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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$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

$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

$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

$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

$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

$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

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of water management by leading projects and driving growth in our water and wastewater practice. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to secure contracts, mentor staff, and ensure...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $224K *

Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity for missile systems, guiding teams in security architecture and anti-tamper design. Mentor talent and ensure compliance with regulations while integrating se...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$265K - $398K *

Transform the mechanical engineering landscape by leading multi-team initiatives for critical avionics design, ensuring exceptional delivery from concept to production while fostering a culture of own...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Engineer innovative software solutions for Predictive Maintenance & Logistics projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, implement, and test software that enhances data manipulation, storage...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$119K - $221K *

Champion innovation by developing cutting-edge simulation algorithms for robotics, focusing on many-body dynamics and finite element analysis, while validating performance on real-world hardware appli...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$224K - $336K *

Transform the F-35 program by leading integrated teams to ensure on-time, high-quality product delivery while managing costs and schedules. Drive continuous improvement and foster a collaborative envi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$184K - $341K *

Unlock potential by leading the technical vision and architecture strategy for the Electronic Warfare division, ensuring alignment with customer needs and driving innovation across multiple programs a...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in defense technology by managing complex DoD acquisition programs, ensuring the development and deployment of advanced capabilities to protect U.S. warfighters w...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$92K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop embedded software for advanced Remote Weapon Stations, enhancing system capabilities while collaborating across disciplines to ensure seamless integration and...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$184K - $276K *

Inspire innovation as you lead a dynamic team of engineers in systems integration and testing, driving excellence across diverse projects while fostering talent and collaboration to achieve strategic...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$250K - $295K *

Take ownership of product management strategies by leading cross-functional teams, driving development of Data Center Solutions, and engaging clients to meet market demands and enhance product offerin...

Reposted today

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$82K - $156K *

Drive global quality system excellence by overseeing compliance, enhancing digital tools, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to ensure effective quality performance and continuous improvemen...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to excellence in security and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive quality and innovation while taking ownership of impactful projects in a dynamic...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $271K *

Elevate your career by leading engineering functions in cutting-edge manufacturing. Drive strategy from concept to production while ensuring compliance and quality in a high-precision, automated envir...

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $241K *

Transform engineering delivery by leading a dynamic team to optimize hardware development projects, manage third-party partnerships, and drive innovation while ensuring quality and efficiency across m...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $241K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to deliver hardware projects, optimizing resources and managing third-party partnerships to align with business goals and enhance project efficiency...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in hardware development by leading a dynamic engineering group. You'll optimize resources, manage third-party partnerships, and ensure project success from concep...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to deliver hardware projects, optimizing resources and managing third-party partnerships. Drive innovation and efficiency while ensuring high-quality outcomes and align...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.