Director, Application Engineering

About the role

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Application Engineering based in the United States.

The Director, Application Engineering will lead the development and delivery of innovative software solutions that support complex clinical research operations. In this hands-on leadership role, you will transform validated prototypes and business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable production applications. You will establish engineering standards, oversee the software development lifecycle, and drive continuous improvements in quality, delivery, and operational performance. A key part of the position involves integrating AI-assisted development practices while ensuring responsible use, security, and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate closely with architecture, infrastructure, quality, and compliance teams to shape technology strategies and long-term solutions. Additionally, you will build and mentor a high-performing engineering team, fostering accountability, technical excellence, and innovation. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on technology supporting early-phase oncology research and the advancement of cancer treatments.

Accountabilities In this role, you will oversee application engineering strategy and execution, ensuring that software solutions meet operational needs, technical standards, and regulatory expectations. Your responsibilities will include:

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Lead the design, development, deployment, and ongoing support of internally developed software applications supporting clinical research operations.

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Transform approved requirements, prototypes, and business concepts into secure, scalable, maintainable production systems.

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Maintain hands-on involvement in software design, architecture reviews, development activities, and code reviews.

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Oversee application release management, deployment processes, and production readiness across the software portfolio.

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Establish and continuously improve software development lifecycle (SDLC) standards, methodologies, and engineering processes.

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Define and maintain best practices for code quality, testing, continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), version control, change management, release governance, and technical documentation.

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Establish engineering quality metrics, review processes, and delivery standards to promote consistency and operational excellence.

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Ensure that technical documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and audit-ready evidence are maintained throughout the application lifecycle.

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Lead the adoption and governance of AI-assisted software development tools and practices across the engineering organization.

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Define responsible AI usage standards covering software development, testing, documentation, and code reviews while ensuring compliance with security, privacy, and data-handling requirements.