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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining software development leadership by driving strategic initiatives, enhancing team capabilities, and ensuring high-quality delivery across platforms. Lead a talented team t...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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

$184K - $276K *

Lead a dynamic team of engineers in systems integration and testing, driving innovation and excellence across diverse projects. Foster talent development and strategic alignment to achieve organizatio...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $349K *

Lead our wireless engineering team to innovate and design robust firmware and systems. Collaborate across geographies to enhance product architecture, ensuring reliable communications and ultra-low la...

5 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $150K *

Transform satellite technology by managing RF systems for cutting-edge spacecraft. Collaborate with engineers to design, test, and integrate RF electronics, ensuring mission success and reliability in...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$272K - $355K *

Transform backend engineering by leading a team to build robust frameworks and libraries. Drive architectural improvements, enhance developer productivity, and ensure reliability while fostering a cul...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in C5ISR technology. Lead engineering efforts to develop advanced surveillance and counter-drone systems, ensuring effective solutions for diverse environments wh...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering technical expertise for ProAV solutions, ensuring successful customer onboarding, advanced troubleshooting, and pre-sales support across the North Central U.S. while enga...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading technology integration initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders to identify needs, and developing impactful business cases. Drive measurable success in cybersecuri...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $120K *

Join our team to lead the technical direction for business systems implementation, integrating applications, optimizing performance, and mentoring junior members to enhance operational efficiency and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $130K *

Drive systems engineering leadership across complex light rail transit projects, ensuring integration, verification, and validation of systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet operati...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$98K - $206K *

Join us to provide technical direction and drive software operations with a skilled team. You'll manage requirements, perform testing, and support mission capabilities in a fast-paced, collaborative e...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $206K *

Lead the technical direction of software systems engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to streamline development, verification, and operational support of software application...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$227K - $338K *

Take ownership of the architecture and engineering direction for an enterprise AI agent platform, driving hands-on development and mentoring engineers to deliver scalable, cloud-native solutions for F...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$108K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to lead the design and delivery of advanced software solutions for mission-critical defense systems, ensuring secure and scalable integration across diverse platforms and technolog...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$230K - $250K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of network infrastructure by designing and implementing advanced data center solutions. Collaborate with experts, mentor junior engineers, and stay ahead of indus...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $102K *

Elevate your career by driving quality management systems and fostering collaboration across teams. Use your expertise in ISO standards to shape industry practices while ensuring adherence to rigorous...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate mission success by providing expert systems engineering and program support to Government teams. Engage in lifecycle engineering, documentation, and collaboration to enhance acquisition pro...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform the future of engineering by leveraging MBSE tools to enhance MDA's approach. Collaborate with teams to develop innovative system models, driving efficiency and effectiveness in engineering...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive strategic leadership in technology infrastructure, ensuring operational continuity and security governance while supervising technical teams and providing hands-on support during critical situat...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$129K - $239K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of systems engineering by leading a dynamic team in design, integration, and verification efforts. Drive critical engineering checkpoints and mentor talent while e...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Unlock potential by developing scalable containerized services for a dynamic, cloud-based system. Collaborate with teams, mentor juniors, and ensure exceptional code quality while managing the full so...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as a strategic leader driving growth in cybersecurity consulting. Engage with executive stakeholders, close complex deals, and leverage a vast partner ecosystem to deliver tailor...

Scottsdale, AZRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$161K - $221K *

Optimize complex systems in the semiconductor industry by designing, integrating, and testing innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality standards and exceed...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $160K *

Lead the charge in developing and deploying innovative software and hardware systems for transportation clients, ensuring seamless integration and successful implementation while maintaining comprehen...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.