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.

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1
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$85K - $115K *

Empower IT operations by building and managing internal systems, ensuring productivity and security. As the first hire, you'll shape the IT function, streamline processes, and support the team while c...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic portfolio of Cybersecurity Services, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes. Collaborate with stakeholders to manage budgets, risks, and project lifec...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$212K - $268K *

Elevate customer experiences by providing expert technical solutions and guidance. Collaborate with account teams to showcase Cisco's innovative products, ensuring clients achieve their desired outcom...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$175K - $210K *

Transform infrastructure engineering by leading a global team to develop and implement design standards for AI factories, ensuring consistency and efficiency across projects while driving innovation a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$208K - $306K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering excellence by leading platform services that enhance software development. Drive innovation, consolidate capabilities, and foster a culture of collaboration t...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $185K *

Unlock business growth by leading technical scoping, managing client relations, and guiding consultants. This hybrid role integrates project management with hands-on consulting to ensure accurate prop...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$185K - $220K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering service delivery for legal and professional clients. Lead a dynamic organization focused on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and continuous improv...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $250K *

Join a team that's shaping growth strategies for Federal Civilian accounts. Leverage your expertise in federal markets to drive business development, capture opportunities, and enhance customer relati...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $125K *

Lead and coordinate engineering projects, ensuring technical quality and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while managing resources, schedules, and bu...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $135K *

Innovate technology strategy and operations, leading a team to enhance product lifecycle and client solutions. Collaborate with executives to implement AI tools and ensure effective vendor management...

Greensboro, NCRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity by providing expert guidance and support to clients. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience and drive adoption of solutions, ensuring...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$229K - $258K *

Empower a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative security tools. Own product development from roadmap to rollout, fostering collaboration and driving results in a fast-paced environment focuse...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $160K *

Elevate your career by owning electrical application engineering for prefabricated platforms. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver scalable solutions, ensuring design integrity and execution read...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $135K *

Drive project success by managing all phases from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Lead cross-functional teams, maintain client communication, and uphold qualit...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$132K - $251K *

Shape the future of digital transformation by leading complex data initiatives and driving strategic solutions across corporate functions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance applicatio...

Massachusetts, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $135K *

Unlock excellence in PCB design and manufacturing by leading DFM initiatives, developing complex multilayer layouts, and shaping best practices across engineering teams to enhance product performance...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining audit practices by leading the transition to an agentic operating model. Collaborate across functions to innovate audit methodologies and drive transformation for clients...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform product operations by enhancing collaboration across teams and streamlining the launch processes. Utilize data-driven insights and AI to identify bottlenecks and drive efficiency, ensuring s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$130K - $150K *

Optimize critical infrastructure operations by managing MEP systems and leading maintenance efforts for data centers, ensuring maximum uptime and seamless collaboration across teams to drive business...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $215K *

Architect innovative solutions to complex technical challenges, driving platform direction and enabling deep specialists. You'll tackle high-leverage problems that define our future capabilities and e...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$112K - $125K *

Unlock potential by managing equipment logistics and support activities across diverse environments, ensuring operational readiness through precise inventory control and effective communication with t...

Williamsburg, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in optimizing project management processes for a VHA client team. Utilize your expertise to enhance strategic planning, decision-making, and execution while collaborating with senior s...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Help us secure our cloud-based healthcare platforms by designing and implementing robust security solutions. This role demands expertise in cloud security, AI/ML protection, and compliance with indust...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$158K - $199K *

Champion client success by leading strategic initiatives for global accounts, driving growth and retention through trusted relationships and innovative solutions. Leverage expertise to maximize value...

North Carolina, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$158K - $199K *

Drive strategic account management for global clients, focusing on value delivery, retention, and growth. Build trusted relationships with senior leaders, develop tailored solutions, and lead cross-fu...

New York City, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.