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Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA

In this role, you will manage, mentor, and develop a team of software engineers, driving the design, development, and delivery of reliable, high-quality applications and services. You will play a key ...

In this role, you will manage, mentor, and develop a team of software engineers, driving the design, development, and delivery of reliable, high-quality applications and services. You will play a key ...

Principal Software Engineering Manager

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineering Manager to help lead the delivery of the next generation of the M365 Copilot Platform. In this role, you will own the technical direction and ...

Principal Software Engineering Manager

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineering Manager , you will lead the end-to-end software development lifecycle, including requirement gathering, architecture, application and database design, development ...

Principal Software Engineering Manager

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineering Manager , you will lead the end-to-end software development lifecycle, including requirement gathering, architecture, application and database design, development ...

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Showing results 1-20

Software Engineering Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$113.2K

$192.8K

$228.2K

How much do software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering manager in Seattle, WA is $192,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $196,900.00 and $196,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How much do software engineer managers get paid?

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 receive additional benefits such as bonuses, stock options, and health insurance, and may lead teams using project management tools and Agile methodologies.

Can I make 200k a year as a software engineer?

Software engineering managers and senior software engineers in high-cost-of-living areas or with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn $200,000 or more annually. Compensation depends on factors such as location, company size, industry, and individual expertise, with roles involving leadership, complex projects, or advanced technical skills often commanding higher salaries.

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 bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and expertise in areas like cloud computing, system architecture, or specialized domains.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Software Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineering Manager jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineering Manager jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Software Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Software Engineering Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Engineering Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $192,757 per year, or $92.7 per hour.
Software Engineering Manager

Software Engineering Manager

McKinstry

Seattle, WA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


McKinstry rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

  • renewables and energy services
  • engineering and design
  • construction and facility services 

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you

The Opportunity with McKinstry

McKinstry is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a high-performing team responsible for building and delivering modern, scalable software solutions that support critical business needs.

In this role, you will manage, mentor, and develop a team of software engineers, driving the design, development, and delivery of reliable, high-quality applications and services. You will play a key role in shaping engineering practices, improving development processes, and ensuring the team delivers solutions that are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with business goals.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a strong people leader with a solid technical background. Success in this role requires proven experience leading and growing engineering teams, combined with hands-on technical leadership across modern software development practices, architectures, and cloud-based technologies. You will help set technical direction, promote engineering excellence, and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners including product, operations, and business stakeholders.

This role is based in Seattle, WA and operates on a hybrid work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Contribution

  • Contribute to and/or participate in the review of software solution designs and architectural approaches.

  • Attend regular team standups and participate in backlog grooming activities.

  • Assist in building out Agile approaches across Software Engineering org.

  • Participate in cross-functional teams focused on providing well designed, end-to-end IT solutions.

  •  Act as a technology consultant to the organization - introducing technology and process changes that make McKinstry more nimble, productive, competitive and profitable.

Technical Leadership

  • In collaboration with leadership, develop and ensure use of policies and procedures based on industry best practices, while continuing to introduce best of breed tools and solutions.

  • Regularly collaborates with leadership to inform decisions about people, processes, tools, and technology.

  • Establishes and tracks metrics and measures to ensure achievement of system value, stability, and availability.

  • Manages full lifecycle development of software engineering solutions.

People Management

  • Communicate Software Engineering vision and strategies with the team and other departments in McKinstry.

  • Regularly review team member work activities and provide day-to-day technical direction and mentoring.

  • Selects, trains, mentors and manages team members.

  • Stays informed of new technologies & industry practices and educates team members.

  • Other duties as assigned.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

  • Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science or related field, or equivalent work experience.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in managing software engineering teams focused on custom development and supporting and extending existing critical enterprise systems.

  • Five (5) years of software development and applications management experience.

  • Eight (8) years of experience/increasing responsibility with information technology and application systems.

  • Excellent organizational, prioritization and time management skills.

  • Experience with the latest software engineering technologies, tools, and practices.

  • Experience with Cloud development, deployment, scalability, optimization, security, and monitoring of application solutions.

  • Experience of Agile methodologies and approaches.

  • Experience with microservices and machine learning is preferred.

  • Experience with Azure DevOps, MuleSoft, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft PowerBI, and C# preferred.

PeopleFirst Benefits 

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k) with employer match and profit sharing plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximum.

People come first at McKinstry and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

  • Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
  • Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
  • Transgender inclusive benefits
  • Commuter benefits
  • Pet insurance
  • "Building Good" paid community service time
  • Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
  • McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers 

See benefit plan documents for complete details. 

If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career. 

The pay range for this position is $110,790 - $190,700 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

 #LI-NW1


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