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Director Software Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Summary nLIGHT, Inc. is seeking a Software/Firmware Engineering Manager to join our growing team ... Functions * Direct Projects - Lead multidisciplinary team (firmware, test automation, web ...

Summary nLIGHT, Inc. is seeking a Software/Firmware Engineering Manager to join our growing team ... Functions Direct Projects - Lead multidisciplinary team (firmware, test automation, web development ...

Job Summary & Responsibilities Position Overview Onto Innovation is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Director of Software Engineering to lead the software development function for our Metrology ...

Job Summary & Responsibilities Position Overview Onto Innovation is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Director of Software Engineering to lead the software development function for our Metrology ...

Software Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$88K - $124K/yr

Lead and direct the development of assigned software components, ensuring functional and performance requirements are met. Salary Range $88,800 - $124,875 #J-18808-Ljbffr

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Newberg, OR · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Direct HireLocation: Remote/onsite as neededJOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Independently applies knowledge of software engineering principles to design, code, troubleshoot, and debug software ...

New

Software Engineer

Portland, OR · Remote

$140K - $180K/yr

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Atlanta, our platforms serve functional, integrative, direct primary care, concierge, med spa, and behavioral health practitioners who need software that keeps ...

Software Engineer, Sr

Newberg, OR · On-site

$128K - $169K/yr

May direct the work of drafters, technicians, and others who assist in small projects. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Ability to develop software requirements and apply design ...

Ability to direct the work of and provide consulting advise to engineers and designers. * Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle. * Strong understanding of software configuration ...

Software Engineer, Sr

Newberg, OR · On-site

$128K - $169K/yr

May direct the work of drafters, technicians, and others who assist in small projects. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Ability to develop software requirements and apply design ...

Software Engineer, Sr

Newberg, OR · On-site

$128K - $169K/yr

May direct the work of drafters, technicians, and others who assist in small projects. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Ability to develop software requirements and apply design ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Software information

See Portland, OR salary details

$147.4K

$269.4K

How much do director software jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for director software in Portland, OR is $258,676.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $268,300.00 and $268,300.00 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Software jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Director Software job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $258,676 per year, or $124.4 per hour.

Software/Firmware Engineering Manager

Camas, WA • On-site

nLIGHT
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

$115K - $137K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Who We Are

At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

Summary

nLIGHT, Inc. is seeking a Software/Firmware Engineering Manager to join our growing team, located in Camas, WA. Our ideal candidate is a proven leader and collaborator who is motivated, detail-oriented, and proactive with a passion for growing the business and increasing efficiency. This position focuses on relationships, processes, and the infrastructure necessary to develop, test, and delivery software for multiple concurrent projects. Projects range from laser control systems used in industrial, directed energy applications, tooling and automation.

Functions
  • Direct Projects - Lead multidisciplinary team (firmware, test automation, web development, data services, etc.) through the development/ NPI (New Product Introduction) process. Manage and oversee feasibility studies, requirements generation, software design and qualification, compliance certification, and handoff to production.
  • Develop Resources - Hire, develop and build highly capable team members with a collective skill set to deliver highest quality software products.
  • Deliver to Plan - Develop and manage project plans (resource allocation, schedule, budget, and performance attributes) to ensure commitments are achieved; provide regular written and verbal status reports to peers and executives.
  • Influence Business Strategy - Collaborate with partners to provide inputs to the business unit and corporate planning processes in support of quarterly and annual planning cycles.
  • Improve Processes - Implement and influence business and operations systems in support of product development needs. Drive structured continuous improvement efforts.
  • Manage Risk - Escalate issues and drive resolution, as required, to balance program risk as it relates to cost/schedule/performance. Facilitate risk-based and priority-based technical decision‑making.
Qualifications
  • 10+ years of software/firmware development in real-time programming environments
  • Bachelor’s degree in EE, CompE, or CS, Physics or similar discipline
  • 5+ years of software product management, requirements, and software process management (Agile and Waterfall,), software management experience in global high-tech industries.
  • Experience managing/directing software engineering development activities, and/or leading R&D teams through the spectrum of NPI Phases and Gates. Ability to motivate, focus, and coach project staff. Ability to influence, manage, and collaborate with external stakeholders.
  • Experience with software process management systems and tools (Rally, RTC, ZenHub, Jama Contour, JIRA, etc.) and management controls (Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), LEAN, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control (SPC), as examples).
  • Familiar with Windows operating systems and .NET
  • Comfortable with C# and C
  • Experience with embedded systems development is desirable
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Starting pay depends on qualifications:

  • Software/Firmware Engineering Manager: $115,000 - $137,000 annually

Other Compensation and Benefits

  • Target Cash Bonus of 6-8% of earned wages
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee‑paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance

nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net.

E-Verify Participation

nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Additional Notices
  • E-Verify Participation Poster
  • Right to Work Poster
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