Director, Application Engineering (Remote)

The START Center for Cancer Research (“START”) is the world’s largest early phase site network, fully dedicated to oncology clinical research. Throughout our history, START has provided hope to cancer patients in global community practices by offering "Hope Through Access” to cutting edge trials throughout the United States and Europe.   

Position Summary

The Director, Application Engineering leads the design, development, deployment, and ongoing support of internally developed software solutions that enable START's clinical research operations. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for transforming validated prototypes into secure, scalable production systems, establishing software development standards, and leading a growing engineering team. The Director owns application delivery, SDLC governance, AI-assisted development practices, and cross-functional collaboration with Systems Engineering, Enterprise Architecture, Quality, and Compliance

This is a remote role. The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $200,000. However, base pay may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Work Hours: M-F, 8am-5pm 

Location: Remote

Essential Responsibilities

Software Delivery & Engineering Execution

• Lead the design, development, deployment, and support of internally developed software solutions that enable clinical research operations.
• Transform approved requirements, prototypes, and business concepts into secure, scalable, and maintainable production systems.
• Maintain active involvement in software design, development, architecture reviews, and code reviews, serving as a hands-on technical leader.
• Own application release management, deployment processes, and production readiness across the software portfolio.
• Ensure systems are reliable, supportable, and aligned with business, security, and compliance requirements.

Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) & Engineering Governance

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve software development standards, methodologies, and lifecycle processes.
• Establish and maintain engineering practices for code quality, testing, CI/CD, version control, change management, release governance, and documentation.
• Define quality metrics, review processes, and delivery standards that promote consistency, scalability, and operational excellence.
• Ensure appropriate technical documentation, SOPs, and audit-ready evidence are maintained throughout the system lifecycle.

AI-Assisted Development & Innovation

• Lead the adoption and governance of AI-assisted software development practices across the engineering organization.
• Establish standards for the responsible use of AI tools in software development, testing, documentation, and code review.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and development practices to improve engineering productivity, quality, and delivery outcomes.
• Ensure all AI-assisted development activities comply with organizational governance, security, privacy, and data-handling standards.

Architecture, Infrastructure & Technology Partnership

• Collaborate with Systems Engineering and Enterprise Architecture to design scalable, secure, and maintainable application solutions.
• Define infrastructure requirements and infrastructure-as-code standards that support application delivery and operational success.
• Contribute to technology roadmap planning and architectural decisions that align with organizational goals and growth objectives.
• Ensure application architecture, infrastructure design, and development practices support long-term scalability and maintainability.

Quality, Validation & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure software systems are developed, tested, released, and maintained in accordance with applicable quality, validation, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Quality, Compliance, and business stakeholders to support system validation, change control, risk management, and audit readiness activities.
• Maintain appropriate controls, traceability, and documentation to support GxP, SOC 2, and other compliance requirements as applicable.
• Support internal and external audits by providing technical documentation, system evidence, and control validation records.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop software engineers through coaching, technical guidance, performance management, and career development planning.
• Establish a high-performance engineering culture focused on accountability, collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with business and technology leaders to prioritize initiatives, allocate resources, and manage delivery expectations.
• Develop staffing plans and hiring strategies to support organizational growth and engineering capability needs.
• Manage support ownership, operational readiness, and escalation processes for systems delivered by the engineering team.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 8+ years of progressive software engineering experience, including 3+ years leading engineering teams.
• Demonstrated success delivering, deploying, and supporting enterprise software applications in production environments.
• Hands-on software development experience with strong capabilities across web applications, APIs, and data services.
• Experience establishing or significantly improving software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices, including code review, testing, CI/CD, release management, and change control.
• Experience applying AI-assisted development tools and practices within a software engineering environment.
• Knowledge of cloud architecture and infrastructure-as-code principles, with the ability to partner effectively with infrastructure and platform engineering teams.
• Demonstrated ability to transform prototypes and business requirements into scalable, maintainable production solutions.
• Strong communication and documentation skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts for business and executive stakeholders.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience developing software in regulated environments (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP, computer system validation).
• Experience within clinical research, life sciences, healthcare, or CRO organizations.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing software engineers.
• Experience scaling engineering teams, processes, or technology platforms within a growing organization.
• Familiarity with Azure, Entra ID, modern CI/CD platforms, and compliance frameworks such as SOC 2.

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks  

We value the time, talent, and dedication our employees bring to START. Our commitment to your well-being and growth is reflected in a competitive compensation package—based on experience—along with comprehensive benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally:  

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match  

• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results  

• Generous paid time off and paid holidays  

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and optional insurance options  

• Company paid life and disability insurance for added financial protection  

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential, no ‑cost support for you and your family from day one  

• Flexible FSA and HSA plans to support your financial wellness  

• Commitment to a supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility  

• We’re committed to fostering a collaborative, creative workplace where every team member is encouraged to contribute. At START, you’ll join a team that values continuous learning, professional growth, shared ideas, and a culture built on inclusivity and innovation.  

More About START  

START clinical trial sites have conducted more than 1,000 early-phase clinical trials, including dozens of therapies that were approved by the FDA or EMA. START represents the world’s largest roster of early-phase principal investigators across its Network of clinical trial sites.

Learn more at STARTresearch.com.   

Ready to be part of a team changing the future of cancer treatment?  

Join us in our mission to conquer cancer, one clinical trial at a time. Your expertise and dedication can help us bring hope and healing to patients worldwide. Please submit your application online.  

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.