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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$80K - $120K *

Transform military systems by leading a multidisciplinary team in the design, development, and testing of embedded systems, ensuring compliance with customer requirements throughout the program lifecy...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead systems engineering efforts for safety-critical avionics software, ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, analyze, and manage requirements...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing solid rocket motor technology projects, ensuring effective execution and collaboration across teams. Drive industrial base analysis and sustainment planning to enhance prop...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Elevate your career by managing solid rocket motor technology projects, conducting industrial base analyses, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance propulsion systems. This role combines engin...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $180K *

Unlock the potential of intelligence systems integration by leading efforts to ensure seamless interoperability across multi-discipline analysis platforms, enhancing operational readiness and data-dri...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of military intelligence by leading system integration efforts, ensuring seamless interoperability of advanced analytics and data platforms to enhance operational readiness and decisi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Support critical integration tasks and troubleshoot workflows to enhance data sharing and interoperability within Army intelligence systems, ensuring seamless operations and modernization efforts...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing terrestrial sensor integration for Army intelligence, ensuring seamless operational capabilities and strategic alignment across multiple defense sectors. Drive innovation...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Elevate systems engineering excellence by leading critical activities for a high-priority defense program. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet stringent...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead critical systems engineering efforts for a high-priority nuclear modernization program, ensuring innovative solutions meet mission requirements while adhering to schedule and cost constraints. Co...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $140K *

Innovate with us to drive the development of advanced systems engineering solutions. Collaborate in a dynamic team to design, prototype, and transition cutting-edge technologies in undersea defense an...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career by collaborating with a dynamic team to design, document, and test innovative systems for undersea defense and automated test equipment, ensuring successful prototype development a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$89K - $148K *

Unlock potential by leading complex engineering initiatives, driving system optimizations, and collaborating on corrective actions to enhance turbine performance and safety. Influence design decisions...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$114K - $171K *

Help us transform mission planning solutions as a Principal Systems Engineer, driving Agile development and engineering analysis to create innovative capabilities and ensure compliance with standards...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in developing next-gen data platforms, driving strategic insights and AI solutions. Oversee data architecture, governance, and quality, while mentoring a high-performing team to foster...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$130K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading systems engineering and testing for PNT products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage junior engineers, and ensure customer requirements are met through rigorou...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$139K - $201K *

Lead the design and development of hardware boards for cutting-edge routing products, overseeing all phases from architecture to production. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure product readiness...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$240K - $290K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team focused on production and infrastructure. Drive performance, foster collaboration, and deliver innovative solutions while managing diverse tec...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$240K - $290K *

Empower a high-performing engineering team by leading diverse technical disciplines, driving operational excellence, and fostering collaboration. Your hands-on leadership will ensure effective deliver...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovative automation solutions by engineering real-time controls and information systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency in the food and beverage a...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$115K - $125K *

Champion operational excellence by managing cross-regional teams, ensuring consistent performance standards, and facilitating effective agent execution. Drive strategic initiatives and resolve conflic...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in optimizing process engineering strategies and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance manufacturing efficiency and mentor teams, ensuri...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team as you support and enhance critical network and systems infrastructure across on-premises and AWS environments. Collaborate with experts to troubleshoot, secure, and maintain techn...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of TechSIGINT systems engineering by providing enterprise-focused support, integrating capabilities, and ensuring compliance with policies while collaborating with stakeholders and ma...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $130K *

Empower small-to-medium businesses by managing their technology stack. Leverage your expertise in Microsoft applications and consulting to enhance client relationships, drive growth, and deliver impac...

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.