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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$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

$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

$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

$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

$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

$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

$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

$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

$191K - $263K *

Grow your career with a dynamic engineering team leading new product introductions. Drive innovation from design to production, ensuring quality and efficiency while building a high-performing team an...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$266K - $342K *

Lead the charge in driving technical vision and customer success by managing a high-performing team. Foster innovation and deliver measurable value while navigating the evolving landscape of AI and di...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$266K - $394K *

Shape the future of technology solutions by leading a high-performing team that bridges complex systems and customer success. Drive innovation, foster collaboration, and deliver measurable value in a...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$150K - $207K *

Lead the charge in systems engineering excellence, overseeing complex analysis, technical planning, and risk management. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver major project outcomes whil...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Engineer complex systems by leading requirements engineering, integration, and V&V efforts. Drive project deliverables while mentoring teams and ensuring alignment with organizational goals in a dynam...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Engage in advanced systems engineering, leading complex projects and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Utilize expertise in requirements engineering, systems integration, and risk manageme...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$122K - $184K *

Lead the charge in developing and managing system architectures and requirements for complex aerospace systems, utilizing model-based systems engineering to ensure mission effectiveness and design int...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by leading the design and integration of enterprise applications. As a principal IT Systems Engineer, you'll shape technical direction, drive innovation, and mentor talent while en...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Advance technical innovation by leading the design and integration of enterprise systems. Collaborate with IT leaders and engineers to enhance platforms, define architecture, and drive strategic plann...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$177K - $265K *

Lead configuration management activities across the program lifecycle, ensuring data integrity and compliance. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and deliverables while supporting audits and...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Advance your career by leading configuration management activities across the program lifecycle. Ensure data integrity and compliance while collaborating with diverse teams to optimize processes and d...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of Air Force training systems by providing expert systems engineering support across the entire lifecycle, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness while collaborating with d...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $176K *

Lead the charge in strategic knowledge management and executive support for high-visibility initiatives, ensuring seamless collaboration across agencies and fostering key partnerships for mission succ...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$175K - $200K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in electrical integration and testing. Leverage your expertise in hardware integration and systems engineering to support critical aerospace projects and ensure s...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$196K - $292K *

Unlock the potential of open source by leading a global team to drive impactful contributions, enhance community engagement, and shape strategic direction across key ecosystems. Collaborate with cross...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$128K - $173K *

Manage and optimize complex systems and infrastructure, ensuring high availability and security. Collaborate with teams to implement innovative solutions, enhance performance, and maintain documentati...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$127K - $172K *

Elevate your career as a Systems Engineer, designing and implementing critical systems. Leverage your expertise to enhance infrastructure, ensure system performance, and drive innovation while collabo...

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.