Director Software Engineering

Powering the world’s payments ecosystem

ACI powers the payments ecosystem – globally, and you power ACI.  You’ll innovate, collaborate, and grow – in an energetic technology culture with decades of proven success.  ACIers – in all roles and levels – are truly your colleagues and many are your friends. Our size and reach allow you to see the global impact of your work. You are visible, your talents are valued, and you are empowered to shape the future of payments.

As a Director, Software Engineering in Norcross, GA or Omaha, NE you will join a diverse, passionate team, dedicated to powering the world’s payments ecosystem!

JOB PURPOSE

The Director, Software Engineering defines and executes engineering strategy for major product lines. This senior leadership position owns end-to-end delivery accountability for significant engineering organizations, drives technical excellence at scale, manages substantial budgets, and builds strategic partnerships that enable business success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Business Impact

• Lead significant engineering organization of 30-60 engineers across 3-5 managers
• Define and execute engineering strategy for major product lines
• Own end-to-end delivery accountability with executive visibility
• Manage substantial budget ($2M-$5M+) including headcount and operational expenses
• Lead critical initiatives that directly impact business outcomes and revenue

Engineering Excellence & Organizational Development

• Drive engineering excellence including architecture, quality, velocity, and reliability
• Define engineering standards, practices, and methodologies for the organization
• Build and scale high-performing engineering organization through strategic hiring
• Develop leadership pipeline including managers and senior technical talent
• Shape organizational culture emphasizing innovation, quality, and collaboration

Cross-Functional Partnership & Executive Communication

• Build strategic partnerships with Product, Design, and other Engineering leaders
• Present engineering strategy, progress, and recommendations to executive leadership
• Collaborate with peers on enterprise initiatives and technical strategy
• Drive adoption of AI-assisted development and transformative engineering practices
• Represent engineering in customer and partner engagements as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred
• Equivalent experience (12+ years) may substitute for degree

Experience

• 10-15 years of software engineering or technology leadership experience
• 5+ years managing engineering managers and leading large teams
• Proven track record of delivering complex, enterprise-scale software products
• Experience with P&L management, budget ownership, and resource planning
• Payments, financial services, or regulated industry experience preferred

Technical Skills

• Deep understanding of software architecture at enterprise scale
• Expert knowledge of modern engineering practices and methodologies
• Understanding of scalability, reliability, and performance at high scale
• Knowledge of security, compliance, and regulatory requirements
• Strong understanding of engineering metrics and organizational effectiveness

Leadership & Management Skills

• Exceptional leadership and organizational transformation capabilities
• Strategic vision with strong business acumen
• Executive presence and communication skills
• Proven ability to build and scale engineering organizations
• Strong influence and partnership across all organizational levels

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience leading engineering through company growth or transformation
• Track record of technical innovation and competitive differentiation
• Experience with M&A integration or organizational restructuring
• Industry thought leadership through speaking or publications

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Hybrid work model with flexibility; multiple office locations available
• 20-30% travel for leadership meetings, customer engagements, and strategic initiatives
• High availability for executive meetings and global collaboration

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

ACI Worldwide is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visa status or work permit now or in the future.

In return for your expertise, we offer opportunities for growth, career development, and a competitive compensation and benefits package—all within an innovative and collaborative work environment.

Are you ready to help us transform the payments ecosystem? To learn more about ACI Worldwide, visit our web site at www.aciworldwide.comJob ID (Requisition #19505)

Important Notice About Recruitment Scams
Job seekers should be aware of ongoing recruitment scams where individuals or organizations impersonate legitimate companies to offer fake job opportunities. These scams often involve requests for personal information, payments, or interviews through unofficial channels. Please be cautious and verify any communications claiming to be from our company (www.aciworldwide.com / @aciworldwide.com). The ACI Worldwide recruitment team will always follow official channels and will never request payment.

#LI-LF1

#LI-Hybrid