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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$108K - $163K *

Drive mission success by serving as a key systems engineering liaison, enhancing airborne ISR systems and infrastructure through real-time support, troubleshooting, and configuration management in a d...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $171K *

Lead the charge in integrating data science with product support engineering to enhance system readiness and drive efficiencies. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate insights into actionable re...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$148K - $164K *

Shape the future of naval defense systems by providing expert engineering solutions for precision weapons programs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance operational capabilities and ens...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $230K *

Advance mission-critical MILSATCOM capabilities by solving complex engineering challenges. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance system interoperability and reliability, ensuring operational succes...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive engineering excellence by providing technical support for aircraft and vessel systems. Collaborate on design, testing, and compliance to enhance operational capabilities while ensuring adherence...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $170K *

Transform cloud solutions by providing expert guidance in designing, implementing, and automating secure, scalable architectures primarily on Microsoft Azure and AWS, ensuring compliance and operation...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advancing broadband initiatives by managing a high-performing engineering team, driving client relationships, and ensuring operational efficiency while fostering growth and innovati...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$125K - $150K *

Lead our Network Engineering team to enhance broadband initiatives, drive client relationships, and ensure operational excellence while fostering team growth and delivering high-quality engineering so...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$130K - $180K *

Lead the design and delivery of cutting-edge satellite electronics, ensuring projects meet schedule, cost, and quality standards. Collaborate with teams and customers to drive innovation and accountab...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $145K *

Shape the future of avionics by leading system development, integration, and compliance efforts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety, reliability, and performance in defense elec...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $169K *

Drive the development and management of model-based systems architecture while leading a team of engineers. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure traceable requirements and effective communication t...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Empower innovation by leading systems engineering efforts for space operations, ensuring seamless integration and support for advanced capabilities within a dynamic team environment focused on mission...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Champion the modernization of space launch ranges by providing expert systems engineering support, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving digital transformation to enhance mission capa...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join us to drive modernization efforts for space launch ranges, enhancing capabilities and supporting the Assured Access to Space mission through innovative engineering solutions and collaboration wit...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Manage the development and integration of advanced Submarine combat systems, ensuring seamless operation of hybrid software, web, and hardware products. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative so...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of physical security systems by designing and overseeing technical implementations while ensuring alignment with customer needs and operational efficiency across teams. Be a key playe...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Transform your career by designing and implementing cutting-edge physical security systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure solutions meet customer needs while leading technical execution with conf...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $130K *

Join us to support mission-critical defense initiatives by conducting systems engineering assessments, evaluating technical architecture, and promoting innovation in a collaborative environment. Enhan...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Pioneer innovative solutions as a Systems Engineer, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and deliver advanced software systems. Drive integration and testing efforts while managing requ...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Drive integration of complex systems for lunar exploration, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and customer needs. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to execute verification activities...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in Systems Engineering by embedding with customer-focused groups to gather insights, define needs, and develop robust requirements. Collaborate across functions t...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $200K *

Unlock your potential by leading complex digital design projects, overseeing architecture development, and ensuring technical excellence across multidisciplinary teams from concept to delivery...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in enhancing complex ISR systems through expert integration, rigorous validation, and strategic risk management. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions that exceed cust...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's leading innovative ISR and aviation solutions! As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll manage critical projects, mentor engineers, and ensure excellence in systems integration and v...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining software quality assurance with an automation-first strategy. Lead and inspire a skilled team to ensure robust testing across firmware, compilers, and inference serving...

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.