Director of Software Security

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📍 SAN JOSEFull time💰 USD 165K–306K

About this role

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

Cadence InfoSec is seeking a Director of Software Security to lead the strategy, architecture, and execution of secure software development practices across the enterprise. This role will drive DevSecOps transformation, ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (including CMMC), and embed security throughout the software lifecycle (SDLC).

Key Responsibilities

DevSecOps Strategy & Leadership

  • Define and execute enterprise DevSecOps strategy across all development teams

  • Integrate security controls into CI/CD pipelines (build, test, release)

  • Establish “shift-left” security practices across the SDLC

  • Drive adoption of secure coding, SAST, DAST, and SCA tools

Secure Software Architecture

  • Define reference architectures for secure microservices, APIs, and cloud-native apps

  • Establish security patterns for containers, Kubernetes, and serverless

  • Lead threat modeling initiatives 

  • Ensure secure API design and zero trust principles

Regulatory Compliance & CMMC

  • Lead compliance initiatives for:

    • Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0)

    • NIST SP 800-171r2 /800-53

    • ISO 27001

  • Ensure software systems meet federal, defense, and privacy regulations

  • Coordinate audits, assessments, and continuous monitoring programs

  • Implement controls for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Cloud & Platform Security

  • Secure DevOps pipelines across cloud platforms:

    • Amazon AWS

    • Microsoft Azure

    • Google Cloud

    • IBMC cloud

    • Cadence software service and products

  • Implement infrastructure-as-code (IaC) security scanning

  • Define secrets management, identity, and access controls

Application Security Program

  • Build and scale AppSec program across all product lines

  • Define vulnerability management lifecycle (discovery → remediation → validation)

  • Establish bug bounty / responsible disclosure programs

  • Integrate security into Agile and CI/CD workflows

Supply Chain & Software Integrity

  • Secure software supply chain (SBOM, dependency scanning)

  • Implement artifact signing, provenance, and integrity validation

Governance & Risk Management

  • Define policies, standards, and secure development guidelines

  • Establish KPIs: vulnerability remediation SLA, code coverage, pipeline security

  • Align software security with enterprise risk management

  • Report posture to executive leadership and board

Leadership & Cross-Functional Influence

  • Lead teams of AppSec engineers, DevSecOps engineers, and architects

  • Partner with Engineering, Product, Legal, and Compliance teams

  • Build security champions program within development teams

  • Influence engineering culture toward security ownership

Required Qualifications

  • 12–15+ years in cybersecurity, with strong focus on application security and DevSecOps

  • 5+ years in leadership (manager/director level)

  • Deep expertise in:

    • Secure SDLC and DevSecOps pipelines

    • Cloud-native architectures and container security

    • Regulatory frameworks (CMMC, NIST, ISO)

  • Experience in regulated industries (defense, government, healthcare, fintech)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience with tools such as:

    • SAST: Checkmarx, Veracode

    • DAST: Burp Suite

    • SCA: Snyk, Black Duck

    • CI/CD: Jenkins, GitHub Actions

  • Familiarity with Kubernetes, Docker, and service mesh security

  • Certifications:

    • CISSP, CSSLP

    • CISM or CCSP

  • Experience with Zero Trust and identity-first security

Key Skills

  • DevSecOps Transformation

  • Secure Software Architecture

  • Regulatory Compliance (CMMC, NIST, ISO)

  • Application Security & Threat Modeling

  • Software Supply Chain Security (SBOM, SLSA)

  • Cloud & Container Security

  • Executive Communication & Strategy

The annual salary range for California is $164,500 to $305,500. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Director of Software Security role at cadence?
The listed salary for this Director of Software Security position at cadence is USD 165K–306K. This is an Full time role.
Where is the Director of Software Security position at cadence located?
This Director of Software Security role at cadence is based in SAN JOSE. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Director of Software Security role at cadence full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Director of Software Security role at cadence.
How do I apply for the Director of Software Security position at cadence?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to cadence's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Director of Software Security job at cadence posted?
This Director of Software Security position at cadence was posted on Sep 16, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Director of Software Security
cadence · 💰 USD 165K–306K
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You'll be redirected to cadence's official application page on Workday.