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.
$138K - $165K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in transmission and distribution technologies. Lead technical strategy and service development while expanding our market presence and mentoring future engineers...
Reposted today
Senior Director - Cybersecurity Transformation & AI Security
$190K - $225K *
Drive cybersecurity transformation by leading enterprise initiatives, modernizing security operations, and leveraging AI for enhanced automation. Collaborate with C-suite executives to develop strateg...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director - Cybersecurity Transformation & AI Security
$190K - $225K *
Transform enterprise cybersecurity programs by leading AI-driven initiatives and modernization efforts. Collaborate with C-suite executives to design and implement comprehensive security roadmaps, enh...
2 weeks ago
$158K - $294K *
Drive the integration of advanced missile defense systems by leading a multidisciplinary engineering team. Ensure effective systems engineering practices while managing requirements, risks, and custom...
1 week ago
Technical Program Manager, Network
$180K - $230K *
Lead complex, multi-workstream technology programs, ensuring alignment across teams and delivering customer outcomes through strategic planning, execution, and governance. Drive program success by man...
1 week ago
$165K - $200K *
Champion software design and vendor integrations in Trading & Order Management. Lead modernization projects, deepen business expertise, mentor junior engineers, and ensure robust architecture and data...
4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform production efficiency by leading machine operations, ensuring quality standards, and optimizing schedules for timely order completion while maintaining cost-effectiveness and high delivery p...
2 weeks ago
SDA Systems Engineer (Level 2/3)
$91K - $137K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space systems engineering. Contribute to the development, integration, and verification of cutting-edge technologies while collaborating with diverse teams to...
4 days ago
Manager, Solutions Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Lead the development of a high-performing Mid-Market Solutions Engineering team, overseeing the full customer lifecycle from pre-sales to post-sales. Collaborate with Sales, Product, and Engineering t...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Manager, Software Engineering
$220K - $245K *
Unlock potential by leading a team in designing and developing innovative networking software solutions. Drive collaboration across departments, mentor engineers, and enhance customer satisfaction thr...
Reposted today
Systems Engineering Mgr (Configuration Manager) - L5
$129K - $239K *
Accelerate your career by leading the Systems Engineering CM Team to ensure precise configuration management for the F-22 program, driving production and sustainment while adhering to DoD standards th...
3 weeks ago
$93K - $232K *
Transform your career by driving technical sales support and strategy. Engage with C-suite clients, lead pre-sales initiatives, and collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhanc...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, High-Performance Compute Go-to-Market (HPC GTM)
$200K - $230K *
Champion high-performance computing initiatives across federal markets. Drive business development, sales, and strategic partnerships while building a robust pipeline and enhancing brand visibility in...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring optimal data center operations. As a Site Engineer II, you'll support mission-critical infrastructure, enhance operational procedures, and maintain high availa...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $97K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring optimal data center operations. As a Site Engineer II, you'll leverage your expertise in mission-critical systems to maintain high availability and compliance...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform data center operations by ensuring optimal performance of critical systems. Leverage your expertise in electrical or mechanical engineering to maintain uptime, enhance safety, and support co...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$250K - $300K *
Lead high-performing teams to develop user-facing platforms and robust backend services, bridging complex data with intuitive applications. Drive architectural excellence and mentor engineers while co...
1 week ago
$130K - $145K *
Join a team that's driving successful program delivery across multiple value streams. As a key contributor, you'll manage project execution, ensuring objectives are met while interfacing with cross-fu...
1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of technology solutions by providing architectural oversight and mentoring within a dynamic IT environment. Drive innovation and efficiency across software develo...
5 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Transform the future of AI by leading strategic initiatives, aligning technology with business goals, and driving scalable solutions across a global portfolio. Collaborate with stakeholders to industr...
6 days ago
$100K - $160K *
Lead the charge in advancing next-gen GPS and PNT systems through architecture, requirements development, and project management, ensuring compliance and collaboration across engineering teams for mis...
5 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Drive the design, integration, and deployment of complex systems, leading technical projects from requirements to field support. Collaborate across teams to ensure effective solutions that enhance urb...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$250K - $300K *
Champion engineering excellence by leading the Developer Experience team, enhancing tools and infrastructure to accelerate development and eliminate friction, while shaping the strategic vision for a...
2 weeks ago
$250K - $300K *
Unlock potential by leading our Developer Experience team to enhance engineering productivity. Drive the development of AI platforms and tools, fostering a culture of quality and efficiency across the...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Engineering Manager, BRM & PM
$110K - $178K *
Drive enterprise product lifecycle management initiatives by collaborating with stakeholders to define needs, translate them into actionable requirements, and enhance product development efficiency ac...
Today
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.