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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$150K - $180K *

Accelerate your career by leading the GTM strategy for USMC, driving revenue growth through strategic relationships and innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address nationa...

Washington, DCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of autonomous driving by designing and implementing advanced behavior planning systems. Collaborate with experts to tackle complex challenges in dynamic environme...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$105K - $115K *

Optimize security measures by leading technical solutions to mitigate information risks. Ensure compliance with corporate policies and oversee incident response, safeguarding all computing platforms a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Manage data center operations, ensuring optimal performance, security, and scalability. Lead teams, optimize resources, and implement strategic initiatives to enhance infrastructure reliability and se...

Ontario, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $400K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of digital supply chain management. You'll architect and optimize ERP, PLM, and inventory systems, ensuring data integrity and operational scalability across glob...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $170K *

Transform enterprise software systems by leading design and development efforts, ensuring scalable, secure applications that meet federal mission needs while mentoring engineers and driving best pract...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $137K *

Optimize project outcomes as you manage small to medium-sized initiatives. Collaborate across teams, navigate risks, and ensure timely delivery of quality solutions while enhancing communication and s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate growth by leading global partnerships with PwC and GSIs. Drive revenue through strategic relationship management, co-selling initiatives, and market expansion while collaborating with cross...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Champion growth in smart manufacturing by managing key accounts, driving sales, and fostering relationships within the Industry 4.0 ecosystem. Leverage technical expertise to support IIoT adoption and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team leading threat intelligence and detection engineering. Shape strategies to protect diverse industries from cyber threats, while building a high-impact program that...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $195K *

Drive innovation by developing and maintaining Linux kernel features, collaborating with hardware teams, and contributing to the upstream community. Own projects from definition to deployment while me...

Vancouver, BCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$131K - $205K *

Engage in the design and evaluation of electric power generation projects. Provide technical support and owner’s engineering services, focusing on thermal power systems. Collaborate on project develop...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $150K *

Join us to drive strategic growth by managing key accounts, building executive relationships, and leading complex deals. Shape multi-year strategies and collaborate with a virtual team to deliver impa...

Waltham, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $175K *

Transform the marketing landscape by leading strategic initiatives that drive brand authority, generate qualified leads, and accelerate revenue growth in the cybersecurity compliance sector for defens...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing a cohesive platform narrative, driving marketing strategy for strategic accounts while influencing enterprise-level buying decisions and enhancing Kaseya's ma...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion enablement initiatives across Technical and Sales domains, partnering with experts to define and execute programs. Lead content development, delivery, and continuous improvement efforts to en...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $170K *

Lead the charge in delivering high-impact project management services, overseeing a remote PMO team to ensure alignment with organizational goals, while driving stakeholder communication and adapting...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion the digital experience by optimizing user flows, managing web content, and enhancing conversion strategies to drive engagement and pipeline growth for a leading B2B SaaS platform...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$152K - $287K *

Champion security excellence by investigating vulnerabilities and enhancing Secure Development Lifecycle practices across data center software platforms, driving timely remediation and fostering colla...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$109K - $159K *

Lead the charge in administering cutting-edge cloud technologies, focusing on AWS and Linux systems. Collaborate with development teams to enhance CI/CD pipelines while ensuring system security and re...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $200K *

Shape the future of data architecture by leading innovative solutions that empower clients to modernize their data platforms, ensuring they are secure, scalable, and aligned with business goals while...

Atlanta, GARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $195K *

Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform large-scale project design by leading ILA/A&E engineering initiatives. Own technical solutions from site evaluation to construction support, fostering ADB's growth through effective collabor...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining forensics and collections globally. Lead a skilled team, enhance operational efficiency, and drive client engagement while ensuring compliance and defensibility across re...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$157K - $283K *

Transform transit operations by leading complex Automatic Train Supervision initiatives. Drive collaboration across technical and operational teams, ensuring system performance and reliability for maj...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.