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Director Software Development Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

idexcel

Software Developer II

Milwaukee, WI

Developer II is responsible for the development of software. Essential Responsibilities Duties include (but are not limited to): As a software developer understand needs and translate those to viable ...

Ametek

Senior Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer contributes through deep technical expertise, handson development, and technical guidance, without direct people management responsibilities. In this role, the individual ...

Accuray

Software Engineer

Madison, WI

At Accuray, we make a direct and powerful impact on the lives of cancer patients every day ... Directoyimpactthe development and architecture of software that creates, stores, optimizesand ...

Accuray Incorporated

Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

At Accuray, we make a direct and powerful impact on the lives of cancer patients every day ... ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Software Development (Build, Extend, Maintain) * Develop and ...

Colony Brands, Inc.

Software Developer

Monroe, WI · On-site

Colony Brands is one of North America's largest multi-channel direct-marketing companies which ... As a Software Developer on our Credit/AR development team, you'll work closely with product owners ...

Direct Supply

Senior Software Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Direct Supply is building the future of healthcare technology with industry-leading products ... In the Senior Software Engineer position, you'll lead the development of intelligent, adaptive, and ...

Colony Brands, Inc.

Software Developer 2

Monroe, WI · On-site

Colony Brands is one of North America's largest multi-channel direct-marketing companies which ... Join our dynamic team and help us shape the future of software development! Note: We do not offer ...

Ametek

Senior Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer contributes through deep technical expertise, hands-on development, and technical guidance, without direct people management responsibilities. In this role, the ...

Direct Supply, Inc.

Senior Software Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Direct Supply is building the future of healthcare technology with industry-leading products ... In the Senior Software Engineer position, you'll lead the development of intelligent, adaptive, and ...

Nicolet National Bank

Software Developer

Green Bay, WI · On-site

The Software Developer will design, develop, and maintain web applications, working on both ... Preferred : • Financial Services industry and Agile development experience preferred. • Direct ...

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All JobsSoftware Development JobsDirector Software Development JobsDirector Software Development Jobs in Wisconsin

Director Software Development information

See Wisconsin salary details

$105.5K

$179.6K

$243.3K

How much do director software development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director software development in Wisconsin is $179,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $154,400.00 and $208,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Software Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Director Software Development jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Director Software Development job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Director Software Development jobs in WI? For Director Software Development jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Director Software Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Software Development job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $179,643 per year, or $86.4 per hour.
Software Engineer - Vehicle Software

Software Engineer - Vehicle Software

Harley-Davidson

Wauwatosa, WI • On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Job description

Auto req ID: 52796 
Title: Software Engineer - Vehicle Software 
Job Function: Engineering 
Location: PDC
Workplace Category:Onsite 
Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company 
Full or Part-Time: Full Time 
Shift: SHIFT1 

At Harley-Davidson, we are building more than machines. It's our passion and commitment to continue the evolution of this storied brand, and heighten the desirability of the Harley-Davidson experience. To keep building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution, and emotion we need the best and brightest talent. We stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Are you ready to join us?

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company Product Development Center (PDC) located in Wauwatosa, WI is home to the mantra - You dream it. We build it. Join our team as a  Software Engineer - Vehicle Software.

Job Summary

In this position, you will contribute to the development, integration, and validation of Harley-Davidson motorcycle software. You will work as part of a cross functional software team to deliver best-in-class software for Harley-Davidson customers. 

Job Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, test, and debug firmware and software for automotive-grade microcontrollers/processors in real-time and Linux-based systems.
  • Translate product requirements and hardware constraints into robust, maintainable code across bare-metal, RTOS, and Linux environments; optimize for performance, memory, and boot times.
  • Work with suppliers to design and develop communication stacks and drivers for automotive serial protocols.
  • Support design, development, maintenance, and release of vehicle communication specifications & databases (DBC, CDD, Diagnostics & DTC etc.).
  • Support vehicle cybersecurity activities including UN R155 compliance, cybersecurity management system execution, risk assessments, preassessments, post incident investigations, design improvements, etc.
  • Participate in code reviews, unit tests, integration tests, and hardware-in-the-loop testing to ensure safety, quality, and reliability in-vehicle.
  • Troubleshoot software/hardware/system integration issues; provide timely root-cause analysis and corrective actions; author clear defect reports and corrective action plans.
  • Maintain and improve software development processes, documentation, and version control practices; contribute to automotive release notes and documentation for infotainment and instrument cluster platforms.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's Degree Required
Education Specifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience). 
Experience Requirements

Required qualifications:

  • 2+ years of hands-on embedded software development experience, with automotive exposure or safety-critical context preferred.
  • Proficiency in C and/or C++ for embedded systems, and in Linux user-space/kernel development.
  • Familiarity with RTOS and/or bare-metal development and real-time design methodologies.
  • Familiarity with debugging tools (JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
  • Understanding of microcontroller/microprocessor peripherals (GPIO, UART/SPI/I2C, timers, ADC/DAC, PWM) and display-related peripherals
  • Experience with standard software version control (git) and build systems (Make, CMake)
  • Strong problem-solving skills and written/verbal communication.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with automotive infotainment or instrument cluster software stacks; strong understanding of display pipelines, graphics, and multimedia integration is highly desirable.
  • Experience with vehicle networking (CAN, Ethernet).
  • Working knowledge of vehicle cybersecurity principles, regulations, and best practices
  • Experience with wireless communication mediums (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB)
  • Experience with embedded graphical frameworks (Qt, Altia)
  • Familiarity with bootloaders, memory management, secure firmware practices, and secure boot concepts.
  • Experience with software testing, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop workflows, and automated testing in Linux environments.
  • Experience with automotive safety processes and standards (e.g., ISO 26262) or automotive-grade validation practices.

The pay range shown represents the national average pay range for this role. Your pay may be more or less than the stated range and is dependent on your geographic location and level of experience.

We offer an inclusive compensation package for all full-time salaried employees including, but not limited to, annual bonus programs, health insurance benefits, a 401k program, onsite fitness centers and employee stores, employee discounts on products and accessories, and more. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here. 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Direct Reports: Yes  
Travel Required: 10 - 25%  
Pay Range: $85,000-127,200 
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer  
Relocation: This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance (within posted country)  

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