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

$164K - $223K *

Join our team to lead the design and verification of complex systems, ensuring performance and compatibility across all interfaces. Collaborate with engineers to optimize system architecture and mento...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$186K - $305K *

Drive strategic IT initiatives by collaborating with Global Operations to enhance processes, align technology roadmaps, and ensure operational excellence through effective stakeholder engagement and i...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $230K *

Lead the charge in designing a cutting-edge production system architecture that balances startup agility with aerospace precision. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless integration of PLM, ERP...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $125K *

Transform engineering workflows by enhancing DevSecOps practices, integrating automated solutions, and optimizing developer experience. Collaborate across teams to streamline processes and leverage AI...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by troubleshooting complex server environments and business applications. Collaborate with clients and vendors to resolve incidents swiftly, ensuring optimal performance of network...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to lead technical aspects of laser diode products, ensuring quality and performance. Collaborate with customers and internal teams to drive product success and improvements through...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $160K *

Optimize security technology architecture and lead a Solutions Engineering team, ensuring seamless integration and support of security systems while managing projects from inception to completion, dri...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Innovate within a complex network infrastructure, providing engineering support for multi-enclave environments. Collaborate on design and implementation of network solutions while resolving advanced n...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space technology by designing and integrating advanced electronic subsystems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, radiation-tolerant s...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$208K - $286K *

Drive enterprise-wide transformation by integrating business systems into a cohesive architecture that enhances operational excellence and compliance in a highly regulated aerospace and defense enviro...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$208K - $286K *

Lead the charge in transforming enterprise applications by integrating systems to enhance operational excellence and compliance in a dynamic aerospace and defense environment. Drive strategy, moderniz...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Design innovative technology solutions by assessing customer needs. Collaborate with clients to create effective Security, VMS, and Access Control systems that meet industry standards and exceed expec...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Accelerate progress at our manufacturing site by leading teams in production and engineering, ensuring quality delivery while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $150K *

Join us to engineer and modernize our Microsoft 365 environment, driving improvements in security, automation, and AI capabilities. Collaborate with teams to enhance productivity and shape the future...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading the integration of oil-free centrifugal compressors with strategic HVAC/R OEM accounts, collaborating across teams to ensure seamless implementation and customer satisfacti...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Champion the integration of oil-free centrifugal compressors with HVAC/R OEMs. Lead technical support, testing, and collaboration across teams to ensure seamless implementation and customer satisfacti...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$126K - $152K *

Drive the future of remote sensing by supporting mission design and system integration for a proliferated spacecraft constellation. Collaborate across teams to enhance monitoring and reporting capabil...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $158K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance the Strategic Weapon Interface Simulator, leading cross-functional efforts in systems development, ensuring quality, compliance, and innovation while managing technical...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$109K - $167K *

Transform engineering change management by leading teams, optimizing processes, and ensuring compliance. Drive collaboration across functions to enhance project delivery and maintain high standards in...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Drive advanced systems engineering for complex spacecraft, focusing on Flight Software integration, verification, and validation. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure compliance and support on...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Champion strategic IT leadership to enhance hospital operations, ensuring system integrity, security, and compliance. Oversee technology initiatives, infrastructure management, and cross-departmental...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$160K - $205K *

Champion innovation by leading cross-functional engineering projects from concept to launch. Drive team success through mentorship and strategic planning, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $205K *

Champion innovative engineering projects by leading a team of Project Leaders, driving complex programs from concept to launch while ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence in a dynamic, cross-f...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Lead the strategic direction of Systems Engineering, driving innovation and excellence in medical device development from concept to commercialization while fostering a high-performance culture and en...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in elevating Process and System Engineering excellence, fostering strategic alignment, and cultivating a high-performance culture while managing resources and driving innovation within...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 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.