Manager, Software Localization Engineering- Hybrid, Cary, North Carolina

Work Location: based in Cary, with 3 days per week in-office work 

We’re a leader in data and AI. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data into intelligence - and questions into answers.

If you're looking for a dynamic, fulfilling career with flexibility and a world-class employee experience, you'll find it here. We're recognized around the world for our inclusive, meaningful culture and innovative technologies by organizations like Fast Company, Forbes, Newsweek and more.

About the job

The Globalization team is seeking a Manager, Software Localization Engineering to lead the design, scaling, and operation of our localization technology platform. Reporting to the Globalization Director, this role combines expertise in localization, AI-powered translation technologies, and software engineering to improve multilingual product experiences for customers around the world. You will serve as the technical lead for localization systems, building and optimizing workflows that integrate translation management systems (TMS), machine translation (NMT), and large language model (LLM) technologies. You will lead all localization engineering activities in close partnership with Localization Project Management, Localization QA, product engineering teams and internationalization stakeholders, while acting as a go-to resource across the organization.  

The ideal candidate is Cary-based with the flexibility to collaborate across time zones to deliver world-class, multilingual software  

As a Manager, Software Localization Engineering , you will:

• Lead a team of localization engineers, driving innovation through automation and AI-enabled solutions. 

• Set the team's strategic direction and guide execution against business and organizational goals. 

• Foster a high-performing culture through coaching, talent development, and performance leadership. 

• Drive the evolution of localization platforms, services, and infrastructure supporting global software and content delivery. 

• Guide the adoption of next-generation localization technologies, including machine translation and LLM-based workflows. 

• Oversee scalable integrations across product systems, content platforms, and development pipelines. 

• Partner across engineering, QA, and localization teams to improve quality, efficiency, and delivery outcomes. 

• Champion localization best practices, technical standards, and automation strategies across the organization. 

• Measure and continuously improve localization productivity and operational performance. 

• Ensure compliance with secure software development practices and organizational policies. 

• Embrace curiosity, passion, authenticity and accountability. These are our values and influence everything we do. 

 Required qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in a technical localization management role, and 2 years of people management.  

• At least 2 years of demonstrated leadership experience (e.g., Team Lead, Technical/Project Lead, or People Manager). 

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Business or related field; 

• Solid track record of leading engineering teams, setting goals, and overseeing technical projects.  

• Ability to work across product teams and influence workflow adoption through clear communication and technical leadership.  

• Expertise in AI/ML technologies, especially as applied to developer tools or localization workflows.  

• Solid hands on experience with at least one programming language, TypeScript, JavaScript, Python, or similar.  

• Experience with Translation Management Systems (TMS) tools, workflows and metrics  

• Experience with GitHub Enterprise 

• Familiarity with Automated Localization testing frameworks, such as: Robot Framework and Playwright  

• Flexibility to participate in meetings outside standard working hours to support collaboration with global teams and stakeholders.
• Equivalent combination of related education, training and experience may be considered in place of the above qualifications.

 #LI-CC

Additional competencies, knowledge and skills

• Experience with Neural Machine Translation 

• Experience developing AI/ML based tools, services, or plug-ins that support developer efficiency and global readiness.  

• Experience with JIRA and Confluence  

• Master’s degree is a plus 

World-class benefits  

Highlights include...

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental and vision plans.
• Medical plan options include:
  • PPO with low annual deductible and copays.
  • HDHP combined with a health savings account with a contribution from SAS (no access to on-site health care center).
• Onsite Health Care Center (HQ) that’s free to employees and family members enrolled in the PPO plan. There's a pharmacy too! Not local to HQ? The pharmacy will ship prescriptions for no additional charge!
• An industry-leading 401k plan.
• Tuition Assistance Program and programs and resources to support your development
• Generous time away including vacation time, a variety of paid holidays, and our much-loved U.S. Winter Wellness Break between December 25 and January 1.
• Volunteer Time Off, parental leave and unlimited paid sick days.
• Generous childcare benefits for all full-time employees.

You are welcome here.

At SAS, it’s not about fitting into our culture – it’s about adding to it. We believe our people make the difference. Our inclusive workforce brings together unique talents and inspires teams to create amazing software that reflects the diversity of our users and customers.

Additional Information:

To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status. SAS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. Read more: Know Your Rights. 

Resumes may be considered in the order they are received. SAS employees performing certain job functions may require access to technology or software subject to export or import regulations. To comply with these regulations, SAS may obtain nationality or citizenship information from applicants for employment. SAS collects this information solely for trade law compliance purposes and does not use it to discriminate unfairly in the hiring process.

SAS only sends emails from verified “sas.com” email addresses and never asks for sensitive, personal information or money. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of any type of communication from, or on behalf of SAS, please contact Recruitingsupport@sas.com.

Let's stay in touch! Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on company news, job updates and more.

#SAS