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Director Software Development Jobs in California

Hermeus

Director, Software Engineering

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$272.60K/yr

As the Director of Software Engineering at Hermeus, you will be responsible for overseeing the ... Your primary focus will be on leading the design, development, and integration of software systems ...

Hermeus

Director, Software Engineering

Los Angeles, CA

$218K - $296K/yr

As the Director of Software Engineering at Hermeus, you will be responsible for overseeing the ... Your primary focus will be on leading the design, development, and integration of software systems ...

Hermeus

Director, Software Engineering

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$218K - $296K/yr

As the Director of Software Engineering at Hermeus, you will be responsible for overseeing the ... Your primary focus will be on leading the design, development, and integration of software systems ...

Adjudicate Inc

Software Development Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$175K - $205K/yr

We are seeking a Software Development Manager who will be responsible for direct leadership of our Software Development team and engage in architecture, development, and ongoing enhancement of the ...

Adjudicate Inc

Software Development Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$175K - $205K/yr

We are seeking a Software Development Manager who will be responsible for direct leadership of our Software Development team and engage in architecture, development, and ongoing enhancement of the ...

Lumilens

Director, Software Manufacturing

San Jose, CA · On-site

$296.50K/yr

Position Overview Lumilens is seeking a Director of Software Manufacturing to lead the strategy, development, and execution of software systems that enable high-volume manufacturing of next ...

AppFolio

Director, Software Engineering

Goleta, CA

$273K/yr

The Director of Engineering, Developer Productivity will manage and continue to grow a ... Team Leadership & Talent Development * Recruit, screen, and close high-caliber engineering talent ...

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Director Software Development information

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$103.1K

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How much do director software development jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director software development in California is $175,648.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $151,000.00 and $203,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Director of Software Development, you need extensive experience in software engineering, leadership, project management, and a relevant technical degree. Familiarity with development frameworks, cloud platforms, Agile methodologies, and certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are highly valuable. Strong communication, strategic thinking, and team-building skills help drive cross-functional alignment and motivate high-performing teams. These skills are essential for delivering successful software products, managing complex projects, and fostering innovation within the organization.

How does a Director of Software Development typically balance technical leadership with people management responsibilities?

As a Director of Software Development, you are expected to provide both technical direction and effective team leadership. This often means splitting your time between high-level architecture decisions, code reviews, and staying updated on emerging technologies, while also focusing on coaching managers, developing talent, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Balancing these areas requires strong delegation skills, setting clear goals and expectations, and maintaining open communication channels. Many directors find success by empowering technical leads to own day-to-day technical decisions, allowing them to focus on strategic planning, cross-functional alignment, and organizational growth.

What does a Director of Software Development do?

A Director of Software Development leads and manages software engineering teams to deliver high-quality software products and solutions. They are responsible for setting technical direction, establishing development processes, and aligning projects with business goals. This role involves overseeing project timelines, mentoring engineering managers, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensuring teams have the resources needed for success. The Director also plays a key role in recruiting talent, evaluating team performance, and implementing best practices to drive innovation and efficiency.

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

AspectDirector Software DevelopmentSoftware Engineering Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple teams, strategic planning, and long-term goalsManages day-to-day team operations, project delivery, and technical guidance
FocusHigh-level leadership, cross-team coordination, and business alignmentTeam management, technical mentorship, and project execution
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in CS or related, extensive experience, leadership skillsBachelor’s or Master’s in CS or related, strong technical background, leadership experience

The main difference is that the Director Software Development focuses on strategic leadership and overseeing multiple teams, while the Software Engineering Manager concentrates on managing individual teams and project execution. Both roles require technical expertise and leadership skills, but the director role involves broader organizational responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Director Software Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Director Software Development job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Director Software Development jobs in CA? For Director Software Development jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Director Software Development jobs near you

Director of Software Development

Coherent Corp.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Key Stakeholder Relationships:
  • PLM (Product Line Management)
  • Hardware Development
  • Systems Engineering
  • Product Validation
  • Global R&D leadership
  • Key customers (technical engagement & architecture discussions)

Top 3 Essential Requirements:
  1. 15+ years embedded software experience + 5+ years managing software teams
  2. Strong experience in Optical Networking (Layer 0 and/or Layer 1), photonic control, network element management
  3. Proven ability to lead architecture, release roadmap, and cross-functional engineering (HW, FW, Systems)

Skills / Experience:
  • Expert in C/C++ for embedded systems
  • Deep experience with L0/L1 optical networking platforms
  • Experience with management interfaces (NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC), YANG models
  • Experience with SONiC, FRR, OVS, Linux multiprocess/multithread design
  • CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
  • Alarms, PMs, North-bound interfaces, service management
  • Cross-site and global team leadership
  • Understanding of L2/L3 routing protocols

Position Responsibilities:
  • Develop and own GS2000 release roadmap
  • Manage resources and commitments across multiple concurrent releases
  • Translate customer/product requirements into feature requirements
  • Lead architectural reviews and code quality standards
  • Deliver timely resolution of customer issues and patch releases
  • Promote GS2000 software with key customers
  • Ensure software documentation is accurate and current
  • Build and develop a high-performing engineering team, mentor junior engineer
  • Collaborate with PLM, HW Development, Systems, and Validation teams

Biggest Challenges / Problem this person is looking to solve:
  • Achieving fast feature velocity without creating technical debt
  • Maintaining cross-functional integration (HW/SW/FW/Systems) within a Global organization
  • Strengthen technical credibility for GS2000 with Hyperscalers and other Tier 1 customers
  • Ensuring robust quality across complex L0/L1 features with a rapidly growing the team
  • Creating and integrating US software team with existing Global SW team engineering team

What Achievements / Successes would you be looking for in their career?
  • Successfully led embedded SW teams for complex optical/networking systems
  • Delivered multiple releases with high quality and predictable timelines
  • Built or scaled an engineering team (architecture + execution)
  • Demonstrated deep customer-facing leadership (technical roadmap, architecture)
  • Proven record of resolving critical field/customer issues rapidly
  • Implemented modern SW practices (CI/CD, DevOps, automated testing)

Working Conditions
  • This position is hybrid
  • May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
  • Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
  • Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
  • May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive's needs

Physical Requirements
  • Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
  • Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
  • Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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