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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$88K - $163K *

Lead the charge in system integration for satellite communication solutions, guiding projects from concept through operational support while managing risks and aligning technical requirements with ove...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $163K *

Innovate solutions as a Systems Engineer, integrating and supporting satellite communications systems throughout their lifecycle while managing risks and ensuring effective system performance with a t...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $142K *

Innovate in the design and testing of Command, Control, and Communications systems, applying engineering principles and data analysis to enhance system performance while ensuring compliance with secur...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Innovate spacecraft solar array systems as a technical expert, leading development, testing, and integration efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance power systems for space mission...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of manufacturing by leading a high-performing engineering team to drive process improvements, enhance operational efficiency, and foster cross-functional collaboration while advancing...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$112K - $122K *

Join a dynamic team as you support SSBN and SSGN platforms, ensuring their operational readiness. Leverage your engineering expertise to develop innovative solutions and lead equipment sustainment eva...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $125K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on advanced systems engineering. Contribute to critical support for SSBN and SSGN platforms, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to enhance nation...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Analyze and execute systems engineering functions for missile defense systems, ensuring effective integration, validation, and supportability. Collaborate within an Agile framework to deliver innovati...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $180K *

Engage in a hands-on role to enhance security across products and infrastructure, collaborating with leadership to prioritize and execute critical security initiatives while ensuring compliance and ri...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$94K - $176K *

Innovate your career by joining our dynamic team, where you will manage Linux systems supporting critical defense systems. Collaborate closely with engineering, software, and cyber teams to enhance op...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate the success of airborne operations by supporting program execution, logistics, and personnel coordination. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure operational readiness and enhance program...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading complex engineering projects in a dynamic team. Drive the development and integration of advanced systems for operational space missions, ensuring timely delivery and su...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $100K *

Pioneer quality excellence by developing and enhancing systems that elevate customer satisfaction, streamline processes, and ensure compliance across our manufacturing operations. Lead a dedicated tea...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$156K - $215K *

Unlock your potential by leading quality engineering initiatives across diverse technology portfolios. Drive automation, enhance delivery quality, and foster team growth while collaborating with cross...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $215K *

Lead the charge in transforming supply chain technology strategies, driving innovation and operational excellence across S2P and O2C value streams. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance d...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring execution excellence and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with teams to develop strategies that streamline processes and optimize project...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $150K *

Engineer innovative solutions by analyzing and resolving system design weaknesses, developing documentation, and supporting evaluations throughout the system development life cycle to meet stakeholder...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $100K *

Manage diverse projects from inception to completion, ensuring client satisfaction and operational excellence while balancing budgets, schedules, and team dynamics in fast-paced environments...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$125K - $150K *

Transform your career by shaping the future of solutions architecture. As a key member of our founding team, you'll lead technical sales, build trust with IT leaders, and create innovative demos that...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join our founding Solutions Engineer team to shape world-class solutions architecture. You'll lead the technical pre-sales cycle, earning trust from IT and security buyers while building the foundatio...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Lead the charge in defining world-class solutions architecture, owning the technical pre-sales cycle for strategic customers. Collaborate with GTM leaders to shape demos and evaluations, building a fo...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Design and implement advanced video surveillance systems for federal law enforcement. Engage in network security, evidence collection, and specialized technology deployment while ensuring operational...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $160K *

Lead our initiatives in designing and constructing innovative water and carbon capture facilities globally. Collaborate across teams to ensure project success within budget and timeline while promotin...

California, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $155K *

Join a dynamic team as the primary technical interface for launch vehicle integration. Oversee spacecraft processing and ensure mission success through effective collaboration with providers and inter...

Titusville, FLRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$172K - $328K *

Transform strategic advanced development initiatives by leading cross-functional teams, capturing new business opportunities, and enhancing program execution to drive growth and competitiveness in adv...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 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.