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.
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.
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.
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.
Director, Software Development
$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
Dev Sec Engineering Asc Mgr - L4
$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
Systems Engineering Section Lead Manager 3 - Global Mission Solutions
$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
Engineering Director-Firmware & Systems
$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
$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
$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
Director of Engineering / Counter Drones and Border Surveillance
$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
Sr. Systems Engineer, ProAV - North Central
$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...
1 week ago
$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
Business Systems Technical Lead
$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
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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
$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
$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
Senior Specialist, Systems Engineering
$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
$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
$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
Acquisition/Program Integration Systems Engineer
$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
Systems Engineer III (Job ID:4589)
$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
Executive Director of Infrastructure and Security Operations
$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
$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
Senior Engineer, Cloud Security
$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
$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...
4 days ago
$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
$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
What does a Director of Systems Engineering do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.