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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$194K - $292K *

Lead the charge in cybersecurity execution, driving risk management and technical solutions across engineering and program teams. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance system security and c...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$174K - $193K *

Drive innovative solutions in systems engineering, leading cross-functional teams to enhance Crypto and Cross Domain capabilities within the Space, Cyber, and Intelligence sectors...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing 24x7 support for advanced Identity, Credential, and Access Management systems. Leverage your expertise to troubleshoot, assist customers, and enhance operatio...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$177K - $265K *

Lead cybersecurity execution across systems engineering and development programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to identify cybersecurity risks, implement improvements, and support compliance, enhanc...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Champion operational excellence by leading client delivery initiatives, enhancing relationships, and driving strategic growth. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful engagements and excee...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$154K - $278K *

Transform IT infrastructure services by ensuring operational excellence, risk management, and compliance with SLAs. Leverage your expertise to enhance system performance and continuity, driving innova...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$154K - $278K *

Optimize IT infrastructure services by managing operations, evaluating metrics, and ensuring compliance with SLAs. Lead risk assessments and maintain system performance while supporting disaster recov...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$101K - $131K *

Drive innovation by collaborating with design teams to enhance manufacturability, streamline processes, and support new product introductions in a dynamic aerospace environment, ensuring quality and e...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$171K - $247K *

Shape the future of data center infrastructure by designing innovative, scalable systems for ultra-high-density AI/ML platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize power and cooling s...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Empower the Department of Defense's NAVWAR mission by managing complex programs. Oversee project planning, budgeting, and resource allocation while ensuring stakeholder communication and program objec...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $175K *

Support us in managing and coordinating diverse projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with program goals. Collaborate with stakeholders to monitor performance, manage risks, and uphold comp...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$138K - $145K *

Play a key role in enhancing enterprise systems while ensuring high availability, performance, and security. Collaborate with teams and stakeholders to implement effective solutions that drive moderni...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$220K - $291K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of quantum technology by designing and deploying advanced hardware systems, ensuring high performance and reliability while driving customer satisfaction through s...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team in systems engineering, overseeing project performance, and delivering innovative solutions for Command and Control systems. Collaborate across disciplines t...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Champion the future of IT by leading strategy and operations across our fleet management systems. Drive innovation in rental management, cybersecurity, and customer experience while ensuring seamless...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $200K *

Champion a transformative role in manufacturing operations, leading production teams to establish efficient processes and ensure safety while scaling operations from early builds to sustained producti...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$153K - $176K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of designing and supporting broadcast production systems, ensuring seamless audio, video, and control operations for live and non-live shows in a dynamic environmen...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$146K - $230K *

Pioneer innovative IT solutions by leading global operations and support teams. Drive strategic transformations, manage budgets, and ensure service excellence while collaborating across departments to...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Engage in innovative project planning and execution as a key member of a dynamic technical team, mentoring peers while managing IT environments globally for enhanced operations and continuous improvem...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$116K - $157K *

Drive program success by leading cross-functional teams in executing IRAD efforts, ensuring alignment with technical, cost, and schedule goals from concept to transition, while fostering collaboration...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $135K *

Unlock potential by managing contract execution, leading program meetings, and interfacing with customers to ensure successful delivery. Collaborate on bids, assess risks, and drive continuous improve...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$119K - $161K *

Lead your career by managing complex programs that drive cross-functional excellence and align stakeholders to achieve business objectives. Ensure rigorous execution, budget management, and risk mitig...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $181K *

Champion the future of advanced development by leading IRAD efforts, ensuring alignment across teams, and driving program success from concept to execution while managing budgets, risks, and stakehold...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential by transforming customer needs into innovative system solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring effective requirements management and s...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Engineer and manage facility network communications, ensuring integration, troubleshooting, and stakeholder collaboration in a classified environment while supporting enhancements and performance metr...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.