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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$110K - $130K *

Pioneer the integration of complex systems by transforming mission needs into actionable technical solutions, bridging diverse technical teams, and ensuring seamless operational capabilities throughou...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Engage in the design, deployment, and support of Linux infrastructures, ensuring optimal performance for mission-critical applications in a collaborative environment with development and security team...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to the design, deployment, and maintenance of secure Linux infrastructures. Collaborate with developers and engineers to ensure reliable environments that support mission-critical applicati...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in systems engineering to support U.S. Air Force aircraft certification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure requirements verification and enhance test accuracy for new a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space exploration by providing systems engineering support for the integration of advanced Communication and Navigation systems in the Space Launch System, ens...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $155K *

Architect innovative solutions as a Lead Systems Engineer, driving system-level requirements and integration for Navy C4I capabilities while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-fun...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in engineering excellence by guiding technical evaluations, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance for critical Navy electronic attack systems, directly influencing pr...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $265K *

Partner with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency in our travel marketplace. You'll manage project lifecycles, enhance collaboration, and champion a custome...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Optimize system solutions by translating customer requirements into effective designs. Engage in technical planning, integration, and validation across engineering disciplines, ensuring alignment with...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$218K - $256K *

Lead the charge in shaping IT strategy and operations for a remote-first SaaS company. Drive service delivery, enhance employee technology experiences, and build a high-performing IT organization whil...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $180K *

Transform the digital manufacturing landscape by driving sales growth and market expansion. Collaborate across teams to develop strategies, support federal opportunities, and enhance customer value th...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $122K *

Innovate your career by leading complex systems engineering projects, integrating advanced technologies for military platforms. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance product lifecycle activities a...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$102K - $160K *

Champion high-performing Systems Engineering teams to drive innovation and operational excellence. Lead recruitment, talent development, and resource planning to ensure technical capabilities align wi...

Brampton, ONIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $175K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space missions by leading technical strategies and developing innovative solutions. Collaborate across disciplines to drive mission success and enhance custome...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $175K *

Drive technical innovation by leading solution development for strategic aerospace projects spanning commercial and defense sectors, translating customer needs into actionable mission strategies and a...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $138K *

Shape the future of engineering leadership by managing Nacelle and Engine programs, enhancing designs, and orchestrating cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation across...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $138K *

Lead engineering programs, manage teams, and drive innovative solutions in Nacelle and Engine Build Up projects while collaborating with cross-functional groups and overseeing deliverables to meet tec...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $135K *

Lead the technology strategy for a dynamic software development team, overseeing modernization efforts and AI integration across multiple product lines. Foster innovation, accountability, and continuo...

Georgia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Drive your career with a dynamic role in systems engineering, focusing on complex aerospace systems. Collaborate on architecture, safety analysis, and compliance while leading projects and optimizing...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a mission-focused team to develop and deploy systems, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software while collaborating closely with users and stakeholders to meet critical operational n...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Engage with teams to design, implement, and maintain cutting-edge IT systems while supporting mission-critical upgrades and deployments in a dynamic environment. Collaborate effectively to ensure robu...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Pioneer innovative system solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and upgrade IT systems, ensuring efficient operations for defense initiatives through meticulo...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Champion the development and integration of complex systems, ensuring alignment with operational needs and technical requirements throughout their lifecycle. Collaborate with teams to enhance solution...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Engage with us to support systems from concept through deployment, ensuring operational requirements are met. Collaborate with teams to define technical needs and enhance system performance throughout...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$163K - $245K *

Drive the integration and validation of autonomous software systems, ensuring technical excellence through scalable platform development. Collaborate with multiple teams to enhance capabilities in Har...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.