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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$140K - $170K *

Lead the charge in developing integrated spacecraft systems, ensuring seamless collaboration across engineering disciplines. Drive technical execution from architecture to mission operations, balancin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Empower your career by leading a global Field Application Engineering team, driving customer success, implementing strategic solutions, and fostering technical excellence across regional markets in th...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$175K - $210K *

Shape the future of enterprise GRC by leading engineering teams to deliver accurate, reliable AI-driven solutions. Drive architectural decisions, enhance team capabilities, and ensure rapid deployment...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $130K *

Shape the future of component engineering by managing lifecycle support, ensuring compliance, and collaborating across teams to enhance product quality and performance. Drive innovation in aerospace a...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$233K - $330K *

Advance the integration of Splunk Enterprise Security with Cisco Data Fabric, driving product strategy and technical vision to enhance security operations and reduce costs while ensuring effective det...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$140K - $175K *

Elevate your career by leading technology integration for M&A, ensuring seamless execution from due diligence to stabilization. Drive cross-functional collaboration and deliver predictable outcomes wh...

St. Louis, MORemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $175K *

Deliver comprehensive technology integration leadership for M&A activities, ensuring seamless execution from due diligence to stabilization. Drive cross-functional collaboration, manage resources, and...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Transform architectural design for hyperscale data centers, ensuring code compliance and life safety across diverse markets. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver innovative, buildable solutions f...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing our hardware recording-platform portfolio, shaping market strategies, and driving product lifecycle decisions. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliable specifications an...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Advance engineering solutions by guiding production teams through troubleshooting, process improvements, and documentation updates. Collaborate across functions to enhance product integrity throughout...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Manage and coordinate multiple DAS signal source deployment projects, ensuring timely execution and stakeholder alignment. Leverage project management tools to maintain documentation and oversee proje...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in cellular DAS system deployments. Manage multiple projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure successful execution using cloud-based tools in a full...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in managing multiple DAS deployment projects, ensuring seamless coordination among engineers, technicians, and stakeholders while utilizing cloud-based tools for documentation and stat...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$100K - $120K *

Drive successful DAS signal source deployments by managing multiple projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring timely execution. Leverage your expertise in cellular systems to enhance project outcomes...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$100K - $120K *

Transform project management in cellular DAS deployments by overseeing multiple projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring successful execution through effective communication and documentation...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to manage multiple DAS signal source deployment projects, ensuring timely execution and stakeholder satisfaction through effective coordination and communication...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$100K - $120K *

Manage multiple DAS deployment projects, ensuring timely execution and stakeholder alignment. Leverage your expertise in cellular systems to drive project success and enhance team collaboration in a f...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$210K - $250K *

Lead the charge in defining engineering strategies and managing dynamic ML teams. Drive impactful solutions that safeguard users on a global scale, ensuring safety and integrity across platforms while...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Advance your career by leading multi-disciplinary teams to develop AI-driven solutions that ensure safety and integrity across platforms, tackling complex challenges while fostering a culture of innov...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$155K - $221K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of embedded systems by leading a skilled group of engineers. Drive innovation and quality in software development for regulated technology products while fosterin...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$145K - $175K *

Join a dynamic team to drive Systems Engineering and Integration for complex GEOINT systems, ensuring effective solutions and technical leadership across multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environm...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to establish standards, drive partner integrations, and enhance AI-native practices, ensuring high-quality code delivery that accelerates marketplace revenue and foster...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$193K - $317K *

Lead a high-performing engineering team to redefine storage infrastructure through AI-driven solutions. Drive technical strategy, mentor talent, and ensure predictable delivery while bridging product...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$142K - $203K *

Design and optimize AI-ready networking infrastructures to support high-performance computing and data-intensive workloads. Collaborate with customers to assess, plan, and implement scalable solutions...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $120K *

Monitor and validate alerts in the Global Security Operations Center, executing low-risk first-responses under approved playbooks while maintaining logs and cross-training staff to enhance IT/OT aware...

Reposted today

  •   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.