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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$112K - $135K *

Shape the future of defense systems by providing expert systems engineering services, driving acquisition strategies, and ensuring timely transitions to operational use while managing risks and costs...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Empower national security by leading systems engineering for nuclear detection systems. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of critical capabilities, focusing on requiremen...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion systems integration and testing for advanced electronic warfare solutions. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance Navy ships' defenses against unmanned aerial threats through rigorous...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team dedicated to enhancing naval operations through advanced systems integration and testing of innovative electronic warfare solutions. Collaborate in dynamic environments while implementing...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join our team as a Staff Systems Engineer, where you'll lead enterprise infrastructure projects, ensuring optimal performance and security. Collaborate across functions, mentor peers, and drive automa...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team of Systems Engineers dedicated to designing, integrating, and maintaining complex systems for national defense. Collaborate across multiple domains to drive...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $180K *

Drive systems engineering and program integration support for Government clients, ensuring effective lifecycle management, documentation, and collaboration across diverse stakeholders in complex missi...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing systems engineering and program support to Government clients, ensuring effective execution of acquisition activities and lifecycle management across complex...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$209K - $234K *

Lead the design and implementation of cutting-edge technology systems, ensuring project success through collaboration with diverse teams. Oversee all phases from planning to execution, driving quality...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Serve as the technical authority for seeker technologies, leading cross-functional teams in the design, development, and testing of advanced precision-guided weapon systems, while engaging with custom...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $135K *

Contribute to multidisciplinary systems engineering, driving technical scope to completion. Oversee integration and verification across various domains, ensuring quality and collaboration in deliverin...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$190K - $215K *

Transform cloud-based engineering strategies as you lead teams in creating innovative AI-powered automation solutions, ensuring quality and scalability while promoting a dynamic and collaborative cult...

Lehi, UTRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$166K - $248K *

Lead the charge in optimizing enterprise application portfolios, guiding strategy and governance to reduce complexity and costs while enhancing critical business capabilities through effective decisio...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $233K *

Shape the future of application management by leading enterprise-wide strategies to optimize, govern, and rationalize the application portfolio, ensuring alignment with business goals while reducing c...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $233K *

Drive enterprise application portfolio optimization, guiding strategy and governance to simplify the application landscape. Collaborate across functions to reduce costs, risks, and redundancies while...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $215K *

Pioneer innovative digital engineering solutions that enhance project delivery, safety, and cost efficiency. Lead a high-performing team in integrating advanced technologies like AI and automation wit...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $150K *

Innovate and lead as a Senior Electrical Engineer, driving design and integration for advanced Battle Management Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and deliver cut...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $185K *

Play a key role in validating and optimizing server/storage systems, configuring, deploying, and troubleshooting solutions while supporting engineering and enhancing performance for clients across var...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$185K - $225K *

Lead the charge in architecting innovative enterprise solutions for complex IT systems, providing senior technical guidance, and driving modernization efforts across cloud services, networks, and data...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $215K *

Join a team that's redefining supply chain management by leading product strategy and migration for a comprehensive portfolio. Drive innovation and collaboration across aerospace and defense sectors w...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $160K *

Pioneer high-performance digital and mixed-signal hardware development, leading a team to ensure technical excellence and timely delivery. Drive engineering standards and processes while mentoring eng...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$218K - $266K *

Drive excellence in digital and mixed-signal hardware engineering, leading a team to deliver high-performance electronics for advanced communication systems. Ensure technical quality and efficient pro...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$97K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system engineering projects through effective planning, design, and implementation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational improvements...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $262K *

Join a team that's dedicated to managing and optimizing infrastructure systems. Oversee technical engineers, ensure system performance, and maintain service level agreements while fostering talent dev...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Lead the development of advanced materials for medical devices, translating research into commercially viable products while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and collaborating across mult...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.