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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$140K - $155K *

Deliver your expertise to enhance the security posture of Cloud Service Providers. Engage in comprehensive architecture reviews, compliance assessments, and technical consultations within a collaborat...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $175K *

Lead the charge in managing client-facing security operations, overseeing a high-performing team, and acting as a trusted advisor. Drive incident response, tool management, and process improvement to...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$151K - $251K *

Drive the planning and execution of Flight Software development programs, ensuring seamless coordination between engineering and program management for timely delivery of spacecraft software systems...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Drive growth in a leading Cyber Consulting Services organization by enhancing operational performance, managing diverse teams, and delivering high-quality cybersecurity solutions while ensuring client...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$166K - $238K *

Lead a dynamic team of engineers in cloud operations, driving reliability and automation. Collaborate across departments to optimize performance and enhance mission-critical services for government cl...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$280K - $330K *

Unlock potential by leading a team of Forward Deployed Engineers to identify AI opportunities, translate business needs into solutions, and drive measurable impact through agile delivery and collabora...

Morrisville, NCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$196K - $210K *

Partner with us to shape the future of semiconductor workforce development by aligning industry needs with educational strategies, fostering partnerships, and leading initiatives that ensure technical...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in engineering excellence by managing complex projects, mentoring teams, and driving innovative technology implementations. Ensure sustainable operations while aligning with business o...

Georgia, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$150K - $180K *

Transform customer success strategies to enhance client satisfaction and retention. Lead a dynamic team, driving initiatives that elevate user experience and foster growth within a fast-paced SaaS env...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$150K - $175K *

Grow your career with a leadership role in federal business development, driving strategy and execution for health programs. Lead capture management, build relationships, and mentor staff while contri...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $224K *

Join a team that's leading field engineering efforts for satellite communications systems. You'll oversee installation, integration, and operational readiness while managing dispersed teams to ensure...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$244K - $409K *

Drive the development of a global SME organization, leading regional teams to enhance technical selling and product direction. Transform ambiguity into structure while mentoring leaders and collaborat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $370K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of technical sales professionals to deliver innovative solutions. Engage with clients to drive results, enhance collaboration, and optimize sales strategies...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$172K - $215K *

Join a team that's transforming public safety through innovative drone solutions. Lead complex deployments, drive technical wins, and shape the future of sUAS operations while mentoring a talented eng...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$130K - $140K *

Lead the charge in managing complex IT projects, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional service. Collaborate with teams and stakeholders to drive successful outcomes while adhering to project manage...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Join a dynamic team as a senior leader to enhance transmission engineering services, oversee project delivery, and strengthen client relationships while driving innovation and growth in the energy sec...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$93K - $124K *

Unlock potential by joining a team focused on advanced Tier II support for network devices in a fiber optic transport network, ensuring operational excellence and 100% service availability across mult...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$177K - $257K *

Pioneer the transformation of our C++ testing ecosystem, enhancing software quality and developer practices. Lead initiatives for reusable testing frameworks and CI/CD integration, driving consistency...

Boulder, CORemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$242K - $275K *

Lead the charge in developing and deploying robust containerized software, manage CI/CD workflows, and grow a cohesive engineering team to enhance customer security operations and software delivery ac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$232K - $319K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by leading a dynamic team of Solutions Engineers. Drive partner engagement, foster relationships, and execute strategic initiatives to enhance per...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's focused on delivering mission-critical solutions. Contribute as a systems integrator, managing projects and advising leadership while ensuring technical excellence and effective com...

Virginia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of field engineering by leading technical support, training, and quality assurance efforts. Drive continuous improvement while ensuring top-tier service and communication with clients...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

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

$135K - $160K *

Lead the evolution of our GTM Systems Architecture, enhancing Salesforce and its tech stack for AI-native workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build a trusted data foundation and driv...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$104K - $173K *

Lead the charge in spacecraft structural analysis. Collaborate with engineers to ensure design integrity through advanced simulations, testing, and documentation in a fast-paced environment focused on...

Mountain View, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$171K - $268K *

Discover your potential as a Principal Engineer/System Architect, driving innovative networking solutions and leading a collaborative team to define complex architecture while engaging with partners t...

New Hampshire, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.