Software Engineering Manager

Who we are:

Fuse builds innovative communications, networking, and computing solutions that improve the sharing of information, video, text, and voice among operators distributed throughout the airborne, maritime, and ground environments.  We are an technology firm creating in-house software, network and hardware solutions that support our noble cause of advancing warfighter capabilities with elegant, user-focused communications, networks, and software systems. 

About this role:

As the Software Engineering Manager, you’ll lead from the front—guiding Fuse’s software teams through the complexity of mission-focused engineering. You’ll own the technical and professional development of a diverse team of engineers, shape our software development lifecycle, and ensure delivery of intuitive, resilient systems that serve the warfighter at the tactical edge. This role blends deep technical oversight with people-first leadership, aligning engineering rigor with Fuse’s commitment to rapid, elegant solutions. You’ll collaborate with systems engineers, network architects, and program managers to translate real-world operator needs into rock-solid code and capability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Fuse Software Engineering Manager responsibilities include both technical and administrative leadership. The Software Engineering Manager is responsible for the professional and technical development of every member of the SW Engineering team through means of 1:1 mentorship, quarterly performance check-ins as well and impromptu meetings to make sure each team member is on the correct/desired professional path.

• Lead and Grow the Team
  Mentor and manage a team of software engineers, driving professional development through regular feedback, goal setting, and performance check-ins. Oversee hiring, staffing plans, and resource allocation to match project needs.

• Own the Software Development Lifecycle
  Design, mature, and maintain Fuse’s software development processes. Lead Agile ceremonies, ensure high-quality code through peer reviews and CI/CD practices, and align with DevSecOps and security requirements.

• Drive Cross-Functional Execution
  Collaborate with Systems and Network Engineering to deliver integrated solutions. Translate user needs and Warfighter Workshop outcomes into clear, actionable requirements and architectures.

• Support Program Success
  Contribute to proposals, estimates, and SOWs. Coordinate with program managers to keep development on schedule and aligned with scope and technical goals.

• Engage with Stakeholders
  Present technical concepts to customers and partners, participate in Technology Interchange Meetings, and ensure software delivers meaningful capability to the end user.

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a related field; or equivalent practical experience demonstrating advanced technical expertise and proven leadership capabilities
• Proven Technical Leadership – 5+ years of experience leading software teams in a product or systems engineering environment, preferably with real-time or embedded systems.
• Mission-Driven Mindset – Passion for supporting national security missions and advancing warfighter capabilities through user-focused software design.
• Systems Thinking – Ability to translate complex operational requirements into scalable, maintainable software architectures.
• Agile Execution – Strong experience managing Agile development cycles, backlogs, and sprint planning within multi-disciplinary teams.
• People Development – Demonstrated success managing engineers and fostering career growth while driving accountability and performance.
• Cross-Functional Communication – Comfortable collaborating across engineering, product, and customer-facing teams to align vision and execution.
• Security Conscious – Familiarity with secure software development practices and integration with system accreditation workflows (e.g., RMF, STIGs).

Nice to Have:

• Experience with DevSecOps pipelines and modern CI/CD tools
• Exposure to tactical networking, distributed systems, or defense-related communications systems
• Previous involvement in proposal writing or government contracting environments
• Active or prior security clearance (Secret or above)

Soft Skills That Matter at Fuse:

• Curiosity over Comfort – You ask “why” and seek new approaches, especially when the status quo isn’t cutting it.
• Bias Toward Action – You don’t just identify problems—you rally the team to solve them.
• Low Ego, High Impact – You’re driven, collaborative, and happy to let the best idea win—whether it’s yours or not.
• Resilient in the Gray – You thrive when direction is high-level, and you know how to lead others through ambiguity.

More about Fuse:

Founded in 2010, Fuse is a veteran-owned, rapidly growing small business. Our San Diego-based company has earned recognition as an emerging leader in airborne, maritime, and ground networking.  Placing the warfighter at the center of every design process, Fuse delivers intuitive, agile, and resilient products that go beyond national security requirements—providing lasting utility and game-changing results.  We take pride in our brilliant and talented team as well as our dynamic environment and collaborative, creative, environment.  We build cutting-edge hardware and software products that solve complex national security challenges for our warfighters at the tactical edge. 

Salary Range: $165,000 - $215,000

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Employee coverage is fully funded; a portion of dependents' coverage is funded as well
• 11 paid Federal Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Date of hire through second year: 10 days/year (accrued)
• After two years: unlimited
• 40 hours of paid sick leave per year
• 401k with employer matching
• Annual bonuses
• Cell phone reimbursement: $100/month