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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$135K - $160K *

Transform the future of autonomous ground support equipment by leading product strategy and roadmap development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, performance, and reliability...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$95K - $115K *

Drive partner development and technical enablement, leveraging industry expertise to support sales, conduct training, and present innovative solutions across the northeastern territory, enhancing cust...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$140K - $170K *

Lead the charge in managing design-build mechanical projects, overseeing planning, budget, and procurement from contract award through closeout. Collaborate with Project Managers and coordinate with c...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $170K *

Join a team that's driving successful mechanical projects. As the leader in project management, you'll ensure precise planning, budget control, and client communication from contract award to project...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $200K *

Unlock your potential by leading strategic AI/ML initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, and interfacing with senior leadership in a mission-critical environment. Drive project success from conc...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform complex operational needs into innovative engineering solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, integrate, and test systems in a fast-paced R&D environment, ensuring eff...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $160K *

Drive naval ship combat systems modernization and sustainment efforts, leveraging extensive engineering expertise to enhance Foreign Military Sales programs and ensure operational readiness for custom...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $160K *

Champion naval combat systems modernization and sustainment efforts, leveraging extensive engineering expertise to enhance customer country ships under Foreign Military Sales programs...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$128K - $143K *

Innovate solutions in systems integration, contributing to the development and deployment of cutting-edge applications in a dynamic lab environment while providing critical support to government clien...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform client engagements by leveraging your technical expertise to design and deliver innovative Microsoft solutions. Collaborate with sales and engineering teams to ensure secure, scalable, and i...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $224K *

Champion the evolution of enterprise systems, leading a high-performing team to integrate and govern critical platforms, ensuring robust digital operations and a seamless transition to public-company...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $225K *

Lead the charge in multidisciplinary engineering and design management for a large-scale industrial infrastructure project, ensuring compliance with technical standards and client expectations through...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

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

$150K - $200K *

Elevate your career by owning the design and development of electrical systems for consumer devices. Collaborate across teams to optimize power efficiency and drive innovations from concept to mass pr...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative electric utility projects while supervising a dynamic team of engineers. Drive quality, foster collaboration, and enhance client relationships to ensure succes...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $225K *

Shape the future of advanced weapon systems by providing critical technical advisory support, enhancing interoperability, and defining requirements for multi-system architectures within a dynamic, fas...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $225K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Principal Systems Engineer, advising on advanced weapon systems and technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive integration and enhance mission eff...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead impactful software implementations and upgrades for Engineering Systems while providing PMO support. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success and ensure effective reportin...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Shape the future of technology strategy and innovation in a customer-focused role, leading cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and drive operational excellence in the packaging indus...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$129K - $193K *

Drive quality lifecycle development and logistics services while leading teams to meet program goals and objectives, ensuring successful performance in budget and schedule requirements in a collaborat...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $179K *

Drive innovation in air traffic management by leading systems engineering efforts for the National Airspace System, shaping complex architectures, and ensuring compliance while collaborating with top...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of IT by leading a dynamic team, resolving complex technical issues, and driving innovative solutions across multiple sites while enhancing security and efficiency in a growing indepe...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $230K *

Shape the future of space systems by providing expert engineering support, overseeing program execution, and collaborating on innovative solutions to enhance operational capabilities and system perfor...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$107K - $204K *

Lead a dynamic team of software engineers in developing cutting-edge embedded software for software-defined radio systems. Drive strategic workforce planning and ensure compliance with development pro...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$171K - $244K *

Transform infrastructure strategy by leading network and systems engineering teams. Drive technical excellence, mentor talent, and tackle complex network challenges to ensure platform reliability and...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$86K - $198K *

Join our team to transform naval operations through data-driven solutions, enhancing submarine readiness and logistics. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to develop scalable systems that improve d...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.