Software Development Manager Jobs in Cologne, MN

Job Title: Software Development Manager

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Software Development Manager to lead a small, high-performing engineering team developing advanced software solutions . This role combines hands-on .NET development in C++ and C# with a true player-coach leadership style, balancing direct coding responsibilities with team leadership, project planning, and cross-functional collaboration. You will work closely with customers and end users to understand how inspection systems are used in the field, translate their needs into robust software solutions, and support a large installed base of legacy systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of software engineers developing .NET applications and services.
• Design, develop, and maintain .NET applications using C++ and C#, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Implement new features and functionalities based on customer requirements, industry standards, and internal product roadmaps.
• Collaborate closely with customers and end users to understand how inspection systems are applied in the field, gather requirements, and provide responsive technical support.
• Support and enhance a large installed base of legacy inspection systems, ensuring continuity, stability, and performance improvements.
• Integrate software solutions with external hardware components such as cameras, sensors, and industrial control devices.
• Work with hardware engineers to ensure seamless communication between software and inspection devices, including troubleshooting hardware-related issues when needed.
• Analyze and optimize software performance to achieve high throughput and low latency in production environments.
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, scalability issues, and reliability concerns across the software stack.
• Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and performance tests to ensure software quality, reliability, and regression coverage.
• Apply sound software design principles, patterns, and best practices throughout the full development lifecycle, from requirements through deployment and maintenance.
• Lead and facilitate agile practices such as sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives, ensuring effective prioritization and delegation of work.
• Collaborate with a distributed engineering team, including colleagues in Austria, to share code, align on architecture, and coordinate project execution.
• Participate in planning and project management activities, including defining timelines, managing dependencies, and tracking progress against milestones.
• Engage directly with customers on-site as needed to diagnose and resolve unexpected issues, including hands-on interaction with machinery and inspection equipment.
• Provide clear, inspiring communication to both the local and international teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute ideas and guidance on leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning, particularly in modernizing and refactoring existing code into C# while maintaining control and stability.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries and support requests, balancing responsiveness with respect for work-life boundaries.
• Participate as a member of the broader leadership team, contributing to strategic decisions related to products, technology direction, and team development.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in .NET software development with a strong focus on C++ and C# and the .NET framework.
• At least 3 years of experience in a direct leadership or management role, leading software engineering teams.
• Proven experience developing software for industrial or manufacturing applications, including interfacing with and controlling external hardware such as cameras and sensors.
• Strong proficiency in C# and C++ for building .NET applications and services.
• Solid understanding of software design principles, design patterns, and best practices across the full software development lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to act as a player-coach, balancing hands-on coding with leadership, mentoring, and team coordination.
• Experience integrating software with hardware components and third-party systems in an industrial environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues in both software and hardware-integrated systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional and distributed teams.
• Comfort working directly with customers, including gathering requirements, providing technical support, and managing expectations.
• Ability to use basic hand tools and interact safely and effectively with machinery and inspection equipment for troubleshooting purposes.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to inspire, guide, and align a diverse engineering team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with front-end technologies such as WinForms or web development frameworks.
• Experience with vision systems and image processing libraries, particularly OpenCV.
• Ability to design and implement image analysis algorithms
• Exposure to or interest in AI and machine learning technologies, especially in the context of modernizing and refactoring existing codebases into C#.
• Experience working in distributed teams across multiple time zones.
• Experience with agile methodologies, including leading or participating in scrum ceremonies.
• Prior involvement in performance optimization, including profiling, tuning, and improving throughput and latency in real-time or near-real-time systems.

#ACTjobsMN26

This is a Permanent position based out of Burnsville, MN.

The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $175000.00/yr.

LiteSentry, LLC is the world leader in automated vision inspection systems for the flat glass and plastic industries. Our industry-leading technology measures flat glass for a variety of quality features that provides our customers with quantified results for quality thresholds while providing real-time process control. We are a growing, energetic company combined with Softsolution GmbH and Strainoptics LLC, who make related equipment for glass processing. LiteSentry offers a rewarding work environment with a competitive comprehensive compensation package, including fully paid employee health insurance, 401K plan, flexible personal days, paid holidays, and performance incentives.

This is a hybrid position in Burnsville,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.