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Director Applications Development Jobs in Washington, DC

BAE Systems

Dir I- Applications Dev

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$153K - $260K/yr

We are seeking a Director I, IT Service Owner - Software Development & Integrations to lead the ... Own support and sustainment for enterprise integration platforms and custom applications: incident ...

Probity Inc.

KD Applications Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

Development will take place in an iterative fashion using Agile development methodology with input ... directed. Mandatory Skills: The ideal Senior-Level candidate will have a blend of at least three of ...

Nwis

Applications Developer-Expert

Sterling, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Development will take place in an iterative fashion using Agile development methodology with input ... directed. Required Skills The ability to work individually as well as the ability to work in ...

Nightwing

Applications Developer - Expert

Sterling, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Development will take place in an iterative fashion using Agile development methodology with input ... directed. Required Skills • The ability to work individually as well as the ability to work in ...

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All JobsApplications Development JobsDirector Applications Development JobsDirector Applications Development Jobs in Washington, DC

Director Applications Development information

See Washington, DC salary details

$94K

$172.6K

$271.3K

How much do director applications development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for director applications development in Washington, DC is $172,600.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,700.00 and $198,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director applications development do?

A Director of Applications Development is responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of software applications within an organization. They lead teams of developers, set technical direction, and ensure that projects align with business objectives and industry standards. This role involves collaborating with other departments, managing budgets and timelines, and ensuring the quality and security of all application solutions. Additionally, they stay updated on emerging technologies to keep their organization competitive.

What is the difference between Director Applications Development vs Software Development Manager?

AspectDirector Applications DevelopmentSoftware Development Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple development teams, sets strategic goals, manages budgets, and aligns projects with business objectives.Manages software development teams, oversees project execution, and ensures timely delivery of applications.
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Computer Science or related field; extensive experience in software development; leadership skills.Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field; experience in software development and team management.
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, strategic planning meetings, cross-department collaboration.Development labs, project meetings, Agile/Scrum environments.

The main difference between a Director Applications Development and a Software Development Manager lies in scope and strategic focus. The Director typically oversees multiple teams and aligns development efforts with business goals, while the Software Development Manager focuses on managing specific projects and teams to deliver software solutions efficiently.

How much does a director applications development make?

The average salary for a Director of Applications Development typically ranges from $130,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, company size, and industry. Senior roles may also include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits, with additional compensation for certifications and leadership skills.

How does a director applications development typically collaborate with other departments to ensure successful project outcomes?

A Director of Applications Development frequently works closely with stakeholders from business, IT operations, product management, and quality assurance to align technical solutions with organizational goals. Effective communication and cross-functional teamwork are essential, as the director often leads meetings to gather requirements, provide project updates, and resolve issues. This role also involves mentoring development teams and ensuring that deliverables meet both business and technical standards, fostering an environment of collaboration and continuous improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director applications development?

To thrive as a Director Applications Development, you need extensive experience in software development, project management, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development frameworks, cloud platforms, Agile methodologies, and certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are often required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills are crucial for managing teams and aligning technology solutions with business goals. These competencies ensure effective delivery of application projects, foster innovation, and support organizational growth.
Director Applications Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Applications Development job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $172,600 per year, or $83 per hour.

Dir I- Applications Dev

BAE Systems

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$153K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description


We are seeking a Director I, IT Service Owner - Software Development & Integrations to lead the enterprise strategy, architecture, and service delivery for software engineering, API-led integrations, and automation platforms across the company. This senior leader will reduce complexity, drive standardization and reuse, and enable seamless interoperability across mission-critical systems - accelerating delivery while improving quality and resiliency.
Operating as the authoritative owner of engineering and integration services, this leader will define the vision for API lifecycle management, reusable services, modern SDLC, requirements management & traceability, automated testing, and toolchain automation. The ideal candidate combines deep software engineering expertise, architectural leadership, and executive presence to influence across a large, matrixed enterprise.
Key Responsibilities
  • Own the enterprise strategy and roadmap for software development and system integrations, including API lifecycle management, integration patterns, and service reuse.
  • Drive simplification and reduced complexity across the application and integration landscape; rationalize patterns, remove duplication, and promote standardized platforms.
  • Establish development standards-SDLC governance, requirements management, architecture/design reviews, coding guidelines, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Implement automation frameworks and tools to improve development velocity, quality, reliability, and observability; measure impact via cycle time and defect trends.
  • Lead requirements traceability across complex, multi-system programs; enforce end-to-end linkage from business need to test evidence and production outcomes.
  • Advance testing maturity including automated unit, integration, functional, performance, and regression testing; embed quality gates in pipelines.
  • Develop and enforce enterprise architecture patterns and reusable design components; curate a catalog of services and reference implementations.
  • Provide technical mentorship and talent development across software engineering and integration teams; build a bench of future technical leaders.
  • Champion customer-centric solution design-co-create with stakeholders, instrument feedback loops, and ensure solutions deliver measurable business outcomes.
  • Lead change management for software and integration initiatives-deployment readiness, communications, training, and adoption metrics.
  • Partner with cybersecurity, infrastructure, program management, and product teams to ensure secure, scalable, and reliable integrations with strong operational SLAs.
  • Own support and sustainment for enterprise integration platforms and custom applications: incident/problem/change management, release orchestration, vendor management, and lifecycle planning.
  • Communicate with executive clarity; frame technical and non-technical concepts, options, risk posture, and ROI to senior leaders and boards.
  • Influence across the matrix without direct authority; align business and engineering functions to adopt standards, processes, and controls.
  • Lead leaders and build talent pipelines across engineering disciplines; establish clear career paths and succession plans.
Competencies
  • Executive presence and the ability to simplify complex technical topics for senior leadership.
  • Strategic, architecture-led thinking that connects patterns and platforms to business value.
  • Cross-functional influence across large, matrixed environments.
  • Outcome-oriented leadership focused on customer value, delivery excellence, and reliability.
  • Proven capability in technical mentorship and talent development.

Required Skills and Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related technical field; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum 12+ years of progressive experience in software development, integration architecture, or technical leadership.
  • Deep expertise in system integrations via APIs, automation & tools, and enterprise development practices.
  • Experience with SDLC governance, requirements management & traceability, and testing automation.
  • Proven ability to reduce complexity and drive reuse across a diverse technology landscape.
  • Exceptional communication, executive presence, and the ability to influence leaders outside the direct reporting line.

Preferred Skills and Education
  • Experience in aerospace/defense, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.
  • Familiarity with integration platforms, API gateways, cloud-native development, and DevOps tooling.
  • Professional certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP/Agile, cloud certifications) are advantageous.
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About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

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