Director, Software Engineering

Iridex Corporation is a global medical technology company dedicated to advancing the treatment of glaucoma and retinal diseases through innovative laser-based solutions. Since 1989, our products have been used by ophthalmologists around the world to help preserve and improve vision.

We are looking for an experienced hands‑on Software Engineering leader to head our R&D team and manage our software activities.

At Iridex, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports physicians and patients worldwide while being part of a company that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

The Director, Software Engineering is the senior software engineering leader responsible for the technical direction, architecture, development, and lifecycle management of software and firmware supporting Iridex's ophthalmic medical devices.

This role serves as the organization's principal software engineering authority while providing direct leadership and management to three Principal Engineers. The Director balances hands‑on technical leadership with people management, project prioritization, and cross‑functional collaboration to ensure software solutions are reliable, maintainable, scalable, and aligned with product and business objectives.

The position works closely with Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Technical Service, and other functions within a regulated medical‑device environment.

• Serve as the senior technical authority for software and embedded systems across Iridex products.
• Establish software architecture, engineering standards, development practices, and technical direction.
• Lead complex software and firmware development, troubleshooting, integration, and sustaining engineering activities.
• Provide technical oversight of new product development and existing product platforms, including legacy systems.
• Review and approve software architecture, designs, code, testing strategies, and technical solutions.
• Identify and address technical risks, system-level issues, and opportunities to improve software reliability, maintainability, and development efficiency.
• Ensure software engineering activities support applicable quality, regulatory, cybersecurity, and product requirements.
• Provide hands‑on technical expertise when required to resolve complex or high‑priority issues.

• Directly manage and develop three Principal Software Engineers.
• Establish team priorities, allocate resources, and balance competing technical and business requirements.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain software engineering capabilities, processes, and technical talent to support current and future product needs.

• Partner with Product Development, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Technical Service, Sales, and other functions to resolve technical issues and deliver product objectives.
• Translate complex technical issues, risks, and recommendations into clear communication for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Provide technical input to engineering leadership and senior management on product strategy, priorities, risks, and resource requirements.
• Support regulatory submissions, verification and validation, cybersecurity, field issues, manufacturing activities, and other product lifecycle requirements as needed.

• Establish and maintain effective software development processes, tools, repositories, build environments, and documentation practices.
• Drive consistent…