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.

1,000+

Director, Systems Engineering Jobs

Average Salary: $185,674

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Top companies hiring for Director, Systems Engineering

Northrop Grumman Lockheed Martin SAIC Leonardo DRS Cisco SEGRA Honeywell ViaSat Digital Realty Super Micro Computer, Inc General Dynamics Dell Raytheon Technologies Level 3 Communications, Inc CACI International

Top similar job titles to Director, Systems Engineering

Senior Systems Engineer jobs Systems Engineer jobs Engineering Manager jobs Senior Engineering Manager jobs Senior Security Engineer jobs Project Manager jobs Principal Engineer jobs Principal Software Engineer jobs Lead Engineer jobs Software Engineering Manager jobs Technical Program Manager jobs Senior Program Manager jobs Network Architect jobs Program Manager jobs Systems Architecture Manager jobs

Top cities hiring for Director, Systems Engineering

Huntsville, AL jobs San Jose, CA jobs Chantilly, VA jobs San Diego, CA jobs New York, NY jobs Colorado Springs, CO jobs Dallas, TX jobs El Segundo, CA jobs San Francisco, CA jobs Annapolis, MD jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a Director of Systems Engineering do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.