Vice President Software Engineering Jobs in Madison, WI

Job Description: Vice President of Engineering

This leadership position is responsible for oversight of all engineering functions, including design, development, and production. Reporting to executive leadership, the role is accountable for establishing and executing engineering strategies that drive operational excellence, technical rigor, and alignment with overall business objectives. This position plays a critical role in advancing engineering discipline, leading technical risk management, guiding long-term technology and research and development initiatives, and developing engineering talent across the organization. The individual will collaborate closely with cross-functional leadership to achieve quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

Responsibilities

• Establish and implement standardized engineering principles, processes, and best practices across the organization.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support and execute key strategic initiatives in partnership with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Lead and facilitate the resolution of complex technical challenges and escalations.
• Develop, mentor, and guide engineers, technical leaders, and managers.
• Partner with leadership to define and drive strategic initiatives that support profitable growth and product portfolio expansion.
• Advance engineering-driven innovation initiatives, including the integration of emerging technologies to support business objectives.
• Provide technical leadership in aligning engineering capabilities with long-term organizational goals.

Essential Skills

• Engineering experience in Military, Government, Defense industry, R&D, and engineering management.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, product development engineering, and process improvement.
• Proven ability to lead engineering functions across multiple sites and facilitate corporate strategy.
• Experience driving initiatives and standard processes across an organization.
• Five years of leadership experience in continuous improvement, manufacturing processes, design, aerospace, medical devices, operations, and lean manufacturing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience within a defense contracting, aerospace, or highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA) preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of success in engineering leadership roles within complex, compliance-driven environments.
• Experience working with military, government, or defense-related customers to resolve technical issues.
• Familiarity with defense-related standards, product development lifecycle frameworks, and regulated engineering processes.
• Strategic Acumen, Problem Solving, Analytical Thinking, and effective Communication skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, growth-oriented or small-to-mid-sized organizational environment.

This is a Permanent position based out of Janesville, WI.

The pay range for this position is $190000.00 - $210000.00/yr.

Full time benefits offered. Relocation assistance offered.

This is a fully onsite position in Janesville,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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.