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Director Software Jobs in Frederick, MD (NOW HIRING)

World Wide Technology

Software Specialist

Frederick, MD · On-site

While the role does not own customer accounts or carry direct responsibility for overall account success, it plays a key supporting role by bringing deep software, licensing, and ISV/OEM knowledge to ...

New

World Wide Technology

Software Specialist

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

While the role does not own customer accounts or carry direct responsibility for overall account success, it plays a key supporting role by bringing deep software, licensing, and ISV/OEM knowledge to ...

New

Leidos

Jr Software Developer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

All other duties as assigned or directed FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS (Basic Qualifications) * Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, engineering, or related technical ...

Leidos

Jr Software Developer

Gaithersburg, MD

All other duties as assigned or directed FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS ( Basic Qualifications ) * Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, engineering, or related technical ...

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All JobsSoftware JobsDirector Software JobsDirector Software Jobs in Frederick, MD

Director Software information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$138.2K

$252.5K

How much do director software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for director software in Frederick, MD is $242,520.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $251,600.00 and $251,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software jobs in Frederick, MD? The most popular types of Software jobs in Frederick, MD are:
What cities near Frederick, MD are hiring for Director Software jobs? Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Director Software job openings:
Director Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Software job openings in Frederick, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $242,520 per year, or $116.6 per hour.

Director of Software Engineering

Quantum Space

Rockville, MD • On-site

$257K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for a Director, Software Engineering to lead the development of the software systems that power our spacecraft, ground infrastructure, and mission operations. This role is for a technical leader who combines deep software engineering expertise with proven organizational leadership. You have built and scaled high-performing engineering teams, delivered complex software systems for aerospace, defense, robotics, or other safety-critical environments, and understand how to balance speed, quality, and mission assurance. You are comfortable operating at both the strategic and technical levels-setting engineering direction, developing talent, and engaging directly with architects and engineers on critical technical decisions.
You know how to build software organizations that execute. You have experience leading multidisciplinary teams, establishing engineering processes that enable rapid delivery, and creating a culture of ownership and accountability. Whether supporting spacecraft autonomy, flight software, ground systems, mission planning, or cloud infrastructure, you understand that software is increasingly the differentiator for mission success.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Lead and grow Quantum Space's software engineering organization across flight software, ground systems, mission operations software, autonomy, and supporting infrastructure
  • Establish technical vision, engineering standards, and development processes that enable rapid, reliable delivery of mission-critical software
  • Partner with systems engineering, spacecraft engineering, mission operations, and executive leadership to align software roadmaps with company objectives
  • Drive software architecture decisions that support scalable spacecraft platforms, mission flexibility, and future product growth
  • Build and mentor engineering managers, technical leads, and individual contributors while fostering a culture of technical excellence and accountability
  • Oversee software development lifecycle activities including requirements management, architecture reviews, testing, verification, validation, and release management
  • Ensure software products meet mission assurance, cybersecurity, reliability, and performance requirements
  • Support customer engagements, technical reviews, and proposal efforts for government and commercial programs
  • Champion modern development practices including DevSecOps, CI/CD, automation, cloud-native architectures, and model-based engineering where appropriate
  • Collaborate across the organization to identify and remove execution bottlenecks while improving engineering effectiveness and product quality

What It Takes
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • 12+ years of software engineering experience, including significant leadership responsibility managing engineering teams and technical programs
  • Experience building and delivering complex software systems for aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or other mission-critical environments
  • Proven success leading software organizations through periods of rapid growth and increasing technical complexity
  • Strong understanding of software architecture, distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, or flight software development
  • Experience managing engineering budgets, staffing plans, technical roadmaps, and organizational priorities
  • Demonstrated ability to balance technical excellence with execution speed in a fast-paced development environment
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with customers, executive leadership, and technical teams

Nice-to-Have Experience
  • Experience developing spacecraft flight software, autonomy systems, mission planning software, or ground systems
  • Familiarity with aerospace software standards, mission assurance practices, and software verification and validation processes
  • Experience supporting national security, defense, or civil space programs
  • Background in DevSecOps, cloud-native architectures, digital engineering, or model-based systems engineering
  • Experience scaling software teams from startup through growth-stage environments
  • Active U.S. Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance, or eligibility to obtain one

What You'll Get
  • Ownership - Lead and shape Quantum Space's software engineering organization across flight software, ground systems, mission operations, autonomy, and supporting infrastructure
  • Impact - Directly influence the software systems and technical capabilities that enable mission success across national security, civil, and commercial space programs
  • Innovation - Drive the development of modern, mission-critical software through advanced architectures, DevSecOps, automation, cloud-native technologies, and other emerging engineering practices
  • Growth - Build and scale high-performing software teams, develop technical leaders, establish engineering processes, and help shape the software strategy of a rapidly growing space company
  • Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location: Rockville, MD; or Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO
Base Salary: $220,000 to $280,000
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

Apply