How to hire a software engineering manager: Find, assess, interview, and hire

Hiring a software engineering manager? We know it's a challenge to find someone who speaks both geek and C-suite. You aren’t just looking for someone who can code – you need a tech-savvy leader who can turn your development team into a tight-knit unit, churning out innovative software solutions on a daily basis.

But how do you spot this rare talent in a pile of similar-looking resumes? Let’s look at what makes a good software engineering manager, how to draw in the best, and which assessment process you should use to choose the right person for your team.

Key takeaways

• Software engineering managers need a unique mix of tech and soft skills

• Write a job description that makes top managers sit up and take notice

• Use skills-based assessments to objectively evaluate candidates

• Ask interview questions that reveal how candidates think and lead – rather than just what they know

What is a software engineering manager?

A software engineering manager is the bridge between your tech team and the rest of the company. They're the ones who translate developer-speak into business goals and vice versa.

These techie leaders:

• Oversee software development projects

• Manage teams of developers

• Make sure technical solutions line up with business objectives

They’re strategic thinkers who can see the big picture while understanding the nitty-gritty details of code.

What skills does a software engineering manager need?

Software engineering projects vary. So, the exact skill set a software engineering manager needs varies between roles, but here are some core competencies to look for.

Technical skills

• Programming languages: Software projects often use different languages for different purposes – for example, JavaScript for user interfaces, Python for data processing, and SQL for database management. A good manager understands the strengths of each language and can guide the team in choosing the right ones for the job.

• Software development methodologies: Software engineering managers should understand how software development projects come together. A manager should know how to use Agile (a development approach that focuses on flexibility) – but also recognize when a more traditional approach might be better for a particular project.

• System architecture and design patterns: This involves high-level decisions about how to structure software systems to build software. For instance, should the system be one large program or several smaller, interconnected services? 

• Version control systems: These tools help teams manage changes to their code over time. Git is the most common one. A manager should know how to use these systems to track changes, manage different versions of the software, and coordinate work among team members.

• Project management: Software engineering managers must have knowledge of the latest project management methodologies, tools, and techniques. Knowledge of tools like Jira, Trello, and GitHib Projects can be useful. Managers must be able to break down big projects into manageable pieces, estimate timelines accurately, adjust plans as needed, and manage stakeholder expectations. 

• Security principles: A manager must understand basic security concepts. This includes how to protect user data, secure communication between different parts of the system, and identify potential vulnerabilities in the software.

• Performance optimization: As software systems grow, they can become slow or unresponsive. A manager should know strategies for improving speed and efficiency – like optimizing database queries or using caching techniques.

Soft skills

• Leadership: A software engineering manager must effectively guide their team. They set clear goals, motivate developers to tackle tough problems, and create an environment where new ideas thrive. Good leaders know when to step in and when to let the team solve issues independently.

• Communication: This skill matters for explaining tech concepts to non-technical people. It's needed for outlining project requirements to the development team and discussing resources with higher-ups. 

• Problem-solving: Software development comes with many challenges. A skilled manager analyzes complex issues, makes decisions under pressure, and balances quick fixes with long-term solutions. They also encourage the team to think creatively about problems.

• Emotional intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions in a team involves recognizing members' strengths and weaknesses, handling disagreements smoothly, and offering support during stressful times.

• Mentoring: Great managers identify areas where developers can grow, create learning opportunities, and guide junior team members in best practices. They build a culture of ongoing learning and knowledge sharing.

• Strategic thinking: Managers need to see the bigger picture. This means lining up tech decisions with business goals, anticipating future challenges, balancing innovation with practical limits, and making tough calls between features, quality, and speed.

• Adaptability: The tech world changes quickly. Good managers stay current with new technologies and trends, adjust plans swiftly when surprises occur, and help their team navigate changes. They view setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.

Software engineering manager job description template

Hiring one of these professionals starts with attracting the right talent, and you can do that by crafting a job description that puts skills first. It's similar to a project manager job description but focuses more on technical oversight, software development processes, and engineering team leadershipHere's a template to get you started:

Role: Software Engineering Manager

Location: [Location/remote]

[Your company name] is seeking a visionary Software Engineering Manager to lead our development team to new heights of innovation and efficiency.

