Okay, I've searched for Software Development Manager roles in Denver, CO, specializing in data center automation within the cloud industry, requiring 7+ years of experience, and full-time positions. I have found 112 positions available matching these criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Software Development Manager for Data Center Controls Automation and Support is a strategically critical leadership role tasked with building and guiding a new engineering team responsible for the development and maintenance of software systems that enable AWS's global controls deployment at massive scale. Fundamentally, this role exists to create robust, scalable, and secure automation software that supports the provisioning, commissioning, and troubleshooting of physical control devices in AWS data centers, ensuring operational efficiency and reliability. Success demands not only strong technical acumen—especially in systems automation, multi-tier web services, and embedded systems at scale—but also exceptional leadership skills to recruit, mentor, and inspire engineers in an Agile environment. The candidate must excel in managing the full software development lifecycle, fostering collaboration across hardware, network, and operations teams, and continuously aligning technical architectures with Amazon’s high standards for safety, security, and reliability. Navigating the complexity of industrial controls systems in real-world environments involves deep problem-solving capabilities, the ability to manage ambiguity, and a knack for turning strategic vision into executable roadmaps. Performance will be measured by timely delivery of high-quality software products that improve controls deployment efficiency and the manager’s effectiveness in building a high-functioning, motivated engineering organization. The role requires a blend of hands-on technical leadership and managerial oversight, working at junctions between software, hardware, and operational domains to scale mission-critical infrastructure globally.

Company Analysis:

Amazon Data Services, Inc., through AWS, is a transformative leader in cloud computing, offering scalable and cost-efficient infrastructure solutions worldwide. Positioned as a dominant innovator in the cloud services market, AWS operates in a fast-paced, customer-obsessed, and highly data-driven culture that prizes operational excellence, security, and innovation at scale. For a Software Development Manager in the Data Center Controls Automation team, this environment means being part of a high-stakes mission to maintain the backbone of Amazon’s vast infrastructure—the data centers that power cloud services for millions of global customers. The role sits at the intersection of software development and physical infrastructure controls, illustrating Amazon's integrated and systems-thinking approach to problem-solving. Amazon’s culture encourages ownership, bold ideas, and continuous improvement, implying that success hinges on entrepreneurial leadership, willingness to embrace ambiguity, and capability to drive cross-functional impact. This team's work cuts across engineering disciplines and directly affects the reliability and efficiency of AWS’s physical assets, giving the role visibility and strategic influence within the organization's infrastructure services. Given Amazon’s relentless scale and speed of innovation, thriving here requires adaptability, technical curiosity, and a collaborative mindset aligned with AWS’s mission to deliver secure, reliable, and cost-effective cloud solutions.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to build and scale a new engineering team from scratch. How did you approach hiring, mentoring, and establishing team norms?
• Behavioral: Describe a situation where you managed a cross-functional project involving hardware, software, and operations teams. What challenges did you face, and how did you resolve them?
• Behavioral: Give an example of a time you made a critical technical decision under uncertain conditions. How did you gather information and ensure alignment?
• Behavioral: How have you fostered a culture of continuous learning and innovation within your engineering teams?
• Technical: How would you architect a software solution to automate the provisioning and commissioning of physical control devices deployed at scale?
• Technical: Explain your experience designing multi-tier web services with an emphasis on reliability and scalability. What design patterns and engineering practices do you prioritize?
• Technical: What strategies do you use to ensure software security and availability, especially in mission-critical embedded or industrial control systems?
• Technical: Can you discuss your experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and how you manage day-to-day engineering execution in such an environment?
• Situational: Imagine part of your deployed automation software is causing intermittent failures that delay equipment commissioning in data centers. How do you lead your team through this challenge?
• Situational: A stakeholder requests a major feature that conflicts with the current architectural strategy and timeline. How do you handle this situation?
• Situational: Suppose you identify a skills gap in your team that threatens project delivery. What steps do you take to address this quickly and effectively?
• Company Fit: What excites you most about working at AWS Infrastructure Services, specifically on data center controls automation?
• Company Fit: How do your leadership and technical philosophies align with Amazon’s principles of customer obsession, ownership, and delivering results?
• Company Fit: AWS operates at an extraordinary scale and speed—how do you sustain high-quality engineering and innovation in such an environment?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: Can you describe the current biggest technical challenges the Data Center Controls Automation team is facing?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: How does this team measure success and impact within the broader AWS Infrastructure organization?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: What opportunities exist for professional growth and technical innovation for someone in this Software Development Manager role?