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Software Leadership Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Magna

Sr. Software Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

The role requires independent operation, leadership of the software team, and effective ... communication of project status and deliverables. Your Responsibilities * Development (design ...

Walmart

Principal, Software Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Leadership & Problem Solving  Exceptional analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.  ... Drives the full software development lifecycle across multiple teams--including coding, testing, CI ...

Walmart

Principal, Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Leadership & Problem Solving  Exceptional analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.  ... Drives the full software development lifecycle across multiple teams--including coding, testing, CI ...

Walmart

Principal, Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Leadership & Problem Solving  Exceptional analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.  ... Drives the full software development lifecycle across multiple teams--including coding, testing, CI ...

Material Handling Systems, Inc.

Software Engineer III

$87K - $131K/yr

FORTNA partners with the world's leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution ... This work includes integrating software solutions with robotics, autonomous vehicles, machine ...

Walmart

Principal, Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Leadership & Problem Solving  Exceptional analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.  ... Drives the full software development lifecycle across multiple teams--including coding, testing, CI ...

Walmart

Principal, Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Leadership & Problem Solving  Exceptional analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.  ... Drives the full software development lifecycle across multiple teams--including coding, testing, CI ...

Walmart

Principal, Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Leadership & Problem Solving  Exceptional analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.  ... Drives the full software development lifecycle across multiple teams--including coding, testing, CI ...

Walmart

Principal, Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Leadership & Problem Solving  Exceptional analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.  ... Drives the full software development lifecycle across multiple teams--including coding, testing, CI ...

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Software Leadership information

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$48K

$111.8K

$166K

How much do software leadership jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for software leadership in the United States is $111,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is software leadership?

Software leadership refers to the practice of guiding and managing teams involved in the development, deployment, and maintenance of software projects. Software leaders, such as engineering managers or technical leads, are responsible for aligning team efforts with business goals, fostering collaboration, and supporting the professional growth of their team members. They also ensure that software projects are delivered on time, meet quality standards, and leverage best practices in technology. Strong software leadership is crucial for building high-performing teams and successful software products.

What is the highest paid job in software?

The highest paid roles in software leadership are typically Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Vice Presidents of Engineering, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually and including bonuses and stock options. These positions require extensive experience, strategic skills, and often a background in software development or engineering management.

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

AspectSoftware LeadershipSoftware Engineering Manager
Primary FocusStrategic vision, team guidance, and organizational goalsProject delivery, team management, and technical oversight
Required CredentialsExtensive technical experience, leadership skills, often advanced degreesTechnical background, management experience, often certifications like PMP or Scrum
Work EnvironmentExecutive meetings, strategic planning, cross-team collaborationTeam supervision, project planning, code reviews
Industry UsageUsed in organizations emphasizing strategic tech directionCommon in tech companies managing development teams

Software Leadership focuses on setting strategic direction and guiding multiple teams, while Software Engineering Managers handle day-to-day project management and team oversight. Both roles require technical expertise, but Software Leadership emphasizes vision and organizational impact, whereas Engineering Managers focus on project execution and team performance.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-demand fields like machine learning or cloud infrastructure, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Such compensation typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and work at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in software leadership roles, and how can they effectively address them?

Software leaders often encounter challenges such as balancing technical decision-making with people management, aligning team goals with organizational objectives, and managing distributed or cross-functional teams. To address these challenges, successful leaders focus on clear communication, foster a collaborative culture, and invest in ongoing professional development for both themselves and their teams. Regular feedback sessions, prioritizing mentorship, and staying up-to-date with industry best practices can help leaders navigate these complexities effectively.

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

Software engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in senior roles, specialized fields like machine learning or security, or in high-cost living areas. Achieving this salary typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership responsibilities or working for large tech companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Software Leadership, and why are they important?

To thrive in Software Leadership, you need a strong background in software development, project management, and team leadership, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with agile methodologies, version control systems (like Git), and project management tools (such as Jira or Trello) is typically required. Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor and motivate teams are key soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality software, fostering innovation, and ensuring team productivity within fast-paced tech environments.

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

In software leadership and development, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of developer seniority and expertise, with L1 being entry-level and L4 representing senior or lead roles. These levels often indicate increasing responsibility, technical skill, and experience, and are used by organizations to structure career progression and compensation. Progression through these levels may require mastering specific skills, tools, and sometimes certifications, depending on the company's standards.
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Software Leadership jobs near you
Director of Product Engineering and Software

Director of Product Engineering and Software

Wisenbaker Builder Services, Inc.

Houston, TX

$241K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

If your job feels like playing referee between outdated systems and frustrated teams, you'll like how we do things.

Tired of leading brilliant engineers and developers who spend more time fixing legacy tech than building the future? Tired of explaining why projects stall because leadership doesn't understand what it takes to integrate digital with physical manufacturing? You're not alone. And you're not the problem.

At Wisenbaker, we don't need a firefighter. We need a visionary builder. We're hiring a Director of Product Engineering and Software to take command of the systems that connect design, software, and manufacturing, and bring clarity, speed, and innovation where it's long overdue. You'll have a direct line to executive leadership, real authority to shape strategy, and a team that's ready for direction.

This isn't about patching what's broken. It's about creating the system others will follow.

Your Mission:

Lead the engineering and software organization with bold vision and seamless execution. Build the digital backbone of a cabinetry manufacturing leader by aligning enterprise software with factory-floor systems, elevating product setup, and driving innovation that actually sticks.

What You'll Be Doing (and Owning fully):

  • Set the direction for engineering and software - and align every effort with business growth and customer needs.
  • Drive performance, reliability, and scalability across product engineering, system architecture, and manufacturing software.
  • Oversee integration between ERP systems and factory-floor machines - ensuring real-time communication that actually works.
  • Lead and mentor senior managers, strengthening team accountability, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Build and execute strategy for digital transformation and long-term product engineering evolution.
  • Partner with Product, Manufacturing, and Operations to ensure technology supports-not hinders-production goals.
  • Champion Lean thinking and continuous improvement in both engineering processes and software delivery.
  • Develop future leaders by investing in training, knowledge-sharing, and succession planning.
  • Audit major initiatives for scope, budget, and measurable business value.
  • Stay ahead of technology trends that can reshape how we design, engineer, and manufacture cabinetry.

What We're Looking For:

  • Bachelor's in Engineering, Software Development, or related technical field.
  • 5-10+ years in product engineering or software leadership roles, with a track record of building high-performing teams.
  • Experience managing senior-level technical leaders and delivering complex initiatives.
  • Strong background in cabinet manufacturing and ERP/MRP systems.
  • Hands-on familiarity with AutoCAD, 20/20 Insight, and 20/20 Construct.
  • Expertise in manufacturing software integrations and digital-to-physical system communication.
  • Strong financial and analytical mindset, with the ability to tie tech investments to business outcomes.
  • Leadership style that blends clarity, accountability, and collaboration, with a "We Will NOT Fail" mindset.

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