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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$95K - $115K *

Engage teams in enhancing quality systems for customer projects, driving improvements through detailed analysis and leadership. Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve quality issues, ensuring top-ti...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Pioneer quality assurance initiatives by leading engineering teams to enhance product quality and compliance. Drive process improvements, develop quality systems, and interface with customers to resol...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $150K *

Drive cross-functional coordination and governance for engineering programs, enhancing visibility and resource planning. Lead execution of new product introductions and custom engineering initiatives...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $130K *

Lead the charge in enhancing systems design and infrastructure, delivering innovative solutions to complex technical challenges while ensuring optimal performance, availability, and security across bu...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$93K - $171K *

Join us to advance engineering solutions as an individual contributor focused on system requirements, model development, and analysis within a multi-disciplinary team while collaborating across stakeh...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$163K - $271K *

Lead a dynamic team in the design and implementation of GNC algorithms, driving innovation and technical strategy for the 300 product line while ensuring high performance and quality in spacecraft sys...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $150K *

Shape the future of mobility by leading a skilled engineering team in a dynamic environment. Drive innovation, set strategic goals, and ensure quality delivery while fostering professional growth and...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in developing and enhancing software systems, ensuring compliance with design specifications while improving user interfaces and experiences in a dynamic production environment...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$193K - $289K *

Empower a dynamic team of over 100 engineers in digital electronics, driving innovation and technical excellence in space systems. Lead strategic planning, talent development, and program execution to...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $190K *

Lead the technical vision for large-scale systems software, architecting solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and scalability across distributed infrastructure serving billions of users. D...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $190K *

Shape the future of large-scale systems software by driving technical vision and architecture for platform services and runtime environments, ensuring performance, reliability, and scalability across...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$152K - $171K *

Drive excellence by leading a multidisciplinary team in the verification and validation of complex aerospace and defense systems, ensuring compliance with customer and regulatory requirements across d...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform the security landscape by managing identity and access across cloud and hybrid systems. Ensure robust authentication, governance, and compliance while collaborating with IT and security team...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $95K *

Lead the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting efforts for mission-critical hardware and systems. Engage with end-users to provide ongoing support and deploy solutions, ensuring optimal perfo...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Drive operational excellence by supporting managed services infrastructure, ensuring seamless incident response, systems administration, and network troubleshooting while collaborating with internal t...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $165K *

Engage in innovative projects to develop mineral processing solutions that enhance product quality and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, leading research initiatives to achieve stra...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$123K - $229K *

Elevate product development by leading design quality and reliability initiatives. Collaborate with engineering teams to establish best practices, ensuring consistency and agility in new product intro...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$123K - $229K *

Pioneer innovative engineering practices to enhance design quality and reliability. Lead cross-functional teams in establishing standards and methodologies that ensure product readiness and drive cont...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Transform the future of missile defense by leading cross-functional teams in developing system-level solutions. Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering to assess and enhance capabilities against evolv...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's driving Agile excellence and optimizing JIRA administration. Leverage your Scrum Master expertise to facilitate high-quality delivery within secure, mission-critical environments wh...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Transform program management by leading complex Microwave Amplification initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success, drive continuous improvement, and foster strong...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $125K *

Lead innovative design solutions as a Senior Design Engineer, transforming client needs into actionable broadcast system designs. Collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure pro...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$80K - $95K *

Take ownership of operational performance by partnering with a key supplier to enhance processes, implement improvements, and foster sustainable growth through hands-on engagement and continuous impro...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $150K *

Lead and innovate IT infrastructure projects, enhancing enterprise technology and endpoint management. Collaborate with teams to implement secure, reliable solutions while driving continuous improveme...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$158K - $225K *

Grow your career with an influential role in systems engineering and program management. Provide expert guidance throughout the acquisition lifecycle, engaging with diverse teams to ensure successful...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.