Associate Director, Software Engineering

The Associate Director, Software Engineering will be responsible for driving technical solutions and managing resources for software engineering projects within Engineering programs. This position works closely with engineering leadership, engineers, and customers to apply appropriate technical solutions to ensure smooth project delivery, adherence to timelines, and alignment with business objectives. This role requires a strong technical background, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to navigate the complexities of a fast-paced, collaborative environment. In addition, this role will work closely with leaders across the organization to identify new opportunities for software engineering initiatives.

Software Engineering Knowledge Needed:

• Knowledge and practical experience with software development best practices
• Scrum/agile/waterfall development experience, understanding the pros/cons of each
• SDLC knowledge and practical experience with software releases
• Software testing at different levels and stages of development
• Regulatory knowledge/experience with ISO13485, 21 CFR Part 11, IEC 62304 a plus
• Experience with documentation such as SDP, SRS, SW verification plans and protocols
• Experience with code reviews, architecture, design patterns, coding, verification testing, and deployment
• Branching and release strategies

Program Management Tasks –

• Adeptly manage the resources project workload, and the moral of the engineering team.
• Work closely with the R&D Engineering leadership and Business Development team and customers to ensure that the program objectives are clearly defined (scope, schedule, resources, and program priorities).
• Ensure that project objectives are refined, clearly documented, and shared with the engineering team (scope, schedule, resources, and priorities).
• Drive evaluation of design concepts and establishment of robust technical architecture that will achieve the program goals (technical as well as business).
• Drive design reviews, give honest critical assessment, and provide objective feedback.
• Ensure that the architecture, design process, and testing plans are compliant with any relevant agency or regulatory requirements.
• Identify and actively manage risk factors that could affect scope, schedule, and resources through contingency planning.
• Work constructively with customers to establish a positive, professional working relationship.
• Provide ongoing evaluation and careful assessment of the project regarding design robustness, schedule status, resource loading, and budget compliance.
• Communicate professionally and proactively with the customer regarding program status using weekly meetings and timely reports - including technical, schedule, and budgetary risks.
• Assess and provide timely feedback to internal partners and customers regarding scope deviations, unforeseen issues, and change requests, and their likely impacts to program risk, cost, and schedule.
• Address issues with the team in an objective, constructive, and timely manner.
• Execute the agreed upon processes (including design reviews, phase gates, test cycles, change management, NPI)
• Ensure that the level of analysis and testing allocated for the project is consistent with the required performance, life, and reliability requirements.
• Work to ensure customer satisfaction and foster customer trust.
• Ensure the quality and robustness of designs in R&D through transfer to manufacturing.
• Perform administrative functions such as reviewing and writing reports (for internal and external stakeholders), approving expenditures, approving timecards, enforcing work standards, and making decisions about the purchase of materials or services.
• Implement and improve internal processes improve company effectiveness and customer satisfaction over time.

Personnel Management Tasks –

• Directly manage the tasks and performance of SW engineering team(s).
• Perform annual reviews and assist with personal development plans.
• Assist in the evaluation and hiring of new employees that meet required technical qualifications and interpersonal skills.
• Participate in Resource Management meetings that may require the juggling of team members to meet overall company objectives.
• Ensure the adherence to process and quality standards within R&D and also during initial transfer to manufacturing.

Requirements:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or university (preferably in Software Engineering)

Experience:

Typically requires 8+ years of supervisory experience in product development, with 12 or more years of related functional experience.

This is an on-site position in San Diego with an annual salary range of $177,000 - $232, 000, based on experience and qualifications

Compensation is based on several factors including experience, skills, education, and job-related knowledge. In addition to base salary, Ascential offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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