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.
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.
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.
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.
Sr Manager, Software Engineering
$160K - $288K *
Lead multiple software development teams to innovate and deliver scalable solutions, ensuring timely project execution and budget adherence while enhancing collaboration and technical strategy across...
1 week ago
Sr Manager, Software Engineering
$160K - $288K *
Lead multiple software development teams to deliver innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with partners to integrate technical roadmaps and over...
1 week ago
$180K - $250K *
Lead the charge in our cybersecurity operations, overseeing teams and strategies to enhance effective security monitoring and incident response while ensuring top-notch service delivery across diverse...
Reposted 1 week ago
$209K - $313K *
Optimize technical execution and integrity for a complex multi-disciplinary program, leading cross-functional teams to deliver mission-capable solutions while ensuring alignment with business and cust...
Today
$209K - $313K *
Lead and oversee a dynamic engineering organization, driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence across multiple disciplines in vehicle and mechanical engineering, ensuring alignment with...
Today
Software Engineering Director – Digital Delivery
$142K - $190K *
Contribute to enterprise-level digital solutions by leveraging your expertise in software engineering and delivery. Shape technical direction, influence cross-functional teams, and drive modernization...
1 week ago
Director, Supply Chain Planning & Materials
$120K - $145K *
Optimize supply chain strategies to enhance material availability and production readiness. Lead cross-functional teams in planning, inventory management, and compliance, driving continuous improvemen...
Today
$125K - $160K *
Lead the charge in architecting and deploying enterprise cybersecurity platforms, ensuring high availability and seamless integration across mission-critical environments while leveraging automation a...
4 weeks ago
Systems Engineer (Expert) #892
$130K - $155K *
Drive innovation in multi-discipline systems engineering, leading teams to enhance reliability and resiliency across geospatial intelligence solutions for government agencies, ensuring the highest qua...
Reposted 6 days ago
Software Systems Engineer-Lead
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing and maintaining complex software applications in a federal environment, ensuring operational excellence and innovative solutions across various systems and n...
1 week ago
$91K - $137K *
Drive innovation as a Systems Engineer, collaborating across teams to transform national defense capabilities through advanced engineering practices and model-based solutions, ensuring integration and...
2 weeks ago
$145K - $190K *
Lead technical initiatives in aerospace and defense, driving system architecture, integration, and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program success and mentor engineers while...
3 weeks ago
Sr Manager Software Engineering
$132K - $251K *
Elevate your career by managing a dynamic software engineering team, driving innovation in embedded software development for advanced communication systems while ensuring compliance and high-performan...
5 days ago
Sr. Staff Systems Architect – System-of-Systems
$192K - $289K *
Champion the future of defense technology by leading the architecture of complex, cloud-enabled systems. Drive innovation and ensure interoperability across diverse platforms while aligning solutions...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Staff Systems Architect – System-of-Systems
$192K - $289K *
Drive the architecture of complex, cloud-enabled systems, ensuring interoperability and alignment with mission needs. Lead cross-project technical alignment and guide teams in developing innovative so...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Staff Systems Architect – System-of-Systems
$175K - $262K *
Unlock potential by leading the architecture of innovative defense systems. As a seasoned architect, you will shape integrated system designs that enhance mission capabilities while ensuring performan...
Reposted 1 week ago
Avionics Embedded Systems Engineering Manager
$145K - $269K *
Drive innovation in avionics systems as you lead a dynamic engineering team, ensuring strategic defense capabilities through advanced technologies and effective project management in a collaborative e...
1 week ago
Director, Technical Data Modernization
$200K - $240K *
Empower your career by leading a dynamic team to modernize technical data for defense systems. Drive operational excellence, enhance quality controls, and manage a growing workforce to deliver high-vo...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Service Operations & Enablement
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's transforming operational readiness for cutting-edge infrastructure. Lead the development of scalable O&M models, training programs, and knowledge management to ensure seamless deplo...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in defining and integrating software systems for space operations, ensuring robust requirements management and cross-disciplinary collaboration in a dynamic, fast-paced environment...
3 days ago
$107K - $189K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team of Systems Engineers, supporting the full development lifecycle of advanced radar and communication systems for military applications, ensuring compliance an...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead with innovative systems engineering to enhance IT infrastructure performance, ensuring secure and efficient operations. Supervise and develop a dynamic team, driving continuous improvement and al...
Reposted today
$80K - $100K *
Empower the future of naval operations by ensuring accurate AutoCAD drawings for shore installations. Collaborate with experts to enhance C4I capabilities, supporting seamless communication between ta...
2 weeks ago
Manager II, Software Engineering, Infrastructure
$154K - $260K *
Join an innovative team to lead and evolve critical Core Infrastructure. Oversee infrastructure strategy, improve operational health, and drive automation to boost performance across a globally distri...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Test Engineer - Systems
$93K - $125K *
Join us as a Senior Test Engineer to lead the planning and execution of complex product testing, utilizing your expertise to assess performance criteria across various systems while collaborating with...
Reposted today
What does a Director of Systems Engineering do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.