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.
Lead Systems Engineer, Ground Systems
$160K - $285K *
Elevate the future of satellite command and control systems by leading engineering efforts, ensuring mission success through rigorous requirements management, integration, and validation across critic...
2 weeks ago
$142K - $213K *
Champion the systems engineering lifecycle, from concept to delivery, ensuring robust requirements management and verification strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop architectu...
Reposted 1 week ago
$142K - $213K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the full systems engineering lifecycle, from concept to delivery. Engage with customers and stakeholders, ensuring robust system architecture and effective verification str...
1 week ago
$142K - $213K *
Transform complex systems engineering challenges into actionable solutions. Engage with diverse teams to drive projects from concept through delivery, ensuring robust architectures and successful inte...
3 weeks ago
$134K - $241K *
Lead the charge in providing technical guidance for missile defense integration, collaborating with stakeholders, and managing system design and integration activities to ensure mission success and op...
2 weeks ago
$134K - $241K *
Join a dynamic team to provide technical guidance for missile defense site integration, ensuring effective collaboration across agencies and stakeholders while identifying and mitigating design gaps t...
2 weeks ago
$134K - $241K *
Lead the charge in providing technical guidance and support for missile defense integration, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure effective system design and performance while addressing gaps an...
2 weeks ago
Field Engineering / Systems Mgr - L5
$145K - $269K *
Shape the future of strategic navigation by leading a dedicated team in field engineering, ensuring effective support for the TRIDENT program while managing site performance and customer relations in...
Today
Principal Systems Engineer, Aircraft Simulation and Design Integration
$180K - $250K *
Drive the development and validation of integrated aircraft simulations, guiding design decisions through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Leverage strong technical expertise to optimize ai...
2 weeks ago
Staff Systems Engineer - Engineering Program Manager
$169K - $253K *
Join a team that drives end-to-end engineering execution across the program lifecycle, ensuring technical performance while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve ambitious goals in defens...
Reposted 1 week ago
Systems/Principal Systems Engineer
$91K - $137K *
Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance the EA-18G Growler's electronic warfare systems through software integration testing and systems engineering, driving innovation in airborne electronic attac...
1 week ago
$169K - $253K *
Innovate cutting-edge electronic warfare systems by leading a multi-disciplinary team in design, development, and modernization efforts. Drive technology updates and ensure reliable solutions that mee...
4 days ago
$177K - $265K *
Optimize systems engineering processes by leveraging extensive experience in STEM disciplines, ensuring compliance with security clearances, and driving technical excellence in a collaborative environ...
Reposted 1 week ago
$177K - $265K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering by managing requirements, developing test cases, and ensuring verification and validation. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver innovative solutions that me...
Reposted 1 week ago
$177K - $265K *
Elevate your career as a Systems Engineer, leading technical solutions and managing requirements for complex systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful project delivery and customer...
2 weeks ago
$116K - $142K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of signal processing and geolocation systems. Lead requirements development, system architecture, and risk mitigation in a dynamic R&D environment, collaborating...
1 week ago
Principal Hardware Systems Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Drive innovation in high-performance AI hardware as you lead the design of advanced PCIe platforms, ensuring robust architecture that meets the demands of modern AI applications in a collaborative and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Lead a team of engineers to drive innovative projects, engage in hands-on technical work, and ensure seamless operations while managing personnel development and performance appraisals in a dynamic en...
1 week ago
$184K - $276K *
Join a team that's redefining engineering excellence by leading the EOIR section. This role combines functional management with technical contributions, overseeing a growing team while driving innovat...
4 days ago
Security Systems & Technology Engineer, Americas
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to operate and enhance physical security systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance across global sites. Collaborate with various stakeholders to deliver upgrades and mai...
6 days ago
$127K - $236K *
Drive systems engineering excellence by leading teams, managing complex projects, and ensuring successful execution of technical processes. Leverage your expertise to mentor engineers and enhance coll...
4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a high-performing team in Electronic Warfare systems, ensuring successful execution of the Next Generation Jammer program through all phases from development to...
1 week ago
$125K - $138K *
Drive the design, development, and testing of advanced systems, ensuring integration of software and hardware. Collaborate on requirements analysis and system architecture for cutting-edge space-based...
1 week ago
$95K - $105K *
Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...
1 week ago
Staff Systems Engineer - Execution Lead
$142K - $265K *
Drive systems engineering excellence by leading multi-disciplinary teams in requirements development, verification, and validation, ensuring technical quality and stakeholder satisfaction throughout t...
3 weeks 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.