About us: [Add a brief, engaging description of your company, its mission, and why it's an exciting place for a tech leader to work]

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of [X] software developers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement

• Drive the technical direction of our products, ensuring alignment with business goals

• Manage the full software development lifecycle, from planning to deployment

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement innovative solutions

• Establish best practices for code quality, testing, and deployment

• Conduct regular code reviews and provide constructive feedback

• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively

• Stay on top of emerging technologies and industry trends

Required skills: 

• Strong programming skills in [list relevant languages]

• Knowledge of Agile methodologies and project management tools

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• [Other relevant hard and soft skills, such as knowledge of security principles or adaptability]

Preferred qualifications:

• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex software projects

• [X+] years of experience in software development, with at least [Y] years in a leadership role

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field (or equivalent experience or training)

Benefits: [List your company's standout benefits and perks]

How to apply: Ready to lead our tech team to greatness? Here's how to throw your hat in the ring: [Describe your application process, including any skills assessments you'll be using]

💸 Pro tip: Including a salary range in your job description – even if your state doesn't legally require you to – is a great way to attract professionals who value transparency. Software engineering managers command top dollar for their unique blend of technical expertise and leadership skills. In the US, they earn between $246K to $366K on average according to Glassdoor.

Where to find top software engineering manager talent

So, where are you going to share your job description so qualified candidates can see it? Here are some effective channels:

• Your company website

• TestGorilla's remote jobs board

• Popular job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor

• Industry-specific job boards such as GitHub Careers

• Professional networking events and conferences

• Employee referrals and internal recommendations

How to assess a software engineering manager's skills

Once you've identified potential candidates, it's time to evaluate their skills objectively. Can you do this by screening resumes? The goal is to get a 360-degree understanding of each candidate's true capabilities – so no, you can’t. 

Instead, use a tool like TestGorilla: a talent discovery platform with a vast library of tests that help you find candidates with the exact skills you need. You can combine up to five tests to form a single comprehensive assessment.

By combining multiple test types – including role-specific, cognitive, and personality tests – you'll be better equipped to find a software engineering manager who can manage your team well. Focusing on the objective assessment data reduces the bias that can happen when evaluating candidates' resumes and increases the likelihood of finding the right fit for your organization.

Here's a step-by-step guide using TestGorilla's platform:

• Step 1: Create your assessment: Start by setting up a new assessment in TestGorilla. Choose tests that cover technical and soft skills relevant to software engineering management.

• Step 2: Select relevant tests: TestGorilla’s test library contains a range of tests ideal for this role:

• The Software Engineering Management test for overall management capabilities

• The Algorithms for Software Engineering test to gauge technical knowledge

• Programming tests in languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript – depending on your tech stack

• The Problem Solving test to assess critical thinking skills

• The Leadership and People Management test for evaluating leadership abilities

• Step 3: Add custom questions: Include role-specific questions or assignments that reflect real-world scenarios your software engineering manager might face in your company.

• Step 4: Invite candidates: Send out invitations to your applicants to complete the assessment.

• Step 5: Review results: Once candidates complete the tests, analyze their scores and compare them against each other and your benchmarks. Shortlist your highest-scoring candidates.

• Step 6: Conduct interviews: Use the test results to guide your interviews, diving deeper into areas where candidates excelled or struggled. More on this below!

• Step 7: Choose the right candidate: Combine test results with interview performance to make the right hiring choice.

Software engineering manager interview questions

For a well-structured interview, you’ll want questions that really dig into your candidates’ technical know-how and leadership skills. Here are some to get you started:

• "Tell us about when you had to make a difficult technical decision that affected the entire team. How did you handle it?"

• "How do you decide which technologies to adopt in a project?"

• "Describe your approach to mentoring junior developers and fostering their growth."

• "How do you balance technical debt with new feature development?"

• "Can you walk me through how you'd design a scalable system for [specific use case relevant to your company]?"

You’re looking for detailed answers that show you they understand the technical side of the job – while also demonstrating they know how to motivate and guide a team through a project from start to finish.

Find your next tech leader with TestGorilla

Hiring a software engineering manager is a big deal. Get it right, and you'll have someone who can transform your tech team into a success. Get it wrong, and your projects could fail.

Focus on candidates’ technical and soft skills when advertising the gig and assessing candidates. And remember that the best manager isn't always the best coder - they're the one who can bring out the best in your team.

TestGorilla's suite of programming skills tests and role-specific assessments can help you identify top talent objectively and efficiently.

Want to see how our platform works? Take a product tour today – or better yet, sign up for a free plan. 

FAQs

What does a software engineering manager do?

A software engineering manager leads development teams, oversees projects, makes technical decisions, and aligns tech strategy with business goals. They're the link between developers and upper management.

Are software engineering managers in demand?

Yes. As companies rely more on technology, the demand for skilled software engineering managers who can lead tech teams and drive innovation is through the roof.

Are software engineering managers also software developers?

While software engineering managers typically have a development background, they focus more on leadership, project management, and strategic planning rather than day-to-day coding.