What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Software Engineering position at Cohu, Inc.?
The Director of Software Engineering will lead the global software engineering organization across multiple development centers. This role is responsible for harmonizing software architectures and development frameworks to ensure consistency, scalability, and maintainability. The Director will also drive the implementation of AI tools to enhance software development productivity and quality. This position plays a critical role in aligning software engineering strategies with business goals and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Candidates must have a strong background in software for automation equipment, such as semiconductor tools, robotics, or other industrial automation systems.
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for global software engineering teams.
- Harmonize software architectures and development frameworks across all development centers.
- Drive the adoption and implementation of AI tools to improve software output and quality.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with product and business objectives.
- Champion best practices in software development, including agile methodologies, CI/CD, and code quality standards.
- Lead initiatives to standardize tools, processes, and documentation across global teams.
- Mentor and develop software engineering leaders and foster a high-performance culture.
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration across geographically distributed teams.
Managerial Responsibility:
- Lead global software engineering teams in San Diego and Germany (~30 employees).
- Provide dotted-line leadership to software teams in Malaysia (~90 employees).
- Collaborate with other engineering leaders to ensure cohesive execution of software strategies.
- Influence and support software teams across international sites.
Qualifications:
Education/Training:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive software engineering experience, including architecture and development.
- At least 5 years in a senior software engineering leadership role with global responsibilities.
- Experience in automation equipment development is required—preferably in the semiconductor equipment industry or other high-tech, industrial automation sectors.
Skills/Technical Requirements:
- Proven ability to lead and influence global software engineering teams.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
- Deep technical expertise in software architecture and development frameworks.
- Embedded systems and control automation knowledge required.
- Experience with AI tools and their application in software development.
- Proficiency in agile development practices and engineering collaboration tools.
With more than 3000 employees worldwide, we offer challenging and rewarding work experiences, generous employee benefits and a strong company culture. If you are looking for a global publicly traded company that provides you with international experience and a challenging work environment, then Cohu is your choice.
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In addition, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified disabled individuals, upon request.
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