Director of Software Engineering

  • SAAB
  • East Syracuse, New York
  • 09/02/2026
Full time Information Technology Telecommunications Java Software Engineer Testing

Job Description

SAAB, a global defense and security leader, is seeking a Director of Software Engineering within our IT & Digital Solutions organization. In this role, you will lead multiple engineering teams delivering mission-critical software for advanced Defense & Aerospace systems. You will define technical strategy, drive architecture and quality standards, and ensure on-time, secure, and compliant delivery. You will mentor managers and engineers, foster innovation and collaboration, and partner with Systems Engineering on cutting-edge defense solutions that advance global security.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and technical leadership for multiple software engineering teams delivering mission-critical Defense & Aerospace solutions.
  • Define and maintain the software architecture and technology roadmap aligned with Saab's business and product strategies.
  • Oversee the full software development lifecycle, ensuring quality, security, and compliance with applicable defense and aerospace standards.
  • Collaborate closely with systems engineering, hardware engineering, cybersecurity, product management, and program management to deliver integrated solutions.
  • Champion and implement modern engineering practices such as Agile, Dev
  • Sec
  • Ops, CI/CD, automated testing, and model-based approaches.
  • Manage, mentor, and develop engineering managers, architects, and senior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Support bids and proposals, including scope definition, cost and schedule estimation, and presentation of technical approaches to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Review and approve key technical artifacts, including requirements, design documents, interface definitions, and verification plans.
  • Ensure that software solutions meet stringent reliability, safety, and security requirements appropriate for defense applications.
  • Engage with customers and partners as needed to understand mission needs and translate them into robust software solutions.

Required Skills

  • Technical leadership of large software engineering organizations
  • Software architecture and system design for complex, mission-critical systems
  • Experience with Defense & Aerospace or similarly regulated industries
  • Strong background in languages such as C, C++, Java, or similar
  • Model-based systems and software engineering practices
  • Agile and hybrid Agile project management in regulated environments
  • Dev
  • Sec
  • Ops, CI/CD, and automated testing
  • Secure software development and cybersecurity principles
  • Requirements analysis and traceability across full lifecycle
  • Collaboration with systems, hardware, and cybersecurity engineering
  • Cost, schedule, and resource estimation for software programs
  • Mentoring, coaching, and building high-performing teams