful project execution from conception to deployment. * Develop and implement strategic software development roadmaps aligned with business objectives and Department of Defense requirements. * Architect and design robust, scalable, and secure software solutions for complex cyber systems. * Actively participate in the software development lifecycle, including coding, design reviews, and quality assurance, acting as a "player-coach." * Engage directly with clients, communicating technical strategies, project progress, and gathering requirements to ensure alignment with mission objectives. * Drive the adoption of best practices in software engineering, including agile methodologies, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), and automated testing. * Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, conducting research and prototyping to determine their applicability to ongoing and future projects. * Ensure compliance with security standards and government regulations for all developed software. * Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources effectively to meet strategic goals. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field. * 10+ years of progressive experience in software development, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role. * Proven experience leading and managing remote or distributed software development teams. * Strong technical background in designing, developing, and deploying complex software systems. * Demonstrated ability to act as a Principal Investigator or lead technical efforts on significant projects. * Experience supporting U.S. Department of Defense projects or similar government contracts. * Excellent client-facing communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into understandable terms. * Proficient in Agile/Scrum methodologies and tools. * Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, autonomous, and self-disciplined remote environment. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * Experience in a small company or startup environment, particularly within the defense contracting space. * Expertise in cybersecurity principles and secure software development practices. * Active participation in industry forums or technical communities related to software development or cybersecurity. * Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification. WORK ENVIRONMENT This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from your home office in Mount Airy, NC, or any other suitable remote location. Our team operates in a fast-paced, agile, and "scrum-ready" environment that values autonomy and self-discipline. We foster a highly collaborative culture despite our distributed nature, utilizing modern communication and project management tools. Occasional travel may be required for client meetings or team gatherings (estimated at less than 10%). COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Salary Range: $190,000 - $225,000 annually. This role also includes a competitive bonus structure and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Details on our exceptional benefits will be provided during the interview process. CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain an active Secret U.S. Government security clearance. the company will assist in sponsoring the clearance process for the right candidate who is eligible to obtain this level of access. Security Requirements: secret Compensation: $190,000 - $225,000