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Director Software Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Marriott

Senior Director, Software Engineering

Bethesda, MD

$130K - $172K/yr

Establishes and manages continuous improvement efforts in technical project management, software ... Direct management of complex budgets in excess of $5M annual direct and indirect costs * Direct ...

Riverside Research

Software Engineer

Centreville, VA · On-site

Direct software programming and development of documentation. Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and ...

Beyond SOF

Software Engineer - Senior

Herndon, VA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation. * Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures. Estimate software ...

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Director Software information

See Washington salary details

$157.4K

$287.7K

How much do director software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director software in Washington is $276,260.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $286,500.00 and $286,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director software?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Software jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Director Software jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Director Software job openings:
Director Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Software job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $276,260 per year, or $132.8 per hour.

Director, Software Engineering - Shopping

Jobtailor

Mclean, VA • On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Lead, manage and grow multiple teams of product focused software engineers
  • Mentor and guide the professional and technical development of engineers on your team
  • Work with product managers to understand desired application capabilities and testing scenarios
  • Continuously improve software engineering practices
  • Work within and across Agile teams to design, develop, test, implement, and support technical solutions across a full-stack development tools and technologies
  • Lead the craftsmanship, availability, resilience, and scalability of your solutions
  • Encourage innovation, implementation of cutting‑edge technologies, inclusion, outside‑of‑the‑box thinking, teamwork, self‑organization, and diversity
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • At least 7 years’ experience in software development
  • At least 5 years’ experience in people management
  • Solid experience in node.js, Java, GO, React, Python, REST, JSON, NoSQL databases, relational databases and AWS/Cloud Infrastructure
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