Senior Manager Research and Development Software Engineering

Company Information:

Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense supports those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Software Engineering provides leadership over software engineering. This leader ensures disciplined engineering execution driven by robust software engineering practices, including rigorous test practices, and setting a vision for future improvements. On-site presence in Roanoke is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Software Engineering team responsible for development of software across all products and factory support.

• Lead the Software Engineering discipline across software requirements, creating software architecture, documenting and implementing design, integration and testing of software.

• Oversee use of GitLab and how it is used to track the software team to the master schedule.

• Ensure disciplined execution of all software deliverables and artifacts.

• Ensure compliance with regulated industry standards including open-source software.

• Oversee engineering plans, schedules, and deliverables.

• Promote cross-functional collaboration across engineering disciplines and with internal customers.

• Apply lean principles and continuous improvement. Enforce consistent engineering standards and operational discipline.

• Lead the team through coaching, mentoring and performance management.

• Develop skills matrices, succession paths and training plans for software roles.

• Drive a continuous improvement mindset within the group.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.

• 5 years industry experience applying software development practices in a regulated, high-technology environment.

• 5+ years proven engineering leadership experience, managing software engineers.

• Strong experience with software development in an agile workflow.

• Experience with GitLab, CI/CD, hardware in the loop testing and software development process improvement.

• On-site availability in Roanoke.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Defense or regulated industry experience.

• Master’s degree in software engineering, Computer Engineering or related.

• Experience with night-vision systems, low-light imaging, fused sensors (I2 + thermal) or electro-optical military products.

• Lean/Six Sigma certification.

Span of Control

• Direct Reports: 8–10 Engineers

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Here Are Some of the Great Benefits We Offer:

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off

• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future

• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts

• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available

• Flexible Vacation & PTO

• Paid Parental Leave

• Generous Employee Referral Program

• Voluntary Benefits Available: Long-Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more

• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

*For Virginia-based positions only* In accordance with Virginia DOL requirements, the listed salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.

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