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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$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Fairfax, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.