Technical Director - Software Engineering

Description and Requirements
Role Value Proposition:
MetLife is one of the leading providers of Group Benefits worldwide and is the premier provider of U.S. Benefits. We have an exciting opportunity to join and lead a dynamic application development team specializing in APIs, data exchanges, and Applications Modernization, where you will play a key role in driving critical business deliverables and transforming our legacy systems into modern platforms. Your responsibilities will include designing solutions for IT and Business objectives, executing Proof of Concepts to address fast-moving objectives with emerging technologies, and providing end-to-end technical direction for IT product development teams. As a director, this is a hands-on role overseeing multi-phased initiatives, managing onshore and offshore teams, and collaborating closely with Product and Design teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions. This role offers the chance to significantly impact, foster curiosity, and play a critical part in delivering innovative technology and customer solutions.
Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee technical implementation across the product portfolio, including distributed technologies like Java with Spring Boot and/or React, JavaScript / Python, JSON / XML, OpenShift, containers, headless API development, and Azure technologies, including DevOps, Cloud implementations, and general software development in Azure.
• Provide solution architecture for various new features in line with modern development practices.
• Develop architectural runway and POCs typically in java-springboot and React.
• Do technical code and solution walkthroughs.
• Lead technical teams of 50+ resources, including employees and onshore/offshore partner teams.
• Manage people and resources, including hiring, development, talent engagement, upskilling, performance management, and annual reviews.
• Serve as the key technology advisor to the Product Manager.
• Develop and manage an application roadmap that delivers value in the short and long term.
• Integrate site reliability practices into SAFE Agile software development.
• Establish and enforce best practices in software development, including code management, security, currency, performance, testing, DevOps practices, application maintainability, and reliability.
• Utilize Agile software development metrics, maintenance metrics, and KPIs to optimize product delivery
• Identify risks and drive audits to a conclusion.
• Manage financials and budgets for software and services purchases/renewals.
• Oversee any software and services vendors where applicable.

Essential Business Experience and Technical Skills:
Required:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years of hands-on development experience in full-stack software engineering.
• 3+ years of creating technical designs in the cloud, preferably Azure and Kubernetes. Experience with cloud-based technologies, implementation/migrations.
• Proven experience in leading/managing a team of technologists. Experience in managing effective teams, both onshore and offshore.
• 5+ years of development experience with one or more programming languages, such as Java, Python, and/or JavaScript.
• Proficiency with various database technologies and solutions, including both SQL (Oracle or MS SQL Server preferred) and NoSQL.
• Container-based development leveraging Docker and/or Kubernetes.
• Experience in managing production applications, including monitoring, support, and triage of production issues.
• Hands-on development of microservices and applications from the ground up
• Experience with integration tools such as Kafka, and/or MQ, Azure function apps/logic apps, etc.

Preferred:

• A person who wants to be hands-on in solving technical challenges.
• CP4I Components: Familiarity with the various components of CP4I, such as App Connect, API Connect, MQ, Event Streams, and DataPower Gateway.
• Hybrid Cloud Integration: Designing and implementing integration solutions across on-premises and cloud environments.
• API Management: Utilizing API Connect for creating, managing, and securing APIs.
• MQ Administration: Configuration, management, and monitoring of MQ environments, including security, clustering, and high availability.
• DevOps and CI/CD: Implementing continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines for integration solutions within CP4I.
• 3+ years of experience in the Agile framework, delivery model, and tools.
• Knowledge of site reliability practices to reduce churn and overall application overhead.
• Experience with requirements management (in the form of user stories, use cases, etc.), functional design, technical design, architecture, and automated testing.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• DevOps practices for CI/CD, release management, and automation using Azure DevOps or equivalent.
• Ability to guide teams in detailed analysis, pattern recognition, and diagnosis of issues.

At MetLife, we're leading the global transformation of an industry we've long defined. United in purpose, diverse in perspective, we're dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers.
The expected salary range for this position is $140,000 to $185,700. This role may also be eligible for annual short-term incentive compensation. All incentives and benefits are subject to the applicable plan terms.
Benefits We Offer
Our U.S. benefits address holistic well-being with programs for physical and mental health, financial wellness, and support for families. We offer a comprehensive health plan that includes medical/prescription drug and vision, dental insurance, and no-cost short- and long-term disability. We also provide company-paid life insurance and legal services, a retirement pension funded entirely by MetLife and 401(k) with employer matching, group discounts on voluntary insurance products including auto and home, pet, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance, as well as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and digital mental health programs, parental leave, volunteer time off, tuition assistance and much more!
About MetLife
Recognized on Fortune magazine's list of the 2025 "World's Most Admired Companies", Fortune World's 25 Best Workplaces™ for 2024, as well as the 2025 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For ®, MetLife , through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world's leading financial services companies; providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. With operations in more than 40 markets, we hold leading positions in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Our purpose is simple - to help our colleagues, customers, communities, and the world at large create a more confident future. United by purpose and guided by empathy, we're inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it's #AllTogetherPossible . Join us!
MetLife is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status (although applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States), uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law ("protected characteristics").
If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at [email protected]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process.
MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.
$140,000 to $185,700
#BI-Hybrid