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Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a highly skilled Manager, Software Engineering to lead our Tools & Frameworks team. This role is a unique opportunity to manage and scale teams working on infrastructure for core ...

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Engineering Manager

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$145K - $165K/yr

Oversee the full software development lifecycle for features within the CM domain, from planning to production. * Partner with Product Managers to align engineering priorities with roadmap goals and ...

Role Summary The Manager of Software Engineering leads a team of engineers to deliver high-quality, scalable, and reliable software aligned to business and customer outcomes. This role combines ...

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Software Engineering Manager information

See Boston, MA salary details

$108.1K

$184K

$217.8K

How much do software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering manager in Boston, MA is $184,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $187,900.00 and $187,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

In software engineering, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of developer seniority or experience, with L1 being entry-level and L4 representing senior or lead roles. These levels often indicate increasing technical skills, responsibility, and leadership expectations within a company’s engineering hierarchy.

How much do software engineer managers make?

Software engineering managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $120,000 to $180,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often oversee teams, coordinate projects, and require strong technical and leadership skills, with some roles offering additional bonuses or stock options.

What are some common challenges faced by Software Engineering Managers when leading diverse development teams?

Software Engineering Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing technical leadership with people management, aligning team members with different backgrounds and skill sets, and ensuring effective communication across remote or cross-functional teams. Navigating these challenges involves fostering an inclusive environment, setting clear expectations, and adapting management styles to individual team members’ needs. Successful managers also prioritize regular check-ins and feedback to keep projects on track and support professional growth within the team.

What Does a Software Engineering Manager Do?

A software engineering manager oversees a team of people who are working on the development of new computer software or the enhancement of existing computer programs. Because this is a management job, your duties may include coordinating and planning with other departments within the company and with company executives. In addition to management skills, you need a firm understanding of the technical aspects of software engineering. Another aspect of this career involves understanding the market and competitor’s products so that your software can compete and meet market demands.

What is the difference between Software Engineering Manager vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware Engineering ManagerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or higher in CS or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersFocuses on coding, debugging, and implementing features
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across tech companies, startups, and large enterprisesCommon in all software development settings
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, leadership responsibilitiesFocus on technical skills, coding tasks

The main difference between a Software Engineering Manager and a Software Developer lies in their roles and responsibilities. Managers oversee teams, coordinate projects, and handle strategic planning, while developers focus on coding and technical implementation. Both roles are essential in the software development lifecycle, but they serve different functions within an organization.

What does a Software Engineering Manager do?

A Software Engineering Manager oversees a team of software engineers, guiding the development of software projects from planning to implementation. They are responsible for managing the team's workflow, ensuring high-quality code, and meeting project deadlines. In addition to technical leadership, they also handle hiring, mentoring, and performance reviews. Their role bridges the gap between technical execution and business objectives, ensuring that software solutions align with strategic goals.

What does a software engineer manager do?

A software engineering manager oversees software development teams, coordinates project planning, sets technical goals, and ensures timely delivery of software products. They also handle team management, performance evaluations, and collaborate with stakeholders to align technical efforts with business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineering Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in software development, team leadership, and project management, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development tools, agile methodologies, version control systems, and, in some cases, certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are valuable. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and mentoring skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for successfully guiding technical teams, delivering projects efficiently, and fostering a collaborative and innovative engineering culture.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineering managers and highly experienced software engineers at large tech companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and expertise in areas like cloud computing, machine learning, or system architecture.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineering jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Software Engineering jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineering Manager jobs in Boston, MA? For Software Engineering Manager jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineering Manager jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineering Manager jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Software Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Software Engineering Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Engineering Manager job openings in Boston, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $184,006 per year, or $88.5 per hour.
Software Engineering Manager, Motion Planning

Software Engineering Manager, Motion Planning

Pickle Robot Company

Charlestown, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About this role:
Pickle Robot is seeking a seasoned Software Engineering Manager, Motion Planning to lead and expand our motion planning team, scaling best-in-class robotics motion software for warehouse automation. You’ll oversee a team of Motion Planning Software Engineers, guiding efforts to build algorithms that allow our robotic arms to manipulate and unload packages quickly and safely.
This leadership role focuses on team mentorship and growth, driving motion planning innovation from concept to production in fast-paced, real-world logistics environments.
What You’ll Accomplish:
  • Mentor, manage, and grow a team of motion planning software engineers.
  • Foster technical and professional development through code reviews, coaching, and regular 1:1s.
  • Set high-level vision and provide technical leadership for the motion planning team.
  • Work with product management and engineering leadership to align engineering direction with product roadmap.
  • Ensure robust, safe, and high-performing behaviors both in simulation and on real robots.
  • Participate in design reviews, algorithm development, and deep-dive troubleshooting of critical issues.
  • Own the team’s output and ensure the team’s success as the company grows
Who You Are:
  • 5 years of experience in robotics software development, with at least two years in a people management role.
  • Knowledge of motion planning and controls techniques for robotic manipulators and AMRs (e.g. RRT, MPC, trajectory optimization) is a plus.
  • Proficient in C++ and Python, with experience using ROS or other robotic frameworks.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools (Gazebo, Isaac Sim, etc.) strongly preferred.
  • Excellent mentor and communicator, adept at cross-functional collaboration.
  • Adaptable, curious, and eager to stay ahead of robotics research.
  • Passionate about leading real-world robotics innovation.
  • Willing and able to work from our Charlestown, MA office at least three times per week
Pay at Pickle
At Pickle Robot Company, we believe transparency builds trust. The salary range listed here is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law and reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role. We often consider candidates at different levels of seniority, and final compensation will reflect the level at which a candidate is hired, along with factors like experience and location.

About Pickle Robot
Want to get in on the ground floor of a fast-growing, VC-backed robotics company? Join Pickle Robot! We build systems that companies and their teams love.

Pickle robots unload trucks. Every day, millions of trucks and containers are loaded and unloaded, often requiring manual labor—tough, dirty, dangerous, and hard to staff. Pickle automates this process using AI, machine learning, and robotics to deliver reliable products. Our Unload Systems work with teams on loading docks to make the job safer, faster, and more efficient.

Pickle provides best-in-class benefits including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.