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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$230K - $240K *

Lead the charge in engineering excellence at a high-volume foundry, overseeing a $20-22 million capital portfolio. Drive modernization and automation initiatives while managing a diverse team to optim...

1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Drive system design and integration by collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure stakeholder needs are met and security, performance, and compliance standards are upheld throughout the syste...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$158K - $193K *

Lead and mentor a dynamic team of engineers in developing top-tier firmware for tape libraries, ensuring quality and efficiency while driving innovation and collaboration across departments...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead a team of senior architects in shaping and executing a federal PQC program, ensuring a smooth transition to quantum-resistant cryptography while collaborating with stakeholders to enhance enterpr...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $190K *

Lead the charge in securing classified information systems by designing robust security architectures, conducting assessments, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Drive continuous monitor...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's driving the execution of complex, enterprise-level programs. Lead cross-functional integration, ensuring alignment with cost, schedule, and performance targets while fostering a cul...

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$164K - $237K *

Shape supply chain strategy and operations to enhance manufacturing growth, ensuring material readiness and supplier performance while fostering cross-functional collaboration and organizational capab...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$164K - $237K *

Unlock potential by leading supply chain strategy and operations, ensuring material readiness and fulfillment efficiency. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive performance and mitigate risks while s...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Accelerate your career by transforming customer needs into innovative AV solutions. As a Senior Design Engineer, you'll lead complex designs, mentor talent, and collaborate with stakeholders to align...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$95K - $115K *

Innovate cutting-edge AV system designs, aligning technical solutions with client needs. Mentor junior engineers while managing complex projects that enhance design standards and ensure timely executi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$108K - $130K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role in embedded software development. Lead technical activities to design and influence system architecture while ensuring robust operation and timely project complet...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$232K - $319K *

Lead a team that drives innovation and efficiency in engineering. Utilize your expertise to oversee product development, manage technical baselines, and ensure alignment with business strategies while...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Elevate your career by leading missile system engineering efforts, managing cost, schedule, and technical scope as a Control Account Manager. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successf...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Transform missile system development by leading systems engineering efforts, managing cost and schedule as a Control Account Manager, and ensuring successful integration and verification of subsystems...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$123K - $185K *

Lead the charge in managing supplier performance, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical objectives are met while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive program success and maintain high s...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$183K - $260K *

Join a team that's redefining the digital landscape by leading engineering efforts. You'll drive technical strategy, mentor talent, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating with cross-fun...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$200K - $220K *

Unlock potential by managing and securing Linux-based enterprise systems, focusing on administration, automation, and operational support across diverse environments while ensuring compliance and syst...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading multidisciplinary teams in U.S. Navy ship design, ensuring technical integration and compliance with program objectives, while fostering collaboration and innov...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Partner with us to drive innovative IT solutions by bridging business needs with technology. You'll lead the development of backend applications and AI integrations, ensuring seamless delivery from co...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$131K - $237K *

Optimize project execution by managing technical workstreams, ensuring effective coordination across teams, and supporting mission objectives in a dynamic environment. Leverage your expertise to enhan...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$198K - $298K *

Champion the optimization of Sales systems and processes, driving productivity and strategic initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the sales experience and lead a global team...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Champion organizational change by leading internal communications and engagement strategies for a transformative SAP S/4HANA deployment, ensuring alignment and readiness across all business areas for...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$71K - $107K *

Innovate in telecommunications by supporting NextGen 9-1-1 systems, troubleshooting service impairments, and collaborating on system design and implementation in a dynamic environment. Drive excellenc...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$165K - $170K *

Elevate customer solutions by designing innovative architectures that align technology with business goals. Collaborate with sales teams to deliver strategic, scalable solutions, ensuring successful o...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $224K *

Lead the design, deployment, and management of secure HPC systems, ensuring operational excellence and innovation. Oversee a team of engineers, driving project execution and governance for classified...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.