Director of Software Engineering (m/f/d)

Job Description

Northern Data Group is a global leader in high-performance computing (HPC) and Generative AI infrastructure. With brands including Taiga Cloud and Ardent Data Centers, we provide sovereign, clean-energy-powered access to some of the world’s most advanced GPU clusters. Our mission is to power innovation by enabling enterprises, researchers, and developers to scale their AI and HPC workloads with unmatched efficiency and speed.

We operate at startup pace, with the backing of global expertise, and are now looking for a Director of Software Engineering to join our leadership team.

As Director of Software Engineering, you will lead and scale our engineering teams to build the platforms, APIs, and services that power Northern Data Group’s AI and HPC infrastructure. This is a senior leadership role that also offers the opportunity to stay hands-on in technical delivery, perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, international, scale-up environment.

You will partner closely with the CTO, product leadership, and infrastructure teams to deliver world-class software solutions across cloud orchestration, API management, observability, DevOps, and customer-facing services.

Your Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute the software engineering strategy aligned to Northern Data Group’s growth goals.
• Build, mentor, and scale high-performing international engineering teams.
• Drive engineering culture across agility, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

Product & Platform Delivery

• Deliver scalable APIs and backend services that power AI and HPC workloads.
• Oversee development of cloud-native applications, automation pipelines, and monitoring systems.
• Ensure robust CI/CD, DevOps, and observability best practices across teams.
• Collaborate with product leaders to define the roadmap and translate requirements into technical delivery.

Technical Excellence

• Set standards for code quality, testing, and secure-by-design practices.
• Guide teams in modern software engineering practices across Python, FastAPI, Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible, Bash, Ruby, JavaScript, and related technologies.
• Provide architectural oversight on distributed systems, APIs, and integrations with GPU/HPC infrastructure.
• Maintain expertise in emerging technologies including Generative AI, InfiniBand networking, liquid cooling systems, and large-scale compute orchestration.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with data center operations, hardware engineering, and commercial teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Act as the technical bridge between engineers, stakeholders, and customers.
• Ensure alignment across global teams and business units.

Your Qualifications

• 10+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Director, VP, or similar).
• Proven track record of leading distributed engineering teams in Cloud, AI, or HPC-related environments.
• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following: Python, FastAPI, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, Ansible, Docker, Bash, Ruby, JavaScript.
• Experience delivering customer-facing platforms and APIs at scale.
• Strong understanding of cloud architecture (IaaS/PaaS), GPU compute, and HPC infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to hire, mentor, and inspire engineers across multiple geographies.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-growth, international startup environment.
• Experience delivering customer-facing platforms and APIs at scale.
• Strong understanding of cloud architecture (IaaS/PaaS), GPU compute, and HPC infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to hire, mentor, and inspire engineers across multiple geographies.

What We Offer

With us, you will work towards the future of HPC: From new, sustainable building methods for data centers to cooling concepts to software solutions for accelerated compute. 

Your approaches count: In official exchange formats or spontaneously at the coffee machine. At Northern Data, it's the best idea that counts - not the hierarchy. We’re looking forward to getting your inputs!

You make the difference in the company: Unlike in established corporations, at Northern Data you will really help shape things. From implementing new departments, to optimizing processes and culture. 

Best-in-class partners: The best work with Northern Data. This means a knowledge and time advantage from which your career and our customers benefit equally.

Green by heart: Sustainability is at the core of Northern Data. With us, you actively work on the carbon neutrality of datacenters worldwide. Beginning with our infrastructure and continuing with the solutions for our clients, we work towards a green future.

Home Office facts: Work with our international and virtual team flexible from home. And of course, your hardware wishes will be fulfilled to make your ideas for next level HPC come true.

Your wellness matters: At Northern Data we have regular wellbeing initiatives that are designed to promote wellness, diversity, inclusion, and much more, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment for our global team.