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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$107K - $144K *

Champion systems engineering excellence by managing software configurations, defining user needs, and collaborating across teams to enhance radar technology solutions. Drive improvements in interfaces...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the design and development of secure enterprise applications, mentoring junior engineers while managing Oracle databases and ERP integrations. Drive innovation in web architecture, API engineerin...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $110K *

Lead cross-functional teams in developing system-level solutions for missile defense. Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering to analyze architecture impacts and coordinate technical specifications, e...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $285K *

Shape the future of national security communications by leading complex sustainment and modernization efforts for advanced RF antenna systems. Drive technical excellence and ensure mission success acr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $145K *

Join a collaborative team to enhance applications on the Pega Platform, driving automation and modernization. Engage in Agile development, partner with cross-functional teams, and ensure system reliab...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in hardware/electronics programs. As a Project Engineer, you'll lead cross-functional teams, manage technical scope, and ensure project success through effective...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $110K *

Lead impactful engineering projects that support critical defense missions. Collaborate across disciplines to transform complex requirements into executable plans, ensuring reliable systems are delive...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $199K *

Champion innovative engineering projects by leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective execution from design to delivery. Drive technical excellence while engaging with customers and stakehol...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of program management by leveraging your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovative solutions in a cloud-native envir...

Virginia, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud-native program management solutions. As a key contributor, you'll blend software systems engineering and product ownership to drive strategic execution a...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of program management solutions. Leverage your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovation and deliver high-quality, c...

Virginia, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative engineering solutions by managing a dynamic team, ensuring project success through effective coaching, collaboration, and strategic oversight, while driving cu...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Drive innovative solutions as a Software Engineer, collaborating within an Agile Scrum team to analyze data, develop algorithms, and enhance missile threat prediction capabilities. Your expertise will...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career as a Software Engineer, supporting critical testing and integration tasks for advanced microprocessor systems. Collaborate on software testing, scripting, and hardware/software int...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$101K - $131K *

Unlock potential by driving manufacturing excellence through process optimization, Lean practices, and cross-functional collaboration. This role enhances production efficiency and quality for advanced...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $190K *

Lead the charge in RF hardware systems engineering, driving product development and team mentorship while ensuring seamless integration across engineering disciplines and delivering high-quality speci...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$150K - $200K *

Unlock the potential of enterprise data by developing strategies, governance, and integration frameworks. Lead a Data Engineering team to enhance data capabilities, ensuring data is a strategic asset...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Drive technical leadership in complex aerospace programs, overseeing requirements development, system design, integration, and testing. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful project execu...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovative solutions as a Principal Systems Engineer, leading cross-functional teams to develop advanced aerospace products. Utilize systems engineering expertise to ensure successful program ex...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Oversee the design and maintenance of core infrastructure systems, ensuring stability, security, and scalability. Deliver advanced troubleshooting, manage projects efficiently, and enhance operational...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $190K *

Unlock potential by leading the integration and validation of advanced plasma-based sensing systems. Collaborate across disciplines to shape technical documentation and drive system performance in a f...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$159K - $263K *

Transform engineering leadership by managing diverse teams and driving program success in Cyber and Intelligence Solutions. Engage in strategic planning, talent development, and technical execution to...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Manage engineering activities for complex information systems, guiding teams in requirements and solutions engineering. Oversee system integration and ensure timely delivery of geospatial intelligence...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading avionics certification projects, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations. Collaborate with teams to develop complex designs and mentor junior engineers while delivering re...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of technical integration and quality control across disciplines, ensuring TFO designs are consistent, comply with specifications, and are construction-ready while mentoring junior engin...

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.