Director of Software Engineering POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Software Engineering is responsible for development of applications, GUIs, and embedded firmware. Applications must be architected for efficient implementation across multiple platforms such as Windows, Mac, web, smart phones, etc. He/she must organize, staff, evaluate, direct and motivate development personnel in support of approved product development program plans. This individual will provide the software engineering group with the tools and training required to develop high quality, high-performing products. Other key responsibilities include continuously improving functional processes, managing the software engineering budget, and evaluating new and relevant technologies. The Software Engineering Director must have expert knowledge of development methodologies and must apply methodologies appropriately for maximum productivity. He/she must also make the best use of external resources in support of a diverse and dynamic product portfolio. FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB Essential Functions Responsible for staffing and allocating software engineering resources in support of developing products on time and within budget. Ensures that software engineering has the capacity to support business goals and objectives determined by the Senior Management Team. Sets expectations of technical excellence and achieves a high level of product quality. Contributes to the design and development of software as capacity allows after ensuring all management duties are fulfilled. Ensures that engineers develop new products in accordance with functional requirements and specifications. Qualifies, contracts, and retains external development resources. Ensures that deliverables are technically sound and submitted on schedule. Maintains knowledge of current technology including languages, tools, methodology and state of the art design. Evaluates emerging technologies for suitability and possible inclusion in new projects. Oversees and manages the software engineering department’ budget. Proactively pursues continuous improvement regarding development cost and time-to-market. Provides the software engineering group with the tools and training required to develop winning products. POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Education: BS or MS in Engineering, Computer Science or a similar, relevant discipline MBA a plus Experience: Minimum 7 years software development experience, preferably a balanced combination of Windows application and embedded development. Minimum 3 years management experience in a very fast-paced environment. Experience overseeing development of a diverse mix of products running on multiple platforms including embedded processors, MS Windows, Apple OS-X, smart phones and web-browsers (desktop and mobile). Experience with GUI design. Structured development experience using iterative methodologies (Agile, XP, Evolutionary Prototyping, etc.) and familiarity with iterative development tools for test and project management. Experience with multiple common programming languages such as C, C++, C# and Java. Visual Studio and .NET framework experience. Familiarity with real-time operating systems and compilers. Home entertainment (A/V) and home control industry experience is highly desired. Staff development and performance management experience. Experience developing written procedures. Short Term Initiatives: Recruit and develop staff, and manage performance issues. Establish relationships with external resources. Allocate resources to support product development programs. Improve iterative design process. Implement automated testing with Integration and Test group. Improve mechanism for software release planning/scheduling with Product Management. Skills & Requirements: Business acumen to provide business strategy and improve financial performance as it relates to the contribution of the engineering organization. Experience managing a software development organization in a fast-paced, diverse product environment and demonstrated history of completing projects on time and under budget. Strong communication skills (verbal and written) in English. Must be able to communicate and negotiate with team members and outside vendors. Must be proficient with modern software development tools, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office. Good presentation and organizational skills. Excellent work ethic, business ethics, and high quality standards are required. Ability to recruit, develop and retain skilled personnel. Applied understanding and experience with iterative development principles. Strong staff development skills. A true passion for the home entertainment/control industry and the unique challenges it presents. Personal Traits: An experienced change agent with a documented history of improving business and software development practices. Above average critical thinking, logic and reasoning abilities. Exceptional balance of technical and interpersonal skills. Physical/Visual Activities or Demands: Physical/visual activities or demands that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more as well as 20 inches or less. Must be able to stand for long periods of time in a trade show environment. Must be able to work with deadlines and under pressure. Working Conditions: Working conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. Office, laboratory and various factory settings. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein may not be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. "Commonly associated" is not inteneded to mean always or only. There are different experiences that suggest other ways or circumstance where reasonable changes or accommodations are appropriate. All activies, Demands, Conditions and Requirements are linked to Essential Job Functions unless marked with an asterisk which denotes linkage only to marginal function(s). which denotes linkage only to marginal function(s). Back to Job List