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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$125K - $211K *

Join our dynamic team as you lead new product launches in hardware manufacturing. Oversee cross-functional collaborations, manage operational risks, and drive high-quality production strategies that s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $208K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead enterprise-wide manufacturing strategy, ensuring performance and scalability across multiple facilities while driving cross-functional collaboration and continuous impr...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$240K - $310K *

Elevate your career as you lead a team of technical experts to develop innovative strategies that drive customer engagement and support business growth across diverse sectors...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $185K *

Join a team that's redefining tactical communications and networking strategies for unmanned systems. Leverage your expertise to shape connectivity solutions, ensuring seamless data exchange across jo...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$190K - $215K *

Transform cloud-based engineering strategies as you lead teams in creating innovative AI-powered automation solutions, ensuring quality and scalability while promoting a dynamic and collaborative cult...

Lehi, UTRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Elevate next-gen AI and cloud hardware systems by leading architecture for high-performance networking platforms, integrating compute and networking technologies to meet evolving customer demands, whi...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Transform product security by leading strategy, conducting threat modeling, and collaborating across teams to ensure secure design and compliance. Drive innovation in security practices while mentorin...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Innovate by leading software engineering excellence and AI adoption; manage cross-functional teams to develop impactful tech solutions while maintaining hands-on involvement with proof-of-concept proj...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Build high-performing software teams that drive critical project success while managing technical architecture and mentorship. Collaborate with leadership to align solutions with business needs and en...

Overland Park, KSRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $120K *

Unlock your potential as a Solutions Engineer, guiding sales teams with expert network security advice, conducting training sessions, and supporting customer needs while driving professional services...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $200K *

Reimagine security engineering leadership by guiding strategic initiatives across cloud and infrastructure security, enhancing detection engineering, and fostering collaboration to protect a multi-clo...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

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

$170K - $250K *

Help us build a high-performing infrastructure team that drives operational excellence and reliability. Lead a diverse group of engineers, manage budgets, and modernize technology while collaborating...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$154K - $246K *

Join a dynamic team to lead advanced network planning initiatives, guiding strategic projects and shaping product roadmaps. Leverage your expertise to drive innovation in network optimization and ment...

Ottawa, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$166K - $200K *

Champion innovative solutions by leading cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and drive project success across multiple departments, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and fos...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform complex cloud and data center solutions by leading implementations, ensuring technical readiness, and delivering exceptional customer support throughout the project lifecycle. Drive innovati...

Savannah, GARemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Help us drive project success by managing AV integration projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and client satisfaction while fostering collaboration within...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$203K - $366K *

Innovate and lead a high-performing software development team to deliver scalable enterprise Time and Pay solutions. Collaborate with HR and Finance to drive strategy and enhance operational efficienc...

Cambridge, MARemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$215K - $270K *

Lead the charge in building a high-performing Solutions Engineering team focused on autonomous site security. Drive technical sales, manage customer engagements, and ensure consistent quota attainment...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $190K *

Transform your career by managing data center acquisitions and infrastructure transactions. Drive negotiations, provide legal guidance, and support operational transitions, while deepening expertise i...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $175K *

Transform cybersecurity professional services by leading delivery execution, ensuring quality, and developing talent. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service capabilities and drive...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $200K *

Champion the security design and delivery for hyperscale projects, ensuring comprehensive protection through physical and electronic systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish stand...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$135K - $160K *

Transform the future of autonomous ground support equipment by leading product strategy and roadmap development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, performance, and reliability...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$125K - $225K *

Lead the charge in multidisciplinary engineering and design management for a large-scale industrial infrastructure project, ensuring compliance with technical standards and client expectations through...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Drive your career with innovative AI-driven automation solutions that enhance IT operations and user experience. Collaborate across teams to minimize manual tasks, improve efficiency, and implement in...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$126K - $210K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic engineering team to enhance specialty prescription processes. Drive strategic direction, foster collaboration, and ensure delivery excellence while managing multi...

Columbus, GARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.