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

$183K - $193K *

Innovate systems engineering solutions for Free-Space Optical communications, leading design, integration, and verification efforts. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure successful deployment and...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$183K - $193K *

Lead the technical definition and integration of advanced Free-Space Optical communications systems. Oversee system design, verification, and sustainment while collaborating across multiple engineerin...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $220K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space and ground systems by providing critical Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory services to the Government Intelligence Community, ensuring successfu...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space and ground systems through innovative acquisition strategies, providing critical support to government programs and ensuring successful execution of miss...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$220K - $270K *

Reimagine hardware engineering by leading a multidisciplinary team to transition R&D prototypes into robust, customer-grade products, ensuring alignment with company strategy and fostering a culture o...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Lead the global network architecture and engineering strategy, ensuring secure, scalable solutions that align with business goals. Drive innovation, oversee project delivery, and establish technical s...

Milwaukee, WIRemote

1 week ago

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

$168K - $218K *

Join a dynamic team to unlock potential by leading RF architecture for defense, aerospace, and SATCOM systems. Influence product strategy and engage with customers, driving solutions that enhance and...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$168K - $218K *

Take ownership of strategic RF solutions development, influencing system architecture and leading cross-functional teams to drive innovative product strategies for the Defense and Aerospace sectors...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$152K - $243K *

Innovate as a technology leader, driving application architecture and cloud modernization while fostering engineering excellence and talent development to achieve strategic business objectives...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$172K - $240K *

Join a team that's redefining AI security! As a Principal AI Security Engineer, you'll lead assessments, design controls, and partner with teams to ensure safe AI adoption across the enterprise, drivi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$230K - $345K *

Drive strategic program leadership and execution, ensuring performance excellence across a diverse portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to foster growth, enhance customer engagement, and...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$94K - $198K *

Lead the charge in advancing Cybersecurity initiatives by managing cross-functional teams, coordinating project requirements, and driving innovative solutions to meet evolving customer needs and enhan...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $180K *

Shape the future of water infrastructure by leading a high-performing team, driving strategic growth, and ensuring technical excellence in complex projects. Your leadership will foster innovation and...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$145K - $175K *

Innovate as a Principal Systems Engineer, leading complex space programs from concept to launch. Drive system architecture, integration, and technical direction while mentoring the next generation of...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in driving strategic technology initiatives by managing a team of business analysts, ensuring effective project execution, and fostering collaboration across departments to enhance org...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of submarine engineering by resolving technical challenges and supporting fleet modernization. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational readiness and ensure mission succe...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $210K *

Lead the integration and development of advanced avionics systems, collaborating across disciplines to ensure seamless functionality and performance in unmanned aerial vehicles. Drive innovation while...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Optimize system performance by leading configuration management and technical oversight. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance operability and maintenance, ensuring compliance with safety standard...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$141K - $236K *

Elevate cybersecurity operations by designing and maintaining secure data solutions. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues, implement access controls, and ensure reliable data ingestion for in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $300K *

Unlock potential by leading the strategy and development of cloud and infrastructure solutions for the federal market. Drive growth, build a differentiated portfolio, and mobilize cross-company expert...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $163K *

Lead the charge in supporting the SLCM-N program by providing technical expertise in design, proposal development, and technology maturation, ensuring efficient and effective systems for U.S. deterren...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Transform the future of radar systems by leading system architecture development, analyzing requirements, and collaborating with teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions in missile defense technology...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by providing engineering support for complex systems integration, ensuring compliance with standards while managing interfaces and user requirements. Collaborate on assessments and te...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $145K *

Pioneer advanced hardware solutions by leading board-level design for ruggedized systems. Collaborate across disciplines to innovate and deliver high-reliability electronic solutions for extreme envir...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of ruggedized, high-speed digital hardware solutions for advanced embedded systems, driving innovations that impact national security across vari...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.