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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$130K - $150K *

Lead the charge in driving program delivery and portfolio management for a dynamic Security team, ensuring effective execution of enterprise initiatives while fostering cross-functional collaboration...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in strategic program management, overseeing project delivery and team development. Drive successful outcomes through effective staffing, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $169K *

Lead the charge in enhancing customer success initiatives by driving engagement, optimizing processes, and fostering strong relationships. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure exceptional...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Engage in overseeing data center operations, ensuring efficient infrastructure management and operational excellence across regions. Lead teams and projects while supporting critical services and driv...

Maiden, NCRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform endpoint security by implementing innovative solutions and collaborating with IT teams to enhance protection against cyber threats. Contribute to the development and maintenance of robust se...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$250K - $300K *

Join a team that's redefining additive manufacturing by driving automated CAD-to-print workflows. Lead a multidisciplinary group to enhance production systems, ensuring quality and efficiency in aeros...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$103K - $138K *

Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for Field Engineering projects, acting as the key liaison among internal teams and customers. Oversee inspections, audits, and corrective actions to meet...

Virginia, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$103K - $138K *

Lead the charge in deploying and managing complex network installations, ensuring quality control and effective project execution while collaborating with internal teams and subcontractors to meet ope...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$103K - $138K *

Engineer and oversee site implementations, ensuring quality control and effective project management for network installations. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and maintain operational standard...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$130K - $180K *

Innovate your career by leading product strategy and execution in AI-driven simulation and autonomy. Collaborate with customers and technical teams to transform complex needs into impactful product so...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Innovate your career by leading SaaS modernization projects, enhancing delivery efficiency through AI and automation. Drive customer success by transforming legacy systems into scalable, sustainable s...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $200K *

Lead a dynamic team to drive product strategy and growth for switchgear, ensuring market competitiveness and profitability while collaborating with cross-functional partners to achieve long-term busin...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to design innovative HVAC systems for data centers, ensuring efficiency and reliability. Collaborate globally on high-profile projects while enjoying remote flexibility and opportu...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative HVAC designs for data centers. Collaborate globally on high-impact projects, ensuring energy efficiency and system reliability while advancing your career in a d...

Arlington, VARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Champion enterprise communications and change initiatives, enhancing employee engagement and understanding. Collaborate across departments to ensure clear, consistent messaging and drive organizationa...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $153K *

Lead the successful deployment of IoT solutions for enterprise customers, ensuring they maximize the value of our technology throughout their lifecycle while collaborating with cross-functional teams...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing federal cybersecurity compliance through advanced risk management and governance. Leverage your expertise to conduct assessments, manage authorizations, and e...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $160K *

Drive the advancement of high-value, complex deals, partnering with C-Suite executives to create innovative solutions that expand the organization's portfolio and enhance strategic account growth...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Transform customer operations by designing integrated material flow solutions. Analyze data, map processes, and create layouts that enhance efficiency across functional areas, ensuring seamless order...

Louisville, KYRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $182K *

Lead the charge in enhancing supplier performance and quality for electronic components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with...

Washington, DCRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $200K *

Transform your career by leading a high-performing sales team, driving strategic growth, and enhancing client relationships in a dynamic, global environment. Leverage your expertise in IoT solutions t...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$140K - $160K *

Drive the development of critical enterprise applications for defense personnel, utilizing Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate in an agile team to enhance program and financial management tool...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a top-tier Sales Engineering team to drive complex cybersecurity solutions. Partner with key stakeholders, leverage your expertise in AI-driven security, and cultivate relationships to redefine e...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$203K - $345K *

Champion the vision for Agentic Software Delivery, spearheading strategic innovation across CI, CD, and observability to enhance software delivery automation and customer experience while driving reve...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Oversee all aspects of product launches, from message development to strategic execution, ensuring market readiness and customer engagement while fostering collaboration across marketing and product t...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

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.