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.
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.
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.
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.
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic application team to enhance software solutions, manage risks, and drive continuous improvement in a collaborative Agile environment, ensuring high-quality deliver...
1 week ago
$200K - $240K *
Shape the future of space systems engineering by leading complex acquisitions and integrating advanced capabilities for the U.S. Space Force. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive program success an...
3 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Join a dynamic team to lead complex systems acquisition for advanced space capabilities. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering to drive program planning, risk mitigation, and technical oversi...
3 days ago
$180K - $220K *
Join us to drive innovation in space systems engineering, collaborating with government partners to enhance spacecraft designs and ensure mission success through expert guidance and strategic planning...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advancing innovative space programs by collaborating with government stakeholders, enhancing spacecraft subsystems, and mitigating technical risks to ensure mission success and stra...
1 week ago
415 - Systems Integration Engineer
$128K - $143K *
Drive innovation by integrating and developing prototype applications in a lab environment, supporting government clients with technical evaluations and experiments. Collaborate with a skilled team to...
2 weeks ago
Deputy Chief Engineer Systems (Government)
$143K - $276K *
Join a team that's redefining systems architecture for large-scale IT and communications solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to ensure scalable, secure, and resilient infrastructur...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Sustaining & Lifecycle
$110K - $198K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in HVAC engineering by leading product evolution and mentoring talent. You'll tackle complex challenges, enhance product performance, and ensure quality standards...
1 week ago
Lead Engineer – Operational Technology Network Security
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of operational technology security by leading the design and enhancement of robust security controls. Collaborate across teams to ensure a resilient environment, minimizing risks whil...
Reposted 6 days ago
Lead Engineer – Operational Technology Network Security
$110K - $130K *
Innovate cutting-edge operational technology security solutions, enhancing systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain resilience and compliance in industrial environments and...
Reposted 6 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Optimize the design and development of advanced electronics systems while leading a skilled team. Drive troubleshooting and modifications, ensuring projects meet specifications and budgets while foste...
Reposted today
Director, Program and Portfolio Management
$230K - $255K *
Partner with us to lead program management for clinical development, ensuring high-quality execution and strategic alignment across cross-functional teams. Drive risk management and decision-making to...
2 weeks ago
$118K - $219K *
Unlock potential by leading requirements and verification engineering for a next-gen MILSATCOM system. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure comprehensive requirements flow-down and valida...
1 week ago
$104K - $194K *
Drive progress at the forefront of product integration, leading a dynamic team to enhance testing and integration processes while ensuring adherence to Agile principles and delivering exceptional resu...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer, Systems and Control Engineering
$120K - $130K *
Unlock your potential by leading the design and deployment of advanced control systems and automation solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability in critical manufacturing processes wh...
2 weeks ago
$177K - $265K *
Lead the charge in shaping the future of USAF Electronic Warfare programs by managing technical development, ensuring integrity of engineering baselines, and delivering mission-effective solutions thr...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director of Engineering, Semiconductor Test Group
$175K - $225K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative semiconductor test platforms, guiding a global engineering team through product lifecycle management, from concept to high-volume manufacturing, while fosterin...
1 week ago
$153K - $164K *
Lead advanced systems engineering initiatives across the lifecycle, ensuring technical integrity and quality. Collaborate with government and program teams to deliver complex solutions in a Scaled Agi...
5 days ago
Director, Security Engineering & CloudSecOps
$150K - $175K *
Elevate your career by leading a high-performing Security Engineering and CloudSecOps team. Drive security initiatives across cloud and enterprise environments, ensuring compliance and resilience whil...
1 week ago
Sr. Director of Business Development - Aerospace
$160K - $200K *
Drive strategic revenue growth by identifying and capturing new business opportunities in aerospace. Lead complex pursuits, develop executive relationships, and execute account strategies to enhance m...
1 week ago
Sr. Director of Business Development - Aerospace
$150K - $180K *
Champion strategic growth by driving new business opportunities and expanding client relationships in the aerospace sector. Lead complex pursuits, manage cross-functional teams, and deliver innovative...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer innovative solutions by integrating complex systems and supporting operational needs. Collaborate with teams to enhance analytical processes and ensure seamless transitions from development to...
3 days ago
$162K - $243K *
Lead end-to-end systems engineering integration to tackle complex transport challenges across multiple defense programs, advising senior military leaders and unifying mission threads through holistic...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Deployment
$230K - $280K *
Lead the charge in designing a cohesive network architecture for our AI-driven cloud. Oversee multiple teams for edge, backbone, and data center optimizations, ensuring high-performance systems that s...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Deployment
$230K - $280K *
Lead the charge in shaping the architecture of our AI-first cloud network. Oversee multi-domain teams ensuring coherence and high performance across edge, backbone, data centers, and SDN, while mentor...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
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.