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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$158K - $294K *

Empower innovation by leading engineering projects that modernize the C-130J. Collaborate with a high-performing team to drive process optimization and ensure the delivery of safe, effective solutions...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$178K - $331K *

Champion the design and delivery of advanced satellite communication systems. Lead the Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test team to ensure successful execution of technical requirements, risk ma...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$306K - $500K+*

Lead a team of engineers to enhance our Kubernetes data management platform, focusing on security and excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative features while mentoring...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's pioneering the integration of advanced AI and machine learning technologies into satellite ground systems, enhancing operational capabilities and driving innovation in GEOINT soluti...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $150K *

Empower innovation by leading a skilled engineering team in media supply chain management. Drive strategic initiatives, ensure seamless production delivery, and engage with users to optimize workflows...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$95K - $115K *

Engineer cutting-edge systems through all phases from inception to deployment. Collaborate within a mission-focused team, driving user interaction and ensuring seamless integration of hardware and sof...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$169K - $253K *

Lead the charge in systems integration and testing for advanced defense technologies. Collaborate across teams to develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring system performance and reliabil...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Tackle complex customer program management by ensuring timely delivery and alignment across teams. Lead cross-functional collaborations, drive risk management, and enhance customer satisfaction throug...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Join our dynamic Professional Services team to enhance client systems through hands-on technical solutions, project delivery, and automation. Collaborate with senior engineers and play a key role in m...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $132K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing storage and backup solutions for a DoD customer. This role involves engineering, administration, and innovation across on-premises and cloud environments, ens...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $132K *

Elevate operational efficiency by providing expert engineering and administration support for storage and backup solutions across diverse environments, ensuring compliance and innovation in system man...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$155K - $200K *

Drive the development and management of software teams, fostering a culture of trust and continuous learning while ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software products through Agile methodologie...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $233K *

Shape the future of contract management by leading negotiations, ensuring compliance, and guiding a team in the administration of complex agreements. Drive strategic relationships and oversee contract...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Partner with us to deliver innovative automation solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing processes. Leverage your expertise in IT and operational technology to dr...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $135K *

Champion complex transit projects by leading systems engineering efforts, ensuring seamless integration and operational readiness of advanced communication and control systems across multiple domains...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$85K - $135K *

Deliver innovative transit solutions by leading systems engineering teams, managing complex projects, and ensuring seamless integration of advanced communication and control systems for enhanced opera...

Kingston, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$114K - $200K *

Elevate operational excellence by leading engineering teams to ensure reliability and innovation in media systems. Drive strategic technology initiatives while managing day-to-day operations, fosterin...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$153K - $230K *

Lead the charge in guiding a Systems Engineering team, balancing functional management with hands-on program execution, driving technical excellence across multiple initiatives in the Electronic Warfa...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee the delivery of data center projects, ensuring compliance and quality across engineering, construction, and operations. Lead multi-disciplinary teams to achieve timely...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in delivering high-availability data center projects, ensuring compliance and quality across engineering, construction, and operations. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to dri...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$275K - $290K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Sales Engineering team, driving sales success through mentorship, strategic guidance, and effective collaboration. Ensure your team meets and exceeds quotas wh...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $149K *

Champion innovative solutions as a Senior Systems Engineer, managing complex IT systems and infrastructure. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance system performance, security, and user experience...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive efficiency and quality in manufacturing processes by leading a skilled team, optimizing equipment and workflow, and implementing innovative engineering solutions for new product introductions...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in designing and integrating advanced aerospace systems, driving innovation and ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams on cutting-e...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $150K *

Accelerate progress at our data modernization efforts by leading the engineering team to build a unified Azure data platform, integrating Salesforce and WMS for enhanced operational visibility and dec...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.