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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$131K - $155K *

Drive regional website strategy for multiple international markets. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance user experience, support AEO/SEO initiatives, and manage web performance metrics. Lead exp...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining power delivery solutions by engaging with customers to translate complex power architecture into innovative connector and cable designs, ensuring alignment between engine...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $150K *

Join a team that's engineering innovative cloud solutions, ensuring stability and performance while driving continuous improvement across scalable environments. Your expertise will shape the future of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $170K *

Lead the charge in shaping enterprise business solutions through hands-on architecture and delivery in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, focusing on integration, process optimization, and o...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$123K - $202K *

Innovate advanced GIS and remote sensing software for defense and intelligence, collaborating with a skilled team to enhance analytical workflows and imagery processing capabilities, while mentoring j...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $150K *

Support and optimize cloud-based contact center platforms, ensuring service availability and excellent customer experience. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot complex issues and enhance operationa...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$107K - $150K *

Shape the future of our enterprise data platform by leading product strategy, defining capabilities, and ensuring alignment across business and technology teams to deliver scalable, secure, and truste...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $240K *

Join a dynamic team as you provide technical expertise, drive enterprise opportunities, and architect innovative solutions that meet client needs while showcasing the value of our cutting-edge product...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$162K - $243K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical trials through strategic oversight and collaboration. Lead project management efforts globally, ensuring quality, cost, and timeline objectives are m...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$172K - $223K *

Lead the field services strategy for large-scale AI infrastructure, ensuring operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery and d...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Transform customer success by leading a technical account management team, driving subscription growth, and enhancing service delivery through innovative AI solutions and strategic partnerships...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$102K - $190K *

Lead and develop a high-performing team in firewall security engineering, ensuring consistent implementation of security controls while balancing operational demands and strategic initiatives for ente...

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Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$144K - $200K *

Lead a national team of Key Account Leaders to drive sales in campus public safety, focusing on recruitment, coaching, and team performance. Shape strategies to enhance sales effectiveness and adapt t...

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5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform global partner strategies to drive revenue and market share through innovative go-to-market models, collaborating with key stakeholders to establish impactful partnerships and optimize sales...

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1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career with a strategic role focused on enhancing project management standards and integrating enterprise initiatives. Collaborate with leaders to improve clarity, prioritization, and execu...

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3 weeks ago

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

$140K - $190K *

Innovate software solutions in dynamic environments, collaborating with operators and engineers to rapidly prototype and deploy mission-critical capabilities. Leverage your technical expertise to inte...

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $278K *

Empower strategic growth by shaping and executing initiatives that drive corporate development. Collaborate closely with C-suite executives, influence key decisions, and lead high-priority projects to...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Unlock operational excellence as you lead cross-functional teams in driving technical standardization and scalable training frameworks across Data Centers and Warehouses, ensuring compliance and maxim...

Texas, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$125K - $160K *

Lead the charge in driving operational excellence and transformation by translating business needs into actionable requirements, managing delivery workflows, and enhancing the Revenue Intelligence por...

Austin, TXRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Optimize design processes and lead a team of Design Leads to ensure high-quality project deliverables. Collaborate with project managers to balance resources, enforce design standards, and drive conti...

Dallas, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Transform legacy systems into modern applications, leveraging your expertise in IBMi and collaborating with international teams to meet diverse client needs. Drive innovation and excellence in system...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in managing client projects, ensuring high-quality delivery on time and within budget while fostering excellent customer service and collaboration across teams...

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4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$225K - $285K *

Lead the implementation of global PLM/PDM systems, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance supply chain processes and support a Tier 1 ERP buildout, ensuring scalability and efficiency across inte...

San Francisco, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $220K *

Champion the development of an integrated energy strategy platform, overseeing program management and collaboration with sister companies to enhance utility power procurement and behind-the-meter gene...

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $130K *

Transform the contracting process by managing the lifecycle of agreements, ensuring efficient execution while balancing risk and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks 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.