Director, Systems Engineering Jobs

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.

What Does a Director of Systems Engineering Do?

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.

Common Responsibilities

  • Define systems engineering strategy, architecture principles, and technical roadmaps.
  • Lead managers and multidisciplinary teams through development, integration, verification, and validation.
  • Translate customer and business needs into system requirements and measurable outcomes.
  • Oversee budgets, schedules, staffing, vendor relationships, and program risks.
  • Partner with product, software, hardware, operations, and executive leaders.
  • Improve engineering processes, quality practices, and lifecycle governance.

Qualifications and Skills

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.

Find Director, Systems Engineering Roles on Ladders

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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovative system designs for security, video, access, and fire alarm solutions. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored solutions, support junior members, and ensure project success through...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$225K - $265K *

Accelerate progress at a mission-critical team, leading Data Streaming to enhance data ingestion pipelines. Build a skilled team, ensure pipeline reliability, and collaborate cross-functionally to sup...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $154K *

Lead the charge in high-quality process design for complex industrial projects, collaborating across disciplines to ensure effective delivery from concept to detail, while driving execution in a dynam...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $130K *

Champion global expansion initiatives by managing the FedRAMP program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project timelines and deliverables are met while navigating a fast-paced enviro...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Build a scalable discovery methodology for integrating acquired agencies, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop integration designs and su...

Lindon, UTRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Shape product strategy and execution for a B2B surveillance portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product success from concept to end of life, while mentoring fellow product mana...

Teaneck, NJRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$95K - $149K *

Lead the charge in delivering complex product development projects by managing cross-functional teams, ensuring customer satisfaction, and driving operational excellence from initiation to delivery in...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $135K *

Drive strategic growth by managing a diverse portfolio of accounts. Lead and mentor an account management team to enhance client relationships and maximize profitability through innovative solutions a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to lead and enhance information security programs, ensuring compliance and risk management across diverse industries. Collaborate with executives to develop strategies that protect...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$149K - $256K *

Lead the technical strategy for complex global opportunities, collaborating with sales teams to develop tailored solutions. Drive technical discovery, architecture design, and customer engagement to e...

California, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Engineer robust cloud and system solutions, ensuring seamless enterprise operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and implement configuratio...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in managing complex ERP implementation projects, ensuring alignment between customer needs and internal resources. Drive project success through effective communication, risk managemen...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$151K - $222K *

Elevate your career by leading software security governance initiatives. Drive transformation of security requirements into actionable workflows while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enha...

North Carolina, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$155K - $209K *

Drive the future of device software as a hands-on technical lead, overseeing architecture and delivery for a team of firmware engineers. Own critical subsystems, ensuring safety and performance while...

Philadelphia, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $230K *

Architect system-level requirements and verification plans for a complex aerospace program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure coherent design and integration across multiple engineerin...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$250K - $400K *

Join a dynamic sales team to drive revenue growth and develop strategic plans. Lead a high-performance group, build client relationships, and innovate sales processes while managing a defined territor...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing enterprise identity solutions, ensuring secure access across cloud and hybrid environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance IAM...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $145K *

Strategize initiatives to enhance workforce alignment and Agile practices, driving high performance in IT services for federal clients while fostering a collaborative culture and supporting strategic...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$245K - $260K *

Lead technical solutions for U.S. Army accounts, enhancing digital performance and visibility. Collaborate with executives to develop strategies, conduct presentations, and address complex challenges...

Abell, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining product marketing in B2B SaaS. Collaborate closely with sales and product teams to craft compelling narratives, build essential sales tools, and drive successful product...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$177K - $283K *

Lead the charge in developing next-gen energy systems, focusing on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Drive technical strategy and system architecture from concept to deployment, shaping a sustainab...

Westlake Village, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$240K - $330K *

Champion the development of onboard software for autonomous vehicles, leading cross-functional teams to ensure a robust software foundation. Drive strategic vision, quality, and operational excellence...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$109K - $165K *

Build strong relationships at a leading IoT company, guiding enterprise customers through deployment and adoption of innovative solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally while driving customer success...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Empower a globally distributed team to build and enhance an in-house ERP application, ensuring alignment across engineering, operations, and delivery while fostering a culture of collaboration, accoun...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $190K *

Shape innovative IT solutions by leading technical strategies for federal proposals. Collaborate with teams to design enterprise architectures, ensuring alignment with business goals while serving as...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Systems Engineering do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.