Director of Software Engineering

Lake Forest, CA | Onsite

Our client, a global leader in semiconductor test hardware and solutions, is seeking a highly technical Director of Software Engineering to lead its Hardware System Integration, Handler, and Test Engineering software teams. In this role, you will drive precise, pragmatic execution across a fast-moving, 24/7 operation, guiding a talented engineering organization through a major software platform upgrade as the company expands its U.S. and global footprint.

The ideal candidate blends hands-on software and hardware depth with proven experience managing multi-layered engineering teams.

• Lead execution of the company’s next-generation software platform upgrade, a major shift across its software ecosystem, from planning through production deployment.
• Direct software integration across testers, handlers, thermal systems, PLCs, and firmware that supports high-volume chip testing and material handling.
• Stay hands‑on in debugging, architecture, and complex technical problem‑solving, setting the technical bar for the team.
• Lead and develop a team of about 40 engineers in Lake Forest, plus global teams across additional locations, including managers, technical leads, and subject matter experts.
• Turn engineering strategy into clear plans, milestones, and delivery schedules, and hold teams accountable to commitments.
• Define how production and test data is captured, tracked, and used across the organization.
• Bring engineering and test teams together so they work efficiently toward shared goals.
• Partner with Product Management, Hardware, Firmware, QA, Production, and Support to keep releases and priorities aligned.
• Keep senior leadership continuously informed on progress, risks, and issues, and present technical and readiness reviews to internal and customer stakeholders.
• Drive innovation, process improvement, and the adoption of AI‑assisted development and testing.

• 15+ years of software engineering experience with a strong software focus and an adjacent hardware background, and a solid understanding of material handling or complex hardware/software systems.
• Engineering management experience leading multi‑layered teams (managers and supervisors), at the Director or Senior Manager level.
• Hands‑on experience with the Microsoft technology stack, with .NET/C# as the core framework, including platform migration or modernization.
• Highly technical, with a pragmatic, execution‑first mindset and a focus on precise delivery ahead of long‑range strategy.
• Strong command of schedules, dependencies, and delivery, and the ability to give a large team clear direction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to keep executives informed and engaged.
• Comfortable moving quickly in a high‑growth environment.
• Willingness to work onsite five days a week in Lake Forest, CA.

Preferred: semiconductor equipment‑control software, GEM/SECS, handlers, burn‑in or ATE systems, and experience leading teams across the U.S. and international locations.

• A leadership opportunity at a pivotal moment, with a strong bench of top‑tier technical talent already in place.
• Real ownership of a high‑visibility platform transition that shapes the company’s future.
• A performance‑based path for advancement, with a company that promotes quickly.
• Work in a fast‑paced, innovative culture at the center of the semiconductor value chain.
• Enjoy a performance‑based bonus paid twice yearly