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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$100K - $120K *

Drive customer success by engaging in pre and post-sales technical support, showcasing innovative radar solutions, and fostering strong relationships. Collaborate with teams to enhance product offerin...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Empower a talented engineering team by overseeing operations, mentoring staff, and aligning product vision with business needs. Drive high-impact initiatives in a fast-paced environment while promotin...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$130K - $190K *

Lead and innovate in cybersecurity by enhancing security delivery through automation and AI. Collaborate across teams to identify gaps, improve compliance, and strengthen processes, ensuring consisten...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $130K *

Join us in leading on-site installation activities for complex projects. As a key liaison, you'll ensure safety, quality, and schedule adherence while coordinating with diverse stakeholders to drive s...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$231K - $304K *

Champion groundbreaking FPGA software advancements through innovative algorithm design and technical leadership, enhancing implementation methodologies and driving superior performance in complex semi...

Colorado Springs, CORemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $158K *

Unlock potential by leading complex, cross-functional technology projects. Manage project planning, execution, and stakeholder collaboration to drive successful outcomes in a fast-paced environment fo...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$149K - $149K *

Architect innovative technical solutions by analyzing business needs, assessing current systems, and implementing effective designs to enhance operational efficiency and support strategic goals...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive strategic insights by analyzing cross-functional data to enhance decision-making. Collaborate with teams to build a trusted business intelligence framework, delivering actionable recommendations...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $170K *

Champion the go-to-market strategy for streaming advertising, leading a product marketing team to craft compelling messaging and drive revenue growth. Collaborate across departments to ensure alignmen...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$105K - $141K *

Innovate knowledge management strategies to enhance technical sales effectiveness, leveraging expertise to develop scalable resources and foster cross-functional collaboration, ultimately driving heig...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$80K - $95K *

Engage in strategic proposal management, leading RFQ/RFP responses across divisions. Collaborate with teams to ensure timely, compliant submissions while maintaining high-quality standards and support...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Champion enterprise support excellence by architecting a new function, diagnosing complex issues across security identity stacks, automating workflows, and driving customer success in a high-impact, c...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Lead product marketing initiatives by crafting compelling messaging and strategies that drive customer engagement and adoption. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment and measure performan...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Transform validation processes by ensuring compliance and data integrity for computerized systems in a regulated environment. Collaborate with teams to develop strategies and mentor junior members whi...

Wellesley, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Champion robust Design-for-Test methodologies to enhance ASIC and SoC production quality. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless integration and drive manufacturing test readiness for high-volume...

Irvine, CARemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $210K *

Drive your career forward by owning data capabilities and reporting tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product value, ensuring accurate data delivery and insights that empower c...

Nashville, TNRemote

1 week ago

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

$152K - $283K *

Lead the development of high-quality, compliant data engineering practices that enhance enterprise data governance and accelerate data-driven decision-making for improved patient outcomes across the o...

East Hanover, NJRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering expert engineering solutions while managing projects safely and efficiently. Leverage your technical expertise to mentor others and drive innovation in gener...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$178K - $210K *

Join our team as a Senior Manager in Site Reliability Engineering, leading high-performing teams to enhance system stability and reliability. Collaborate across departments to drive operational excell...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $175K *

Unlock the potential of our NTN device ecosystem by driving strategic partnerships with OEMs, chipset vendors, and manufacturers. Collaborate cross-functionally to align product roadmaps and ensure su...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$107K - $204K *

Lead the transformation of supply chain systems by optimizing SAP applications, collaborating with teams to enhance operational efficiency, and ensuring alignment with business objectives across domes...

Connecticut, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $270K *

Elevate your career by leading global executive recruiting efforts, shaping talent strategies, and building high-performing teams. Drive impactful searches and foster relationships with senior leaders...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $150K *

Shape the future of specialized federal projects by managing product delivery from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budgets, and schedules while leading cross-fun...

Alexandria, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Accelerate your career by leading market growth strategies, driving revenue, and building high-performing sales teams. Leverage market insights and analytics to identify opportunities and execute acti...

Cleveland, OHRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$231K - $257K *

Engage with clients as a Senior Sales Engineer to drive enterprise sales, providing tailored technical support, and enabling successful data security and management adoption through strategic collabor...

California, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information 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.