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Director of Software Engineering

KÄGWERKS
Ashburn, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/19/2025 CLOSED ON 12/18/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Software Engineering position at KÄGWERKS?

About Us

Kägwerks designs and develops rugged, tactical operator-worn communications technologies that enable unmatched connectivity and integrated secure networking for the individual war fighter.

We strive to increase the survivability and lethality of the war fighter on the battlefield. We do so by providing unmatched integrated tactical communications solutions that help further our national security objectives.

What will you be doing?

Working in close collaboration with the Vice President of Engineering and key stakeholders across the business, the Director of Software Engineering will lead the full lifecycle of software development—from architecture and planning through to deployment, sustainment, and end-of-life.

This leadership role will oversee a multi-disciplinary software team covering Embedded Firmware, Linux, Android, Full Stack, Application Development, Architecture, and DevSecOps. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining technical direction, managing project execution, and ensuring that all software programs align with product goals, quality standards, and delivery timelines.

The Director will also play a central role in shaping team culture, fostering technical excellence, and developing a software organization that delivers intuitive, secure, and mission-ready solutions for military and tactical users. This is a high-impact position with the opportunity to influence strategy, mentor top-tier engineering talent, and contribute directly to solutions used by frontline operators.

Key Responsibilities Include

  • Leading cross-functional software development teams to deliver innovative, mission-critical applications and embedded solutions
  • Defining system architecture and reviewing software requirements to ensure usability, performance, and mission alignment
  • Driving disciplined design, code review, testing, and validation processes to ensure the highest levels of quality and reliability
  • Overseeing software deployment, CI/CD pipeline management, and ongoing product support
  • Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to define project scope, clarify requirements, and manage priorities
  • Supporting new product introduction by partnering with Operations and Hardware teams
  • Contributing to the development of training materials and product documentation
  • Guiding the implementation of best practices in DevSecOps, security scanning, and ISO-aligned quality management
  • Mentoring team members and fostering a collaborative, high-performance engineering culture
  • Contributing hands-on to the technical development process where appropriate

About You

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in software development and technical leadership, with a minimum of 10 years in hands-on engineering roles and 5 years in management. A strong foundation in embedded Linux, Android, or full-stack development is expected, along with expertise in delivering robust, scalable solutions in mission-critical environments.

Experience managing diverse teams and software disciplines, setting technical direction, and evolving software development processes is essential. Familiarity with tools such as Jira, GitLab, and static code analysis platforms is important, as is a working knowledge of software validation and cybersecurity best practices.

The candidate will possess excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a strong ability to operate cross-functionally and translate complex requirements into actionable engineering plans. A proactive mindset and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions for the end user are key.

This role requires candidates to be eligible for U.S. Security Clearance and may involve domestic and occasional international travel.

Benefits And Culture

Our culture is supportive and collaborative. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team where we share our ideas and innovation is strongly encouraged. We are looking for someone with genuine passion and a can-do attitude. Our staff receive 15 days accrued paid time off per year, 10 Federal holidays, an opportunity to join our sponsored health plan, a generous 401k plan with immediate vesting and a matching employer contribution, an Employee Assistance Program, and more.

Additionally, we offer flexible core working hours and we take a personal approach to training and development.

You can expect to enjoy working as part of a global organisation with teams in the USA, UK, Denmark, Singapore, and Australia.

Interested in a career with us?

Simply click on APPLY and we’ll be in contact shortly.

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Salary.com Estimation for Director of Software Engineering in Ashburn, VA
$179,662 to $214,735
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