Director Software Engineer Startup Jobs in Kentucky

The Sr. Director of Software Engineering leads multiple components of a software engineering division or key enterprise focus area for space systems and technologies. The role requires extensive technical expertise combined with strategic vision to guide the organization in achieving its objectives. Responsibilities include establishing strategic and tactical plans based on business strategy, making critical decisions that impact function/area performance, and leading through subordinate managers.

• Lead one or more components of a software engineering division, program, or function at a group level or key enterprise focus area.
• Establish strategic and tactical plans for software engineering functions/areas based on business strategy.
• Make strategic decisions critical to function/area performance with potential short‑term impact.
• Provide direction and leadership through subordinate managers who oversee the successful operation of assigned areas.
• Drive innovation and adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance software development capabilities across the enterprise.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including executive leadership and external partners.
• Ensure alignment of software engineering activities with business goals and objectives across multiple areas.
• Accountable for meeting financial plans, goals, and schedules with a consistent focus on value creation.
• Lead major organizational change initiatives and foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Uphold and model company values; hold others accountable to values.
• Interact with internal and external executive‑level management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 18+ years of software engineering experience with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex projects at an enterprise level.
• Strong technical background in software development and engineering principles.
• In‑depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices in software engineering.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strategy; identify and implement the steps needed to execute strategy over a business area/function.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.
• Experience leading and supporting organizational changes.
• Willing and able to obtain Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance.

• Current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance.
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Experience leading software development for space systems or other mission‑critical applications at an enterprise level.
• Demonstrated ability to drive strategic initiatives that deliver significant business value across multiple areas.
• Experience managing budgets and resources for enterprise‑scale software engineering organizations.
• Strong executive presence and ability to influence across organizational boundaries.
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or other significant organizational transformations.
• Track record of driving innovation and continuous improvement in software engineering practices across the enterprise.
• Experience with global or distributed software development teams.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in software engineering with the ability to translate them into strategic advantages.
• Experience with executive‑level stakeholder management and communication.

Pay Range: $239,133.00 – $328,807.50. Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with a 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• 3 weeks paid time off.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.