Manager, Software Engineering

Job Description

The Manager, Software Engineering provides leadership and oversight to the Software Engineering group. Oversees team efforts to apply the principles of secure software engineering to the design, development, maintenance, testing and evaluation of software and cloud infrastructure. Engages with cross‑functional leadership to understand business requirements, architecture and technology direction and evaluate alternative approaches, ensuring software and systems are designed accordingly. Incorporates state‑of‑the‑art concepts and practices to facilitate system functionality, scalability, resilience and security, as well as ease‑of‑use (developer / user experience). Ensures appropriate application of agile principles to software development with a focus on delivery of business value, collaboration and continuous improvement. Identifies technology opportunities for products, direct implementation of technology components of product strategy, and has overall responsibility for effectively delivering on needed results and objectives. This role is expected to maintain our commitment to technical craft.

What You'll Do

• Oversee Software Engineering processes and teams.
• Provide direction and oversight in the planning and delivery of product/solution releases.
• Ensure delivery of secure, high‑quality, well‑tested and scalable software to meet customer and business requirements.
• Prioritize KTLO backlog and maintain a healthy KTLO roadmap to sustain security and stability of products.
• Partner closely with leaders across Product, UX, Architecture, Analytics, and Agile Delivery teams.
• Assist with maintenance and prioritization of the product backlog.
• Engage with customers, end users and business partners to understand issues with software development and deployment.
• Ensure issues are resolved in a timely and sustainable fashion.
• Advocate secure coding practices and testing requirements.
• Set teams up for success and provide timely feedback (both positive and constructive).
• Manage career progression for team members, including hiring, performance reviews, salary decisions, mentoring, and coaching.
• Build a culture of supportive teamwork, pride in ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Provide and support good engineering practices.
• Effectively staff and develop teams, evolve and maintain culture, and refine processes necessary to sustain a high‑quality software engineering organization.
• Partner with leadership on higher‑level initiatives across Cox Automotive.

Manager, Software Engineering Expectations

• Mentorship & Leadership: Provide technical mentorship on design patterns, code quality, and career growth. Guide and mentor junior engineers, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to grow in their roles.
• Ownership & Initiative: Take full ownership of features or systems; proactively identify and solve problems. Conduct thorough code reviews to ensure high‑quality standards.
• Continuous Learning: Stay up to date with advancements in cloud computing, DevOps, AI, and software best practices.
• Adaptability: Thrive in dynamic environments and pivot easily when priorities shift.
• Collaboration & Communication: Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective communication.
• Decision‑Making: Influence architectural decisions and contribute to the long‑term technical strategy.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 6+ years of experience in a related field, or master’s degree and 4+ years of experience, or Ph.D. and up to 1 year of experience, or 18 years of directly relevant experience.
• 1+ year of experience in a management or lead role.
• 6+ years’ recent experience designing and developing applications in Java.
• 4+ years’ experience building and deploying applications in a cloud environment (preferably AWS).
• 4+ years’ middleware/backend/API development experience.
• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship (no OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT, or visa sponsorship now or in future).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with AI technologies or strong curiosity to incorporate AI into development.
• Development experience in Python and/or React.js.
• Expertise in AWS – certifications (Developer, Solutions Architect, or DevOps).
• Experience leading or contributing significantly to large‑scale technical projects.

Technology We Use

• Languages: Java, Python, JavaScript, SQL
• Cloud & DevOps: AWS, Docker, Git, GitHub Actions, Terraform
• Special Focus: AI integration, Serverless architecture, Rally, New Relic, Splunk, PagerDuty

Additional Requirements

• Must clear a pre‑employment drug test (marijuana testing not required for this position). The company is drug‑free; possession, use, or being under the influence of illegal drugs during work hours, on company property, or in company vehicles is prohibited.

Benefits

• Flexible paid vacation (as consistent with duties and company needs)
• Seven paid holidays annually
• Up to 160 hours of paid wellness per year for self or family members
• Additional paid time off: bereavement leave, voting leave, jury duty, volunteer time, military leave, parental leave
• Health care insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement planning (401(k))
• Other paid days off (sick leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, PTO)

About Us

Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Employees work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry‑leading dealer‑facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying a people‑centered atmosphere. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are provided when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless it would cause undue hardship.