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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$140K - $190K *

Empower enterprise infrastructure by designing, implementing, and maintaining critical systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance technology solutions and ensure operational excellence across classifi...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $140K *

Partner with us to drive innovative fiber and RF connectivity solutions, serving as a trusted technical advisor. Collaborate with customers and sales teams to address challenges, enhance products, and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $140K *

Innovate solutions by serving as a technical advocate, driving customer success through advanced system integration and product support. Collaborate with sales and engineering to address challenges an...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$145K - $175K *

Transform the future of mobile technology by leading technical solutions across multi-MNO systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and service assurance for inte...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$180K - $200K *

Elevate your career by designing and implementing a high-performance testing network, enhancing both manual and automated testing capabilities through innovative solutions and collaboration with cross...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead live productions and ensure flawless execution across broadcasts, events, and recordings. Collaborate with teams to enhance technical operations, mentoring staff while exceeding client expectatio...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$190K - $210K *

Lead hardware architecture and development for mission-critical electronics systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure design integrity, resolve technical issues, and mentor engineers while managing...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $216K *

Lead the charge in driving technical vision and innovation by mentoring a talented engineering team, ensuring high-quality solutions, and fostering collaborative relationships across departments for i...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$151K - $216K *

Drive innovation and technical excellence by leading a high-performing engineering team. Collaborate across departments, manage talent, and ensure successful delivery of solutions in a complex, classi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$151K - $216K *

Grow your career with an innovative team, leading engineering solutions for governmental projects. You will inspire a culture of excellence, oversee talented engineers, and drive advancements in secur...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$151K - $216K *

Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative solutions, drive technical excellence, and foster collaboration while serving the U.S. Government in a hybrid work env...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$95K - $115K *

Transform the future of medical technology by developing innovative robotic systems for orthopaedics. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance, optimize designs, and support product lifecycle man...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Elevate the sales engineering function by leading a team, driving technical evaluations, and shaping strategic deals. Collaborate closely with Account Executives to deliver compelling demonstrations a...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Empower the sales engineering function by leading a team, driving technical evaluations, and shaping strategies for complex enterprise deals. Engage directly with prospects to demonstrate value and bu...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$114K - $171K *

Transform complex software integration and testing processes by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless collaboration, and driving best practices in a dynamic environment. Elevate system per...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $225K *

Elevate your career by leading technical program management efforts, driving customer engagement, and aligning packaging strategies to ensure product success in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$220K - $250K *

Champion product strategy and market engagement, driving innovations in server technology. Collaborate with customers and lead cross-functional teams to advance Supermicro's offerings in high-performa...

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$225K - $270K *

Empower business success as a Director of Solution Management, driving innovative strategies, expanding client relationships, and fostering collaboration to uncover lucrative opportunities and enhance...

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $204K *

Elevate your career by leading interdisciplinary teams to design and implement innovative Cyber solutions. Collaborate on risk assessments, develop security strategies, and ensure compliance throughou...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $204K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative Cyber solutions through collaboration and expertise. Engage in risk assessments, design evaluations, and ensure compliance while working with cros...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading Agile teams as a hybrid Scrum Master/Software Engineer, driving Java development and facilitating Agile ceremonies to deliver high-quality software solutions in a dynamic e...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Lead and develop a sales team while driving revenue growth in edge AI and semiconductor markets. Engage with partners and execute strategic account plans, combining hands-on selling with leadership to...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $150K *

Elevate project execution by leading complex technical programs across engineering, production, and operations. Collaborate with teams to meet technical requirements and customer expectations while dr...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $150K *

Innovate and lead complex technical programs, ensuring project execution meets engineering, production, and operational standards while aligning with customer expectations and regulatory requirements...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$159K - $186K *

Empower transformation by leading enterprise systems and data initiatives. Collaborate with executives to drive strategic roadmaps, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences through innova...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.