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Director Of Software Engineering Jobs in Illinois

84.51°

Director, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$260K/yr

The Director of Engineering brings a unique mix of software engineering and AI skills to lead the technical design of platforms, patterns, and tools to support the enterprise agentic ecosystem. The ...

84.51°

Director, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$260K/yr

The Director of Engineering brings a unique mix of software engineering and AI skills to lead the technical design of platforms, patterns, and tools to support the enterprise agentic ecosystem. The ...

Ametek

Director, Software Engineering

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$251K/yr

The Director of Software Engineering is a senior technology leader responsible for driving the development and delivery of Rauland's enterprise and platform software solutions. This role leads ...

Ametek

Director, Software Engineering

Mount Prospect, IL

$251K/yr

The Director of Software Engineering is a senior technology leader responsible for driving the development and delivery of Rauland's enterprise and platform software solutions. This role leads ...

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All JobsOf Software Engineering JobsDirector Of Software Engineering JobsDirector Of Software Engineering Jobs in Illinois

Director Of Software Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$134.7K

$246.1K

How much do director of software engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of software engineering in Illinois is $236,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $245,200.00 and $245,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of software engineering do?

A Director of Software Engineering leads and manages software development teams within an organization. They oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of software projects, ensuring high quality and timely completion. Their responsibilities include defining technical strategy, mentoring engineering managers and developers, fostering collaboration, and aligning technology initiatives with business goals. Additionally, they often play a key role in recruitment, budgeting, and setting best practices for software development processes.

What does a director of software engineering do?

As a director of software engineering, your responsibilities are to oversee the daily operations of the software engineering department and the long-term application of strategic planning for the department. You are ultimately responsible for creating policies and objectives for the department in collaboration with other director-level positions in the company. You are also heavily involved in the department’s finances and project management, and you often oversee multiple projects. At larger companies, you may have fewer technical duties, but for small and mid-sized companies, you may code or provide technical and managerial expertise on specific projects.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of software engineering when managing cross-functional teams?

A Director of Software Engineering often manages teams composed of engineers, product managers, and designers, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communication styles. Balancing the technical needs of the engineering team with broader business objectives requires clear communication and strong leadership. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technology while ensuring consistent delivery and maintaining team morale is a key challenge. Proactive stakeholder management and fostering a culture of collaboration are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of software engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Software Engineering, you need deep technical expertise in software development, proven leadership experience, and a relevant degree such as in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with agile methodologies, cloud platforms, project management tools (like Jira), and experience with architectural frameworks are typically required. Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor and motivate teams are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective project delivery, foster innovation, and build high-performing teams aligned with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Director Of Software Engineering vs Software Development Manager?

AspectDirector Of Software EngineeringSoftware Development Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple teams, sets strategic goals, manages budgets, and aligns software projects with business objectives.Manages day-to-day software development teams, ensures project delivery, and coordinates technical tasks.
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, strong technical background, experience managing development teams.
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-team collaboration, executive communication, often in larger organizations.Technical focus, project management, direct team oversight, often in mid-sized companies.

The main difference is that the Director Of Software Engineering focuses on strategic leadership and organizational oversight, while the Software Development Manager handles daily team management and project execution. Both roles require technical expertise and leadership skills, but the director role involves broader business alignment and higher-level decision-making.

More about Director Of Software Engineering jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Of Software Engineering jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Of Software Engineering jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Of Software Engineering jobs in Illinois?

For Director Of Software Engineering jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Of Software Engineering jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Of Software Engineering jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Director Of Software Engineering jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Director Of Software Engineering job openings:

Director Of Software Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Software Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $236,362 per year, or $113.6 per hour.

Director of Software Engineering (Niles)

Niles, IL • On-site

Woodward, Inc.

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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$254K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Direct message the job poster from Woodward, Inc.

Vice President of Engineering, Aerospace Electronics

Company Description

Woodward, Inc. is the global leader in energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. The company is focused on enabling a cleaner, decarbonized world by delivering energy control solutions to power a clean future.

Role Description

This is a full-time hybrid role for a Director of Software Engineering located in Niles, IL. The Director of Software Engineering will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the software engineering team, developing strategic plans for software development, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring the quality and timely delivery of software projects.

Qualifications

  • Strong leadership and team management skills
  • Experience in software development and project management
  • Knowledge of software design and architecture principles
  • Expertise in programming languages and frameworks
  • Experience with Agile development methodologies
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering or related field
Seniority level
  • Seniority levelDirector
Employment type
  • Employment typeFull-time
  • IndustriesAviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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Niles, IL $184,000.00-$276,000.00 1 day ago

Chicago, IL $175,000.00-$185,000.00 2 weeks ago

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Global Robotics and Physical AI Leader, Director

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Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture & Engineering

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Manager, Software Engineering (Communications)

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Manager of Software Engineering - Rolling Meadows, IL

Rolling Meadows, IL $160,000.00-$190,000.00 7 hours ago

Executive Director, Enterprise Automation and Innovation

Chicago, IL $190,000.00-$250,000.00 2 weeks ago

Chicago, IL $200,000.00-$250,000.00 5 days ago

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