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Director Of Software Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

McDonald's

Director, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$260K/yr

One of our core growth strategies is to Double Down on the 3Ds (Delivery, Digital and Drive Thru ... The Director, Software Engineering, Kiosk and Restaurant Platform is part of the Restaurant ...

Blitt and Gaines

Director of Development

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

At the heart of our firm are people-our clients, our employees, and the partnerships we build ... The Director will evolve engineering standards, modern software development practices, AI-assisted ...

Blitt and Gaines

Director of Development

Naperville, IL · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

At the heart of our firm are people-our clients, our employees, and the partnerships we build ... The Director will evolve engineering standards, modern software development practices, AI-assisted ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOf Software Engineering JobsDirector Of Software Engineering JobsDirector Of Software Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director Of Software Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$143.2K

$261.7K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of software engineering in Chicago, IL is $251,270.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $260,600.00 and $260,600.00 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.

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Director Of Software Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Software Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $251,270 per year, or $120.8 per hour.

Director of AI Platforms & Enterprise Engineering (Chicago)

84.51°

Chicago, IL • On-site

$162K - $262K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

84.51° is looking for a Director of Software Engineering to lead its AI Enablement team. This role involves designing and maintaining the enterprise's agentic backbone, providing technical leadership, and managing both onshore and offshore teams.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with cloud architectures and large-scale AI/ML systems, alongside a background in Python and Kubernetes. The position offers a competitive salary range of $162,000 to $262,000, plus an array of benefits including health insurance and generous paid time off.

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