R&D Engineering, Director

Synopsys is the leader in engineering solutions from silicon to systems, enabling customers to rapidly innovate AI-powered products. We deliver industry-leading silicon design, IP, simulation and analysis solutions, and design services. We partner closely with our customers across a wide range of industries to maximize their R&D capability and productivity, powering innovation today that ignites the ingenuity of tomorrow.

You Are

You are an experienced software engineering leader who knows how to help teams deliver meaningful product innovation while strengthening the foundations that make long-term success possible. You are energized by leading teams through complexity—balancing new feature development, legacy code modernization, and shifting business priorities without losing momentum. You can connect Zemax’s product vision to customer needs, business goals, and technical execution, and you know how to bring clarity when priorities or requirements feel ambiguous. You are comfortable working across levels, whether you are partnering with Product Management, guiding engineering managers, or presenting direction and progress to customers and executive stakeholders. While you understand software architecture and engineering tradeoffs, your greatest impact comes through the teams you build and grow. You know how to develop leaders, challenge teams to raise the bar, and create an environment where people can do strong, collaborative work. You believe in Agile principles and modern engineering practices, but you apply them with judgment and flexibility. You are motivated by the opportunity to modernize a trusted product, strengthen developer productivity, and help ensure Zemax remains essential to customers and the business.

What You'll Be Doing

• Guide Zemax R&D teams in Canada, USA, and the UK to deliver features and modernize the platform.
• Set and drive department goals, balancing delivery on the product charter with codebase maintenance and continuous improvement in developer productivity.
• Oversee delivery of next-gen features that keep Zemax leading in optics simulation.
• Drive modernization initiatives for Zemax, evolving legacy code and architecture to support next-generation features and scale.
• Champion Agile software development practices, providing oversight on implementation and adapting processes where needed.
• Work closely with Product Management to build, prioritize, and communicate the roadmap.
• Present product direction, progress, and vision to Customer Advisory Boards, Technical Review Meetings, and executive stakeholders.
• Oversee resource allocation, staffing, and compensation planning for your teams, ensuring you have the right mix of skills and experience to deliver.

The Impact You Will Have

• Move Zemax forward with new features and a modern codebase.
• Drive growth for a world-renowned product essential to optical designers
• Reduce technical debt and speed up release cycles.
• Shape a collaborative, high-performing global team.
• Raise Zemax’s reputation with customers and leadership.

What You'll Need

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 12 years’ experience (or MS with 10, PhD with 8).
• 6+ years managing software teams.
• Proven record of delivering commercial software products.
• Experience with Agile development and legacy code modernization.
• Able to connect technical decisions to business impact.
• Zemax or optics simulation experience is a plus.

Who You Are

• You can explain a complex technical tradeoff to a customer or executive in plain language and hold your ground when needed.
• You see and fix problems early, not after they elevate.
• You value team trust, openness, and accountability.
• You thrive on cross-team alignment, finding ways to standardize and share rather than reinventing the wheel.
• You mentor managers, not just engineers, and you are intentional about growing future leaders.

The Team You'll Be Part Of

You will lead a global Zemax R&D team with members based in Canada, US, and UK, collaborating across time zones to deliver world-class optics software.

Rewards and Benefits

We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non-monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.

Synopsys Canada ULC values the diversity of our workforce. We are committed to provide access & opportunity to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals throughout the recruitment and employment process. Should you require an accommodation, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io .