This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Application Engineering based in the United States.
The Director, Application Engineering will lead the development and delivery of innovative software solutions that support complex clinical research operations. In this hands-on leadership role, you will transform validated prototypes and business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable production applications. You will establish engineering standards, oversee the software development lifecycle, and drive continuous improvements in quality, delivery, and operational performance. A key part of the position involves integrating AI-assisted development practices while ensuring responsible use, security, and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate closely with architecture, infrastructure, quality, and compliance teams to shape technology strategies and long-term solutions. Additionally, you will build and mentor a high-performing engineering team, fostering accountability, technical excellence, and innovation. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on technology supporting early-phase oncology research and the advancement of cancer treatments. Accountabilities
In this role, you will oversee application engineering strategy and execution, ensuring that software solutions meet operational needs, technical standards, and regulatory expectations. Your responsibilities will include:
• Lead the design, development, deployment, and ongoing support of internally developed software applications supporting clinical research operations.
• Transform approved requirements, prototypes, and business concepts into secure, scalable, maintainable production systems.
• Maintain hands-on involvement in software design, architecture reviews, development activities, and code reviews.
• Oversee application release management, deployment processes, and production readiness across the software portfolio.
• Establish and continuously improve software development lifecycle (SDLC) standards, methodologies, and engineering processes.
• Define and maintain best practices for code quality, testing, continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), version control, change management, release governance, and technical documentation.
• Establish engineering quality metrics, review processes, and delivery standards to promote consistency and operational excellence.
• Ensure that technical documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and audit-ready evidence are maintained throughout the application lifecycle.
• Lead the adoption and governance of AI-assisted software development tools and practices across the engineering organization.
• Define responsible AI usage standards covering software development, testing, documentation, and code reviews while ensuring compliance with security, privacy, and data-handling requirements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and development methodologies to improve engineering productivity, software quality, and delivery outcomes.
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering and Enterprise Architecture teams to design secure, scalable, and maintainable application solutions.
• Define infrastructure requirements and infrastructure-as-code standards that support reliable application delivery.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps and architectural decisions aligned with organizational growth and long-term objectives.
• Ensure applications are developed, tested, deployed, and maintained in accordance with applicable quality, validation, and regulatory standards.
• Partner with Quality, Compliance, and business stakeholders to support system validation, change control, risk management, and audit readiness.
• Maintain appropriate controls, traceability, and documentation supporting GxP, SOC 2, and other applicable compliance frameworks.
• Support internal and external audits by providing technical documentation, system evidence, and control validation records.
• Lead, mentor, and develop software engineers through coaching, technical guidance, performance management, and career development planning.
• Foster a high-performance engineering culture built on accountability, collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Work with business and technology leaders to prioritize initiatives, allocate resources, and manage delivery expectations.
• Develop staffing plans and recruitment strategies to support engineering team growth and evolving technical requirements.
• Establish clear support ownership, operational readiness standards, and escalation processes for delivered applications.
Requirements
The ideal candidate is an experienced software engineering leader with a strong technical foundation, proven application delivery capabilities, and the ability to build effective teams in a regulated technology environment. The following qualifications are expected:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• At least 8 years of progressive software engineering experience, including 3 or more years leading engineering teams.
• Demonstrated success delivering, deploying, and supporting enterprise software applications in production environments.
• Hands-on software development experience with strong expertise in web applications, APIs, and data services.
• Experience establishing or significantly improving software development lifecycle practices, including code reviews, testing, CI/CD, release management, and change control.
• Practical experience using AI-assisted development tools and integrating AI-supported practices into software engineering workflows.
• Knowledge of cloud architecture and infrastructure-as-code principles, with the ability to collaborate effectively with infrastructure and platform engineering teams.
• Proven ability to transform prototypes and business requirements into scalable, reliable, and maintainable production solutions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and technical documentation skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to business and executive stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and team development capabilities.
Additional qualifications considered an advantage:
• Experience developing software in regulated environments, including GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP, or computer system validation (CSV).
• Previous experience in clinical research, life sciences, healthcare, or Contract Research Organization (CRO) environments.
• Experience scaling engineering teams, development processes, or technology platforms within a growing organization.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Azure, Entra ID, modern CI/CD platforms, and compliance frameworks such as SOC 2.
Benefits
• Annual base salary ranging from $180,000 to $200,000, depending on experience, skills, and work location.
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus based on individual role and organizational results.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Additional optional insurance coverage.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing confidential, no-cost support for employees and their families from day one.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Fully remote working arrangement.
• Standard working hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Supportive and inclusive workplace that values work-life balance, employee well-being, and flexibility.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career growth.
• Collaborative environment encouraging creativity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas.
How Jobgether works:
We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.
We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!
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