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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$170K - $221K *

Partner with us to deliver integrated IT solutions that align with customer goals. Leverage your technical expertise to navigate complex requirements and enhance customer satisfaction through innovati...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $221K *

Drive innovative IT solutions by consulting with customers to deliver tailored systems and services that align with their strategic goals, ensuring successful implementation and engagement to propel b...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $205K *

Shape the future of space electronics by leading complex programs from development to production. Drive performance across cost, schedule, and risk while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$171K - $245K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading a hardware team to optimize processes, enhance product quality, and ensure successful project execution across the Data Center product family...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$150K - $180K *

Optimize enterprise data initiatives by supporting Fabric AI projects, enhancing data pipelines, and driving analytics operations across multiple business functions. Collaborate with teams to ensure d...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovation by designing and developing embedded firmware, collaborating with engineering teams, and utilizing advanced tools for validation and debugging. Drive progress in circuit design and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $181K *

Engineer innovative solutions as a Senior Systems Engineer, focusing on design, integration, and testing for advanced defense technologies. Collaborate on the Aegis Combat System, ensuring high-qualit...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$123K - $230K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced test and measurement products, guiding cross-functional teams and mentoring engineers while driving complex hardware projects from concept to production...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Make your mark at the forefront of technology by leading the development of advanced test and measurement products. Drive innovation, mentor engineers, and influence cross-functional teams to deliver...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in systems engineering for national security. Manage Agile processes, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and enhance system performance through technical ex...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform the future of intelligence by leading software development efforts, ensuring high-quality solutions through Agile methodologies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance the...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$171K - $245K *

Shape the future of technology as you lead in interconnect engineering, optimizing advanced high-speed designs from concept to production. Collaborate with diverse teams and suppliers to enhance produ...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$205K - $307K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering operations by driving performance, accountability, and strategic alignment across engineering, finance, and product. Leverage insights to enhance organization...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Develop and maintain production software for gimbal systems, enhancing quality control and customer integration through innovative technologies and streamlined processes, in a collaborative environmen...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead the architectural design and deployment of advanced cognitive systems, integrating AI and human processes. Drive innovation in multi-agent workflows and cognitive modeling, ensuring secure, scala...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $175K *

Transform your career by leading the design and deployment of advanced cognitive systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate AI technologies, ensuring intuitive and scalable soluti...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $263K *

Transform IT project delivery by leading our PMO, developing strategies and frameworks that ensure alignment with organizational goals and driving a culture of excellence through stakeholder engagemen...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to supporting national security through engineering excellence. Contribute to the Sentinel program by managing requirements and performing architectural duties to ensure s...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $197K *

Elevate quality governance in complex electronic products by leading the development and enhancement of a robust Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and customer-specific stan...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $167K *

Innovate in satellite payload engineering by leading the design and optimization of operational solutions for GEO and MEO missions, enhancing performance monitoring, and supporting spacecraft operatio...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$108K - $130K *

Transform the systems engineering landscape by overseeing the full lifecycle of IT solutions, ensuring secure integration and alignment with cybersecurity standards while mentoring junior team members...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$149K - $205K *

Elevate innovation at the forefront of foodtech, agritech, and infrastructure. Lead strategic initiatives, build ecosystems, and drive new ventures to shape the future landscape of Mitsubishi Electric...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Champion the management of IT infrastructure and security, driving compliance and AI initiatives. This hands-on role requires direct involvement in operations, ensuring robust cybersecurity and effici...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $239K *

Manage a team of test engineers to oversee integration and testing of systems. Develop comprehensive test plans and procedures while ensuring alignment with customer requirements and operational needs...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in systems verification, intertwining requirements with testing to guarantee all products meet industry standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers t...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.