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

$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

$190K - $285K *

Transform systems engineering practices by leading innovation and strategy development. Collaborate with technical leaders to enhance methods and tools, ensuring quality and effectiveness across diver...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by managing production programs from inception to completion, ensuring contract compliance and performance goals are met. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive productio...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$225K - $250K *

Unlock potential by leading system engineering efforts to analyze requirements, develop specifications, and ensure technical integrity across complex systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive de...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$158K - $347K *

Join a team that's driving enterprise growth by leading complex federal capture efforts. You'll manage cross-functional teams, develop tailored strategies, and engage with customers to secure competit...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's committed to safety excellence and operational performance. Lead the development of a world-class HSE strategy across manufacturing and construction, driving cultural transformation...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $325K *

Lead the strategic management of suppliers and subcontracts for large-scale aircraft programs. Drive performance, talent development, and risk reporting while aligning with enterprise objectives to en...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$116K - $155K *

Lead system integration and test automation efforts to enhance platform validation, ensuring seamless functionality across complex hardware and software systems. Collaborate with cross-functional team...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $100K *

Champion innovative solutions as a System Engineer, driving client success through technology implementation and project management. Collaborate with teams to deliver projects on time and enhance clie...

Tampa, FLRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of multi-domain operations by leading systems engineering efforts, conducting trade studies, and developing innovative solutions for operational testing in advanced military environme...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$209K - $270K *

Drive innovation in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, connecting customer needs with market and technical opportunities. Shape product strategies and lead cross-functional engagement to creat...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$209K - $270K *

Champion innovative cybersecurity solutions for critical infrastructure by uniting customer insights, market trends, and technological advancements to drive business growth and establish leadership in...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Champion strategic execution in complex low-voltage projects, leading a team to ensure financial success and process improvements while aligning with industry standards and objectives...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $250K *

Champion the development and maintenance of secure, scalable back-end systems, collaborating with a team to deliver high-quality software solutions while ensuring data integrity and compliance in a hi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$229K - $344K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering infrastructure by leading the vision and operations for HPC and EDA platforms. Drive modernization, enhance productivity, and protect intellectual property wh...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$221K - $387K *

Transform market strategies by adapting global AI product roadmaps to local needs. Drive commercial success through collaboration with sales and marketing, ensuring effective product positioning and c...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$270K - $365K *

Lead a dynamic engineering organization to transform offensive capabilities into proactive defense. Shape strategy, scale teams, and deliver innovative solutions across multiple pillars, ensuring robu...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$79K - $141K *

Champion customer success by managing complex service delivery projects, ensuring compliance and satisfaction across diverse technology solutions. Collaborate with teams to drive project priorities an...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$147K - $179K *

Empower enterprise systems by leading SAP architecture, security, and development. Drive technical governance, optimize solutions, and mentor teams to ensure compliance and operational excellence acro...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$145K - $269K *

Advance systems engineering solutions while mentoring talent and managing complex technical challenges. Collaborate with various stakeholders across lifecycle phases to ensure mission success and adhe...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$176K - $242K *

Lead the development of innovative rack systems, driving cross-functional collaboration and engineering excellence to shape the future of data center infrastructure from concept to production...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$176K - $242K *

Shape the future of data center infrastructure by leading innovative rack systems development. Drive cross-functional collaboration, assess technical risks, and ensure seamless integration from concep...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in overseeing and optimizing diverse project initiatives. Develop strategic plans, mentor teams, and ensure timely completion within designated budgets while enhancing customer satisfa...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $160K *

Empower innovation by developing and scaling distributed systems, tackling performance and reliability challenges, and collaborating with a small team in an early-stage startup environment centered ar...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.