About Ryan
I’m an engineering director and software engineering leader based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with nearly two decades of experience in agile transformation, DevOps implementation, and building high-performance engineering teams that deliver scalable software solutions. My career spans from hands-on software development to strategic leadership roles, with a consistent focus on transforming engineering organizations and driving measurable business outcomes.
Engineering Leadership Philosophy
As an engineering director specializing in team leadership and organizational transformation, I believe great software engineering leaders serve their teams by removing obstacles, providing clear direction, and fostering environments where talented people can do their best work. My approach centers on:
- People-First Leadership: Developing talent through mentorship, coaching, and creating growth opportunities
- Operational Excellence: Implementing proven methodologies (Agile, Lean, DevOps) to deliver faster and more reliably
- Strategic Alignment: Ensuring technical decisions support broader business objectives
- Continuous Improvement: Using data-driven insights to optimize processes and outcomes
Software Engineering Background
My engineering leadership experience is built on a strong technical foundation spanning enterprise software development (C#/.NET, C/C++, Python), automation & control systems, embedded systems, and cloud platforms. This hands-on experience in software engineering helps me make informed architectural decisions and maintain credibility with engineering teams.
Career Highlights
Current Role: As Director of Engineering at OPUS IVS, I’ve led agile transformations that reduced delivery cycles by 20%, implemented DevOps practices that cut deployment time in half, and built efficient workflows for globally distributed software teams.
Previous Leadership: At Balance Technology Inc, I directed engineering and operations for $30M+ in annual sales, led the development of automation systems for automotive and aerospace clients, and established strategic partnerships that captured millions in new business with companies like Lucid and Rivian.
Growth Trajectory: My path from Sr. Software Engineer to engineering management roles (including a promotion to Department Manager in just 9 months at New Eagle) demonstrates both technical depth and software engineering leadership capability.
Education & Certifications
- B.S. Electrical Engineering, Lake Superior State University (2005)
- ISO 26262 Automotive Functional Safety Certification
Beyond Work
I’m passionate about emerging technologies, continuous learning, and contributing to the software engineering community. I believe in the power of technology to solve meaningful problems and am always looking for opportunities to apply innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re looking for engineering leadership, exploring strategic partnerships, or simply want to discuss software engineering trends, I’d love to connect.
Email: ryan.borchert@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryanborchert
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan