Senior Software Manager

Does the thought of preparing kids to solve the world’s greatest problems excite and empower you? Do you want to be with an organization where your knowledge and skills will help increase school engagement and student success, and extend our global reach? Do you want to be on a team that crafts opportunities and provides life changing experiences for students?

These opportunities are as strong and dynamic as ever, as FIRST^® creates the people who will change the world – today and tomorrow!

What We Offer
We promise a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding environment where you will be part of a team that cares about each other and thrives on each other’s successes. As a Great Place to Work® certified company, you’ll feel good about the future of the world after doing hard work with the talented people at FIRST® and will have a front row seat to our life-changing programs.

Our extensive benefits package is highly competitive and includes:

• Healthcare Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life & AD&D Insurance 
• Supplemental life insurance
• Voluntary accident and legal plans
• Income Protection Insurances (STD & LTD)
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Hybrid Work Model
• 160 PTO hours for FT employees 
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year (one is a floating holiday)
  • Paid July 4th Week Holiday Closure 
• 40 hours paid sick leave per calendar year
• One paid volunteer day per anniversary year
• Maternity and Parental Leave
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan (with employer match)
• Medical and dependent pre-tax flex plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The salary range for this position is $96,488 - $129,688. New hires typically start within this range based on their qualifications, experience, and considerations of internal equity.

Who You Are
You are a hands-on software leader who thrives on building reliable, scalable systems that power our FIRST programs. With Gracious Professionalism® you enjoy leading teams, managing vendors, and collaborating across functions to turn big ideas into reality, while keeping projects on time and on budget. Passionate about delivering an exceptional participant experience, you’re comfortable rolling up your sleeves and supporting operations during key program periods, including some nights and weekends.

This role has the ability to be a remote working arrangement for the right candidate.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What You Will Do
In this role, you will lead the design, development, and management of key systems that power FIRST programs and events. Additionally, you will:

• Lead the development and maintenance of Field Management System (FMS), Event Management System (EMS), and related systems, ensuring reliability, scalability, and alignment with program needs.
• Collaborate with the Game Design Committee, FIRST Engineering, and vendors to define requirements, manage specifications, and meet quality objectives.
• Manage engineering staff and contractors, setting project goals, schedules, and budgets.
• Build in-house capacity for testing and validation to ensure reliability and compliance with system requirements.
• Develop and manage vendor relationships and contracts to support the financial and functional goals of FIRST.
• Create and maintain systems that support program growth and cross-program consistency.
• Provide training and technical support to FIRST Technical Advisors (FTAs) and assist with event operations, including some nights and weekends during the official season.

What We Expect
We are seeking candidates with the following knowledge, skills, and experience:

• BS/BA in related discipline and generally requires at least 6 years of directly related experience, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Proven experience as a Program or Project Manager, with demonstrated success leading teams in the development of complex systems.
• Successful track record of meeting specifications, cost, schedule, and reliability targets.
• Excellent collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• In depth experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: network architecture and configuration, PLC programming, software development and quality assurance tools and methodologies, open-source or collaborative community project development, and Wi-Fi technology.
• Flexibility to travel 20 - 30% depending on the time of the year.
• Availability to work some nights and weekends during the competition season.

Commitment to FIRST® Core Values

Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact:  We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

Thriving on our core values, celebrating the uniqueness of our employees and committed to inclusion. Proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

By submitting my application, I certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statements or omissions may result in disqualification from employment or, if employed, termination.

I acknowledge that FIRST may conduct a comprehensive background check as part of the hiring process. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of my employment history, education, professional credentials, employment references, and a review of prior involvement with FIRST in an employment or volunteer capacity.

I further acknowledge that if I receive a conditional offer of employment, my employment status remains contingent upon the results of a criminal records check, and that the findings may affect my eligibility for employment. Additionally, for certain positions where job responsibilities warrant it, FIRST may conduct a credit check as part of the background screening process, in compliance with applicable laws.

FIRST takes your privacy seriously, and we are dedicated to protecting the confidentiality of your personal data. If you apply for a position at FIRST, we will collect, process, and store your personal data, such as your name, contact information, and application materials, to comply with our regulatory and legal obligations. FIRST will retain employment records, including employment applications, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.