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

$160K - $200K *

Lead the technical direction for complex Naval aviation systems, ensuring Fleet readiness and safety. Drive architecture, requirements, and integration while mentoring engineers and collaborating with...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $285K *

Innovate systems integration strategies to enhance mission outcomes through collaboration, technical leadership, and mentorship. Drive quality and capability development while shaping research priorit...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $238K *

Join us to shape the future of RF communication systems by designing, integrating, and optimizing complex payloads. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle technical challenges and drive in...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $241K *

Drive the integration and management of complex C4IT systems within a mission-critical facility project, ensuring seamless coordination across design, construction, and operational phases while addres...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$160K - $190K *

Optimize reliability strategies from LCM failure studies to customer sign-off. Lead a team, design qualification processes, and drive system-level improvements while presenting findings to clients in...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud infrastructure by leading engineering efforts for a cutting-edge Operational Decisioning Platform. Drive innovation, enhance developer experience, and en...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $175K *

Engineer robust IT infrastructure solutions, driving automation and modernization across hybrid platforms. Lead lifecycle management, enhance security, and ensure operational reliability for a multi-s...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Manager in Deployed Engineering, leading hands-on deployments and building a high-performing team. Collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to dri...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform your career by leading a dynamic team in deploying innovative AI solutions for top audit firms. Engage directly with clients while building production code and shaping the future of audit te...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $190K *

Unlock your potential by leading innovative design projects, managing teams, and ensuring alignment with industry standards. Drive strategic initiatives in data center development while delivering exc...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in electrical engineering projects, overseeing design, testing, and integration of complex circuits for infrared sensor systems while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to en...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $190K *

Lead the charge in managing complex design projects, ensuring alignment with industry standards and strategic objectives. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions while overseeing budget...

3 weeks ago

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

$108K - $130K *

Drive innovation in cloud infrastructure by designing scalable solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and integrate cutting-edge technologies across diverse platforms while leading and mento...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$108K - $130K *

Drive modern cloud infrastructure solutions and lead the engineering team. Own projects from inception to delivery while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, scalable, and cost...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of operational excellence by leading engineering initiatives, driving program execution, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance performance and deliver key operationa...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$170K - $190K *

Drive innovation in data center design by leading multiple projects, managing teams, and ensuring adherence to engineering standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver high-quality results on t...

3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $100K *

Lead cloud deployment projects, collaborating with global teams to drive digital transformation. Oversee planning, execution, and quality assurance while managing resources, budgets, and risks to ensu...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $145K *

Contribute to the design and implementation of advanced communication systems for public safety, ensuring seamless integration and support for critical infrastructure projects while collaborating with...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$135K - $160K *

Lead and innovate in sensor technology by developing global engineering teams, driving product development, and shaping the technology roadmap to meet market needs and enhance customer solutions...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Lead the optimization and maintenance of test equipment and processes, ensuring high-quality product testing and design verification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity an...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering complex automation programs for data centers, ensuring seamless integration across design, engineering, and operations while managing risks, schedules, and stakeholder co...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$183K - $261K *

Lead cutting-edge mission planning systems engineering, guiding integration and sustainment to enhance satellite communications for national security. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and mentor...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $260K *

Transform complex systems into innovative solutions by leading engineering efforts, guiding teams, and ensuring alignment with user requirements and design specifications. Collaborate across disciplin...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$192K - $275K *

Lead the charge in architecting and implementing high-reliability embedded firmware for advanced transceiver subsystems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize hardware-software interfa...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$167K - $226K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic project engineering team, driving technical execution across complex aerospace programs, and ensuring successful delivery through effective governance and team de...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 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.