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Director Software Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Software Platforms

Newark, CA · On-site

$284K/yr

Lucid is seeking a Director, Software Programs to provide senior functional and execution leadership for all Software Programs teams , within the Technical Programs organization. This role is ...

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Director, Software Engineering Department: Product Development Reports to: SVP, Software Engineering The Director, Software Engineering is responsible for the delivery of Enterprise SaaS products ...

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Director Software information

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$139K

$254K

How much do director software jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director software in the United States is $243,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $253,000.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Director Software roles?

A Director of Software is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the software development teams and guiding the strategic direction of software projects within an organization. They manage engineering managers and developers, set technical vision, ensure projects are aligned with business goals, and often collaborate with other departments like product management and operations. The role requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to balance innovation with operational efficiency. Directors of Software are also tasked with recruiting top talent, mentoring team members, and ensuring software quality and security standards are met.

What are some typical challenges a Director of Software faces when leading cross-functional teams?

A Director of Software often encounters challenges such as aligning priorities across engineering, product, and design teams, ensuring clear communication, and managing competing deadlines. Balancing technical debt reduction with new feature development is also a common concern. Successful Directors build strong relationships with stakeholders, foster a culture of collaboration, and implement processes that support transparency and efficient decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Software, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Software, you need extensive experience in software development, strong leadership abilities, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as project management software (e.g., Jira), cloud platforms, and agile methodologies, as well as certifications like PMP or Scrum Master, is highly beneficial. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and team management skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for guiding teams, delivering high-quality products, and aligning software initiatives with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Director Software vs Software Engineer?

AspectDirector SoftwareSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, leadership experienceBachelor's or higher in CS or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentLeadership, strategic planning, cross-team collaborationHands-on coding, development, debugging
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, software firms, startupsAlmost universal across tech industries
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career progression, responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level roles, technical focus

The main difference between a Director Software and a Software Engineer lies in their responsibilities and experience. Directors focus on strategic planning, team leadership, and project oversight, often requiring leadership credentials. Software Engineers are primarily involved in coding and technical development. While Software Engineers are more hands-on with daily technical tasks, Directors oversee multiple projects and teams, guiding overall software development strategies.

More about Director Software jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Software jobs? Cities with the most Director Software job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software jobs? The most popular types of Software jobs are:
What states have the most Director Software jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Software jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Software job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $243,917 per year, or $117.3 per hour.
Director, Software Platforms

Director, Software Platforms

Lucid Motors

Newark, CA • On-site

$284K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

New


Lucid Motors rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Lucid is seeking a Director, Software Programs to provide senior functional and execution leadership for all Software Programs teams, within the Technical Programs organization. This role is accountable for defining, leading, and scaling the software program management function that ensures complex, cross-domain vehicle software is delivered with the right scope, quality, timing, and integration across Lucid's vehicle portfolio. 

This role serves as the program leadership counterpart to the VP of Software and forms a critical operating alliance with the Sr. Manager, Software Integration (also part of the Technical Program organization). Together, these three roles establish a tightly coupled execution model that aligns software strategy, feature development, integration, and vehicle program needs

The Director, Software Programs partners closely with Product, Systems Engineering, Software EngineeringProduct & Technology IntegrationVehicle TestingSupply ChainManufacturingQuality and Service to ensure software commitments are realistic, resourced, sequenced, and executable. 

You Will: 

Functional & Organizational Leadership 

  • Own the Software Programs function within Technical Programs, covering all software domains, including Infotainment, Controls, Connectivity & Cloud, Mobile, Cybersecurity and Release Management. 
  • Build, lead, and continuously evolve a high-performing organization of software program leaders and TPMs, aligned to Lucid's vehicle roadmap and software architecture. 
  • Define and mature the software program management operating model, including roles, responsibilities, escalation paths, and interfaces with Software Engineering and Vehicle Programs. The team's success will be measured on the consistency of software release commitments vs delivery. 
  • Establish improved methods for capacity planning, prioritization, and resource balancing across vehicle lines and software domains. 

Program & Portfolio Ownership 

  • Drive alignment on software scope, sequencing, and release content, ensuring commitments meet vehicle milestones and quality expectations. 
  • Represent Software Programs in executive reviews, program governance forums, and cross-functional decision-making. 
  • Working closely with the Software Integration TPMs, provide a holistic, cross-vehicle view of software delivery, ensuring alignment across all Lucid vehicle programs and external customer programs. 
  • Own software program health, risk management, and delivery readiness, ensuring early identification of gaps and decisive mitigation. 

Strategic Partnership & Alignment 

  • Partner closely with the VP of Software to align software development strategy, roadmaps, and execution capacity with vehicle program needs. 
  • Form a tight execution triangle with: Director, Software Programs (this role), VP, Software and Sr. Manager, Software Integration to ensure seamless flow from feature definition development integration vehicle release. 
  • Work in deep partnership with the SW Integration team (within Product & Technology Integration) to ensure vehicle-level software integration, release readiness, and risk management are fully aligned with software program plans. 
  • Challenge assumptions and drive fact-based trade discussions when gaps exist between desired scope and delivery reality. 

Process, Tools & Continuous Improvement 

  • Define and standardize software program metrics, dashboards, and reporting for schedule, scope, risk, and readiness. 
  • Continuously improve tools, processes, and governance used across Software Programs and SW Integration. 
  • Foster a culture of clarity, accountability, technical rigor, and one-team collaboration across organizations. 

You Bring: 

  • 15+ years of experience leading complex software programs in automotive, embedded systems, or similarly scaled, safety-critical environments.
  • Proven experience building and leading senior program management organizations across multiple product lines.
  • Strong understanding of vehicle software architectures, cross-domain dependencies, and software release lifecycles.
  • Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with executive engineering leadership and influence outcomes without direct authority.
  • Track record of driving delivery in environments with high ambiguity, competing priorities, and aggressive timelines.
  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly frame tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations for executive audiences.
  • Direct experience with vehicle software integration and release management.
  • Experience operating at the intersection of Product, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering and Vehicle Integration.
  • Background in scaling program management practices for rapidly evolving software platforms.
  • Experience with common program and software tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, MS Office).
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field required.
  • Advanced degree preferred. 
At Lucid, we don't just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.

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About Lucid Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lucid Motors is a highly innovative electric vehicle manufacturer located in Newark, CA, USA. Primarily engaged in the automotive industry, its mission is to elevate electric vehicles' standing and transform the way people travel. The company was founded in 2007 by Bernard Tse and Sam Weng as Atieva, a name under which it initially focused on battery technology. However, it pivoted towards automotive manufacturing and rebranded as Lucid Motors in 2016. The company is committed to making luxury, sustainable electric vehicles that break norms and set new standards with top-notch technology and engineering. Their mission aligns with their core values, which are centered around innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Notably, Lucid Motors launched the Lucid Air in 2020, an all-electric sedan well-received for its advanced features and impressive mileage.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newark, CA, US

Year founded

2007