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 - $180K *

Drive engineering excellence by supporting high-visibility Air Force programs, focusing on enterprise IT systems and command-and-control capabilities. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successfu...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $180K *

Partner with us to enhance defense capabilities by delivering expert systems engineering support for advanced weapon systems, ensuring optimal performance, interoperability, and mission effectiveness...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $180K *

Bring your expertise to a dynamic team driving technical support for advanced weapon systems and sensors, collaborating across multiple organizations to enhance mission success in a fast-paced, high-e...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive innovation by developing and integrating RF systems for advanced defense technology projects, ensuring flawless functionality from prototype to testing while collaborating across multidisciplina...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $135K *

Take ownership of cybersecurity initiatives by supporting C4ISR security engineering and risk management activities. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance system security and ensure compliance ac...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $130K *

Empower mission-critical defense initiatives by supporting cybersecurity and information systems security engineering efforts, ensuring robust security posture and compliance across C4ISR systems whil...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and supporting advanced data center networking solutions, ensuring optimal performance and security while leveraging cutting-edge technologies and tools for s...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Transform your career by joining a dynamic team of Cisco Network Engineers, supporting critical national missions. Engage in complex networking challenges and contribute to impactful solutions in a co...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $281K *

Drive strategic alignment and operational excellence by partnering with senior leadership to execute integrated plans, enhance portfolio visibility, and lead cross-functional initiatives that elevate...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$168K - $281K *

Lead the charge in transforming strategic priorities into actionable plans, fostering collaboration across teams, and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Drive executive communications and governa...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$149K - $205K *

Drive the establishment of a cutting-edge Business Intelligence function, leveraging AI and analytics to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency across multiple business units, while foster...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $178K *

Drive innovation by designing and maintaining automated test procedures for critical software applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance mission success in a dynamic environmen...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $114K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing supplier quality through strategic development, rigorous analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring optimal product quality and compliance wit...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Champion partner growth by leading a high-performing team focused on pre-sales excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption. Drive business development and co-innovation while ensuring technical dis...

New York, NYRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving partner growth through technical excellence and strategic innovation. Lead a high-performing group focused on pre-sales, solution strategy, and AI adoption, while fostering...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $215K *

Lead the charge in defining system architecture and requirements for innovative medical products. Collaborate across teams to ensure traceability, integration, and risk management, driving high-qualit...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $135K *

Join a team that's enhancing enterprise infrastructure by designing, implementing, and maintaining critical systems. Leverage your expertise to improve performance and reliability while collaborating...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$154K - $247K *

Engage with Enterprise customers to drive revenue growth, manage sales pipelines, and build trusted relationships. Utilize strong communication skills to exceed sales targets and deliver tailored soft...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, leading the design and development of complex systems. Analyze user requirements, guide technical integration, and ensure the delivery of high-quality soluti...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing and integrating system requirements, guiding design and implementation efforts while ensuring technical integrity and compliance with user needs and operational goals. Co...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Lead the design and development of systems engineering solutions, guiding users in requirements formulation and ensuring technical integrity. Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate new systems int...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining systems engineering by analyzing user requirements and leading design activities. You'll provide technical leadership, develop documentation, and ensure the integrity of...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Lead the design and development of system requirements, ensuring technical integrity and effective integration of user needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and government stakeholders to del...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$188K - $246K *

Unlock your potential by designing and enhancing software solutions for critical event management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensure high-quality delivery across a...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$199K - $270K *

Elevate your career by leading cybersecurity architecture initiatives, translating strategy into actionable standards, and embedding security across enterprise projects to ensure robust protection and...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.