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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$125K - $150K *

Join us to lead strategic initiatives in project and service management, enhancing portfolio visibility and governance across Information Systems. Drive operational excellence and foster collaboration...

Topeka, KSRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$145K - $175K *

Join our team to drive the technical direction of our Internal Developer Platform, enhancing workflows and tooling for engineering teams. You'll lead multi-quarter strategies, ensuring reliable delive...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$140K - $175K *

Champion AI innovation by engaging with clients to identify and prototype high-value use cases. Blend technical expertise with advisory skills to drive AI solutions, enhancing productivity and transfo...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $140K *

Lead and develop a high-performing team of Customer Success Managers, driving measurable value across a diverse customer portfolio while ensuring operational excellence and retention strategies are ef...

CanadaRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $250K *

Join us in shaping technical strategies and growth initiatives for federal opportunities. Collaborate across teams to develop compelling solutions that drive success in complex pursuits, ensuring alig...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Transform the Microsoft 365 ecosystem by designing and implementing integrations, enhancing data flow, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize processes and drive...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Drive HRIS excellence by optimizing technologies and core processes, enhancing compliance, and delivering impactful solutions that elevate operational efficiency and employee experience across the org...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Take ownership of advanced troubleshooting and field support for enterprise IT operations. Lead technicians, coordinate installations, and ensure seamless connectivity across remote locations while ma...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$162K - $228K *

Transform the Ad Tech landscape by leading cross-functional teams to ensure seamless delivery and execution of complex technology portfolios, driving strategic initiatives and fostering collaboration...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Transform the Digital Engagement portfolio by leading technical initiatives, driving scalable architectures, and mentoring engineering teams to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance c...

Manitoba, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K *

Take ownership of product health and growth by directing AI coding agents, ensuring quality and efficiency in production. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful changes while maintaining document...

Eugene, ORRemote

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform enterprise VoIP infrastructure by leading design, engineering, and compliance efforts. Manage complex incidents, mentor technicians, and drive modernization projects while ensuring optimal p...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$162K - $224K *

Drive growth in the Neurodegenerative Disease sector by developing strategic partnerships with health systems and academic centers, leveraging existing relationships to create innovative solutions tha...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$195K - $225K *

Drive security innovation by shaping technical strategies and frameworks that protect sensitive data and systems. Collaborate across teams to embed security practices, mentor engineers, and ensure com...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$80K - $100K *

Champion the design and implementation of advanced communication systems, ensuring optimal functionality through troubleshooting and support. Collaborate across teams while managing extensive travel t...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$125K - $150K *

Transform business development in C4ISR systems by driving growth strategies, fostering customer relationships, and identifying new opportunities to enhance mission capabilities for warfighters across...

San Diego, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of 3D modeling and virtual simulation. Lead daily operations, provide technical direction, and ensure project success while collaborating with Government stakehol...

Leavenworth, KSRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$96K - $154K *

Develop and maintain quality software for internal stakeholders, focusing on Python and AWS. Collaborate in an Agile environment, define architecture, and mentor junior developers while enhancing lega...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$92K - $166K *

Transform critical systems for the US Antarctic Program by designing, deploying, and maintaining Linux-based infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead operations in a unique, mi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$144K - $195K *

Innovate and lead the design of identity management solutions, ensuring security and integration across platforms. Collaborate with teams to enhance user experience and manage critical issues in a dyn...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$184K - $287K *

Empower our channel sales strategy by building and scaling MSP partnerships, driving recurring revenue, and collaborating cross-functionally to establish a robust partner ecosystem that thrives in the...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform client needs into innovative data center solutions by leveraging your expertise in electrical and mechanical infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to ensure scalable, reliable designs that...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$148K - $193K *

Join a dynamic team as a Program Manager, leading complex projects from inception to completion. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, manage resources, and drive innovation while ensuring client sat...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by delivering top-notch technical support, solving complex issues, and collaborating with diverse teams to enhance our cybersecurity products and services, ensuring customer satisfact...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead service delivery excellence for a major enterprise account, ensuring performance, compliance, and continuous improvement while fostering strong client relationships and managing cross-functional...

New Jersey, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.