Explore Director, Systems Engineering opportunities on Ladders, where you can find vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. These senior leaders guide the design, integration, and performance of complex systems while aligning engineering work with business goals.
Directors of Systems Engineering set technical direction across products, platforms, and programs. They oversee systems architecture and requirements, coordinate cross-functional engineering teams, manage technical risks, and help ensure solutions meet performance, reliability, security, and regulatory expectations. The scope varies by organization and industry, from software and telecommunications to aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and healthcare technology.
Employers commonly seek extensive engineering experience and a record of leading complex programs or large technical teams. A bachelor's degree in systems engineering or a related discipline is often expected; some positions prefer an advanced degree. Valuable strengths include systems architecture, requirements management, integration and test, risk management, technical communication, strategic planning, and people leadership. Specific qualifications depend on the employer and sector.
Browse vetted Director, Systems Engineering openings and compare opportunities by employer, location, industry, and responsibilities. Ladders focuses on professional roles paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced engineering leaders explore their next career move.
Director, Features System Engineering
$220K - $290K *
Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...
1 week ago
$177K - $266K *
Drive success as you lead a remote team of Systems Engineers to enhance technical sales and partner engagement across the Southwest Mountain region, ensuring strong product adoption in a rapidly evolv...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$124K - $238K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of spacecraft systems engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead cross-functional teams in developing complex spacecraft designs, ensuring compliance, and drivi...
2 weeks ago
Principal Systems Security Engineer
$200K - $315K *
Create and implement robust security architectures across enterprise, cloud, and infrastructure environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards while guiding security initiatives and influen...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Director, Software Engineering
$145K - $190K *
Lead the charge in designing and optimizing scalable data pipelines using Azure, PySpark, and Airflow. Collaborate with teams to ensure data quality and performance while mentoring engineers and drivi...
1 week ago
$93K - $125K *
Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...
6 days ago
$106K - $198K *
Lead the charge in developing mission-critical Command & Control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and create innovative architectures that meet diverse...
4 days ago
Systems Engineer, Manager - Operations
$121K - $164K *
Champion a team of analysts to enhance enterprise infrastructure services, ensuring reliable support and operational excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align priorities and drive c...
4 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the design and management of robust and scalable network infrastructure for hyperscale data centers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high performance and reliability in support...
3 weeks ago
Director, Solutions Engineering, NA
$150K - $180K *
Lead the Solutions Engineering function, driving technical excellence and customer engagement to design tailored data center solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless transitions fr...
1 week ago
$95K - $105K *
Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...
1 week ago
$150K - $280K *
Drive system architecture definition and refine requirements in a collaborative, agile environment. Engage with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with customer needs and technical solutions...
4 days ago
Director, Engineering- North America
$140K - $218K *
Transform the future of aerospace engineering by leading multi-site teams, enhancing technical capabilities, and driving operational excellence to meet customer demands and improve performance across...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Transform the future of enterprise solutions by bridging stakeholder needs with actionable architecture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess capabilities, identify gaps, and recommend sc...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$225K - $265K *
Partner with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency in our travel marketplace. You'll manage project lifecycles, enhance collaboration, and champion a custome...
1 week ago
$218K - $256K *
Lead the charge in shaping IT strategy and operations for a remote-first SaaS company. Drive service delivery, enhance employee technology experiences, and build a high-performing IT organization whil...
1 week ago
Director, Digital Systems & Strategic Growth
$140K - $180K *
Transform the digital manufacturing landscape by driving sales growth and market expansion. Collaborate across teams to develop strategies, support federal opportunities, and enhance customer value th...
1 week ago
Director, Research and Development
$125K - $135K *
Lead the technology strategy for a dynamic software development team, overseeing modernization efforts and AI integration across multiple product lines. Foster innovation, accountability, and continuo...
1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Build and automate security solutions within the software development lifecycle, enhancing application and cloud security through hands-on collaboration and systemic risk evaluation. Lead initiatives...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by bridging RF cyber-research and software implementation. Lead multidisciplinary teams to define system architectures and convert findings into actionable solutions for cutting-ed...
Today
Software Systems Engineer Principal
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of program management by leveraging your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovative solutions in a cloud-native envir...
5 days ago
Software Systems Engineer Principal
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of program management solutions. Leverage your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovation and deliver high-quality, c...
5 days ago
Avionics/ Staff Command and Data Handling Engineer
$117K - $195K *
Join a team that's developing cutting-edge avionics architectures for diverse missions. Leverage your expertise in command and data handling to optimize system performance and ensure seamless integrat...
2 weeks ago
Sr Principal Program Mgr, PIC Data Eng
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in developing next-gen data platforms, driving strategic insights and AI solutions. Oversee data architecture, governance, and quality, while mentoring a high-performing team to foster...
1 week ago
Director, Production and Infrastructure Engineering
$240K - $290K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team focused on production and infrastructure. Drive performance, foster collaboration, and deliver innovative solutions while managing diverse tec...
Today
What does a Director of Systems Engineering do?
A Director of Systems Engineering sets technical strategy and oversees teams responsible for system architecture, requirements, integration, verification, and delivery. The role also connects engineering decisions to business objectives, timelines, budgets, and customer needs.
What qualifications are commonly required for Director, Systems Engineering jobs?
Requirements vary, but employers often look for a bachelor's degree in systems engineering or a related technical field, substantial engineering experience, and a history of leading multidisciplinary teams or complex programs. Some roles prefer an advanced degree or industry-specific credentials.
Which industries hire Directors of Systems Engineering?
Employers may include companies in aerospace and defense, software, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare technology, and other industries that develop or operate complex systems.
What skills are important for a Director of Systems Engineering?
Commonly valued skills include systems architecture, requirements management, integration and test, technical risk management, strategic planning, cross-functional communication, budgeting, and team leadership.
Where can I find Director, Systems Engineering jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Ladders features vetted professional job opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Browse current listings to explore Director, Systems Engineering roles by employer, location, industry, and responsibilities.