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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$150K - $180K *

Drive operational excellence and strategic growth by leading Process and System Engineering efforts, ensuring world-class standards, governance, and technical support while managing diverse teams to a...

Pickering, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$193K - $289K *

Lead a dynamic team in configuration management, driving process improvements and ensuring timely product delivery. Collaborate across functions to maintain configuration integrity and support program...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Drive quality assurance initiatives to enhance product integrity and mission readiness. Collaborate across teams to identify risks, implement corrective actions, and maintain compliance with industry...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $181K *

Shape the future of technology by designing scalable architectures for cloud migration and microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, optimize performance, and enhance...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Drive your career with innovative AI-driven automation solutions that enhance IT operations and user experience. Collaborate across teams to minimize manual tasks, improve efficiency, and implement in...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $130K *

Transform advanced aircraft development by integrating COTS components into system architecture. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, utilizing CATIA and Cameo for hardware design and build-up on the...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Unlock potential by joining our team to establish and maintain configuration management processes, ensuring product consistency throughout the lifecycle while collaborating with cross-functional teams...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Lead the charge in technical planning and system integration, ensuring effective solutions that meet customer requirements while balancing cost and schedule constraints across all system lifecycle pha...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Join a dynamic team to support all phases of the program lifecycle, ensuring systems integration and technical documentation for advanced engineering projects. Collaborate with cross-functional groups...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $163K *

Drive technical planning and system integration for comprehensive solutions, ensuring effective analysis across all system levels. Collaborate with teams to translate customer requirements into action...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$189K - $246K *

Lead and innovate enterprise infrastructure operations, driving modernization and reliability across cloud and hybrid systems. Oversee a team while engaging in hands-on technical leadership to enhance...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $105K *

Architect innovative digital signal processing solutions for space-based systems, leveraging advanced algorithms and systems engineering principles. Collaborate in a dynamic team environment to enhanc...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$209K - $270K *

Shape the future of data center solutions by leading market opportunities, customer engagement, and strategic initiatives. This role unites innovation, technical expertise, and business growth to deli...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining tactical data link systems. As a senior Systems Engineer, you'll lead data analysis, design, and integration efforts, ensuring robust communication solutions for airborne...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Transform the internal IT landscape by managing support, systems, and infrastructure. Drive automation and security while enhancing employee experience in a dynamic, growing environment. Lead initiati...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $303K *

Drive innovative product development programs through effective leadership and strategic management, overseeing all phases from conception to market launch while ensuring cross-functional collaboratio...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$209K - $270K *

Lead the charge in redefining data center innovation by bridging customer needs, market opportunities, and technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate ideas into pioneering soluti...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $174K *

Elevate the future of drone delivery by overseeing systems engineering and development cycles for cutting-edge communication systems, ensuring compliance and quality across hardware and software in a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading network systems engineering for DOD communications. Collaborate with teams to deliver integrated solutions and enhance the DOD Information Network's transport infrastr...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Engineer robust security solutions, manage vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance in federal environments. Collaborate across teams to maintain and enhance security posture while supporting audits and...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Transform data delivery by leading cross-functional teams in Agile environments. Oversee project lifecycles from intake to production, ensuring alignment between stakeholders and technical teams while...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Champion the growth and strategy of the SMB PC business across North America, driving revenue and market share while leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful business outcomes in a dynamic...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $180K *

Tackle the end-to-end supply chain for cutting-edge spacecraft, optimizing operations and supplier relations to enhance efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced aerospace env...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$261K - $290K *

Lead and grow a high-performing engineering team to develop innovative B2B tools, enhancing event management for clients. Collaborate on product direction, scale systems, and foster talent development...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$235K - $265K *

Lead and grow a high-performing engineering team to develop innovative B2B tools. Collaborate with product leaders to shape technology direction, ensuring scalability and reliability while mentoring e...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.