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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$107K - $300K *

Lead the charge in developing high-performing software engineering teams, designing robust systems, and driving innovation while optimizing processes and enhancing application quality through data-dri...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$111K - $206K *

Transform global sourcing strategies for commodities, driving value through innovative procurement projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize costs, manage supplier relationships, a...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $170K *

Shape the future of healthcare technology by leveraging your expertise to drive sales success. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions, engage customers, and enhance prod...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Transform healthcare project management by leading complex construction initiatives. Collaborate with clients to ensure project success from planning to completion, while managing resources, budgets...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$92K - $110K *

Elevate your career by managing technical projects from inception to completion. Ensure customer satisfaction through effective coordination and a customer-focused approach in a dynamic startup enviro...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$162K - $220K *

Drive innovation in electrical engineering for hyperscale data centers. Lead design activities, manage project teams, and ensure quality assurance while collaborating with stakeholders to deliver resi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $176K *

Lead the charge in managing a high-performing PMO team, driving project success through strategic financial oversight, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance operational eff...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $219K *

Drive the vision for Samsara device installations, enhancing user experiences and ensuring rapid, accurate setups. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the install process, making impac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$108K - $135K *

Champion customer connectivity by delivering technical training and support, coordinating initiatives to enhance customer experience, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless s...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$154K - $231K *

Transform the future of high-speed data communication by leading system architecture initiatives, engaging with customers, and driving innovative solutions in compute, AI, and networking to meet evolv...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$206K - $242K *

Transform external attack capabilities by developing scalable workflows and automating reconnaissance processes. Drive innovation in offensive security, mentor teammates, and contribute to a high-impa...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of customer deployments by collaborating with technical teams to solve complex infrastructure challenges, drive product improvements, and ensure operational success in large-scale env...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $240K *

Drive strategic growth initiatives for Navy & Marine Corps, leading business development efforts and fostering partnerships to enhance tactical networking solutions across diverse operational domains...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$213K - $321K *

Lead and develop a high-performing sales team, driving regional growth through effective strategy, coaching, and relationship-building. Own forecasting and operational cadence while fostering a cultur...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $205K *

Champion technical sales for our EO satellite portfolio, focusing on international defense and intelligence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions, drive customer engag...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Lead engineering efforts by writing production code and mentoring a team. Drive modernization initiatives through Java microservices while managing performance and growth of engineers. Collaborate wit...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$87K - $157K *

Transform the Naval Enterprise Network through Model-Based Systems Engineering, utilizing SysML and CSM tools to develop and manage system models, requirements, and designs while collaborating with st...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $200K *

Engage in strategic leadership to drive operational excellence and service delivery for global Digital Workplace Solutions. Lead teams, enhance client relationships, and optimize performance in a fast...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of OpenBMC firmware development, driving platform bring-up, feature implementation, and integration to enhance system functionality and reliability. Contribute your...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Transform order management processes by leading cross-functional teams in large-scale commerce projects. Drive system design and integration across regions, ensuring seamless order lifecycle and fulfi...

Georgia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead a dynamic team of software engineers to enhance data import systems, ensuring efficient document processing and integration. Drive technical direction, improve engineering practices, and foster a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in building a dynamic Corporate Development function, driving strategic growth through investments and M&A. Collaborate with executives to identify opportunities that enhance market le...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K *

Transform the future of public safety as a Director of Product Management, leading a high-performing team to define and deliver innovative SaaS products. Collaborate across departments to drive produc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$500K+*

Pioneer the evolution of Netflix's Compute Platform, driving innovation in distributed systems and AI integration. Lead product strategy, enhance efficiency, and collaborate across teams to ensure rob...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$160K - $193K *

Lead a team to develop metrics and analysis tools that enhance decision-making for autonomous driving software. Engage in hands-on data analysis, manage workflows, and drive insights to improve system...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.