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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$139K - $208K *

Transform program execution and team development as a Software Functional Manager, blending management and technical expertise to drive software design, implementation, and testing for mission-critica...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$137K - $168K *

Join a team that's dedicated to applying systems engineering principles across all life cycle phases. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure technical integrity and quality in critical documentation...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$137K - $168K *

Drive systems engineering excellence by generating critical documentation, ensuring technical integrity, and collaborating with stakeholders throughout the systems life cycle. Engage with government a...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $200K *

Drive global supply chain strategy and operational excellence across all business units. Lead procurement, materials management, and outsourced manufacturing while fostering supplier partnerships and...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

The Sr. Project Manager is responsible for overseeing construction activities, ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget. This role involves managing client relationships...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$128K - $185K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software supply chain security through in-depth analysis and risk evaluation. Leverage your expertise to assess vulnerabilities and ensure compliance within s...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $269K *

Shape the future of strategic defense by managing test programs and leading a team of Systems Engineers. Drive innovation in missile assessment and ensure compliance with technical requirements while...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $160K *

Transform your career by leading innovative electrical engineering projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and test cutting-edge systems for diverse applications, ensurin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate security compliance for mission-critical systems by managing RMF processes, translating policy into actionable requirements, and ensuring continuous monitoring. Collaborate with engineering te...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $125K *

Lead the charge in supporting the USAF's next-gen ICBM program by managing requirements, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring alignment with stakeholders while fostering a productive team environ...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $184K *

Engineer comprehensive rack-based compute and storage solutions, balancing customer needs with industry standards. Lead projects from design to physical build, ensuring optimal functionality and servi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$134K - $184K *

Engage with cross-functional teams to develop and support automation software for enterprise rack-based solutions, ensuring seamless integration and validation in a dynamic environment...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$134K - $184K *

Champion innovative rack-based solutions by designing and integrating compute, cloud, and storage systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure optimal functionality and serviceability while adher...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$134K - $184K *

Reimagine the future of data center solutions by designing innovative rack-based compute and storage systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure optimal functionality and serviceability while ad...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in delivering a multi-billion-dollar OSAT facility, overseeing integrated projects from design to start-up. Ensure alignment across stakeholders, manage risks, and drive operational re...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$166K - $224K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity across IoT and mobile devices. Lead security assessments, collaborate with engineering teams, and develop proactive strategies to safeguard digi...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to maintaining and enhancing property operations through effective supervision of engineering projects, preventive maintenance, and compliance with safety standards to ens...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$245K - $285K *

Innovate system engineering solutions by analyzing requirements, guiding design, and ensuring technical integrity. Lead integration efforts, develop documentation, and collaborate with stakeholders to...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$105K - $205K *

Unlock potential by leading high-impact, cross-functional strategic programs in cybersecurity. Collaborate closely with teams across the organization to drive initiatives from inception to execution...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Elevate progress at the forefront of systems engineering by supporting the development and integration of mission-critical Strategic Weapons Control systems, ensuring high reliability and security in...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Contribute to the development and integration of mission-critical systems, applying systems engineering principles to ensure high reliability and security. Collaborate across teams to support the enti...

Pittsfield, MARemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$154K - $247K *

Engineer innovative software solutions by leading a skilled team in developing high-reliability systems for uncrewed technologies. Drive project success through mentorship, collaboration, and adherenc...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$148K - $275K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software engineering management. Lead a dynamic team, oversee technical execution, and drive continuous improvement while managing personnel and financial perf...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Lead transformative initiatives by managing strategic projects across global manufacturing sites. Drive operational excellence, quality improvement, and standardize best practices to enhance productiv...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Empower innovation by leading cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional antenna solutions, ensuring customer satisfaction while managing program scope, timelines, and budgets effectively...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.