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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1
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$110K - $130K *

Explore new horizons in project management, overseeing complex oil & gas projects. Lead teams, manage budgets, and ensure quality delivery while collaborating with clients and stakeholders to drive su...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$150K - $180K *

Architect innovative software solutions for semiconductor test platforms, integrating design and coding with hands-on technical leadership while collaborating with global engineering teams to deliver...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $135K *

Optimize manufacturing processes for aerospace systems, focusing on prototype and low-volume production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop work instructions, tooling, and support equi...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $204K *

Execute a collaborative approach to develop and validate Cyber solutions, conducting risk assessments and coordinating with architects to ensure compliance with security requirements throughout the li...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$200K - $250K *

Champion cross-functional integration to enhance cybersecurity mission outcomes, drive modernization initiatives, and deliver scalable solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to align technical capab...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining aerospace engineering by leading complex systems initiatives, driving integration and certification efforts, and mentoring engineers to achieve successful product outcome...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer engineering excellence by leading site operations, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency in a mission-critical environment. Drive startup, commissioning, and sustaining engineering init...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$85K - $95K *

Optimize your IT career by managing infrastructure and providing critical tech support while enhancing cybersecurity and user experiences across the organization. Join a dynamic environment and drive...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $155K *

Lead the charge in deploying cutting-edge electronic hardware for wind turbine fleets, managing a dynamic team while ensuring project success through effective planning, quality assurance, and stakeho...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering complex automation projects, overseeing all phases from planning to closeout. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects meet safety, budget...

Reno, NVRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $135K *

Lead the successful delivery of complex automation projects, ensuring alignment with specifications and budgets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage risks while promoting safety and qua...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $140K *

Lead and manage complex automation projects from planning to closeout, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and safety compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and serve as the prima...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of manufacturing by optimizing processes and integrating designs into UAV/USV production. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency and ensure quality in a dynamic, fast-paced en...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading a technical team to enhance collaboration tools in a dynamic, cloud-based environment. Engage with federal clients, drive Agile practices, and ensure toolset efficiency...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by implementing and optimizing IT infrastructure solutions, ensuring system reliability and security while collaborating with teams to meet evolving business needs and drive operat...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$210K - $270K *

Build the foundation of platform security by conducting in-depth IaaS security reviews and defining standards for infrastructure layers. Partner with engineering teams to ensure compliance and close s...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in managing complex programs to meet customer commitments, driving teams to success through effective planning, communication, and risk management while fostering collaboration and gro...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$224K - $283K *

Lead the charge in global capacity planning and strategy, driving innovation and collaboration across semiconductor manufacturing. Influence decision-making and enhance supply chain capabilities to su...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$170K - $195K *

Empower innovation by designing and coding containerized applications, ensuring compliance and performance across diverse environments. Collaborate with developers to enhance software solutions and ma...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $195K *

Transform your career by joining a dynamic team focused on secure software development and artifact management. Leverage your expertise to enhance NCIS systems while ensuring compliance with industry...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive manufacturing and supply chain system solutions using JD Edwards, focusing on enabling robust integrations and architecture principles. Collaborate closely across functions to enhance operationa...

Reposted 5 days ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in operational excellence for a Data Center Services unit, driving performance, workforce development, and customer satisfaction across multiple locations while overseeing mission-crit...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$153K - $284K *

Drive innovation in modeling and simulation as a leader in systems engineering. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance analytic toolsets for operational analysis across multiple domains, supportin...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $161K *

Shape the future of quality management by leading initiatives that enhance compliance and operational efficiency. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement and mentor teams in a d...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Empower teams to innovate and deliver enterprise software solutions. Lead cross-functional engineering efforts, champion AI integration, and enhance software practices to align technology with busines...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.