Systems Engineering Manager Jobs

Discover Systems Engineering Manager opportunities on Ladders, where professionals can explore vetted roles paying $100,000 or more. These leaders guide multidisciplinary teams through the design, development, integration, and lifecycle management of complex systems across industries such as aerospace, defense, technology, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

What Does a Systems Engineering Manager Do?

Systems Engineering Managers connect technical strategy with business goals. They oversee requirements definition, architecture, system integration, verification, and validation while coordinating engineers and stakeholders across functions. Depending on the organization, they may manage budgets and schedules, assess technical risks, support customer or regulatory reviews, and ensure products meet performance, safety, and reliability expectations.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek experience leading engineering teams and delivering complex systems from concept through deployment. Valuable qualifications include systems architecture, requirements management, modeling and simulation, integration and test, risk management, and familiarity with relevant industry standards and development methodologies. Clear communication, prioritization, and cross-functional leadership are essential. A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is often expected; some positions prefer advanced degrees or professional certifications.

Industries and Career Opportunities

Systems Engineering Managers work on products and infrastructure ranging from aircraft, spacecraft, and defense platforms to enterprise software, communications networks, industrial automation, and medical technology. Career paths may lead to director-level engineering roles, chief systems architect positions, or broader program and product leadership, depending on experience and organizational needs.

Find Systems Engineering Manager Jobs on Ladders

Use Ladders to explore vetted Systems Engineering Manager openings with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare opportunities by location, industry, and responsibilities, and identify roles that match your technical background and leadership goals. Compensation and requirements vary by employer, experience, and location; review each listing for details.

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$225K - $265K *

Partner with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency in our travel marketplace. You'll manage project lifecycles, enhance collaboration, and champion a custome...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$161K - $299K *

Transform the future of C4I systems as a Systems Engineering Manager, leading design initiatives and managing a team to ensure alignment with customer requirements. Drive modernization efforts through...

Colorado, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $211K *

Join our dynamic team as you lead new product launches in hardware manufacturing. Oversee cross-functional collaborations, manage operational risks, and drive high-quality production strategies that s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$151K - $251K *

Drive the planning and execution of Flight Software development programs, ensuring seamless coordination between engineering and program management for timely delivery of spacecraft software systems...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$260K - $280K *

Innovate and lead the growth of a dynamic MSP/MSSP engineering team by driving scalable platform capabilities, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a culture of quality and collaboration wit...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $173K *

Optimize supplier performance and quality in a dynamic aerospace environment. Lead critical supplier assessments from qualification to delivery, ensuring compliance with high engineering standards and...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$93K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$124K - $238K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of spacecraft systems engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead cross-functional teams in developing complex spacecraft designs, ensuring compliance, and drivi...

Palo Alto, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$175K - $185K *

Lead high-performing software engineering teams to modernize customer-facing applications, enhance operational efficiency, and drive AI-enabled practices, ensuring alignment with business objectives a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$165K - $253K *

Lead the charge in managing a project team focused on high voltage substations, overseeing design, analysis, and implementation to modernize the electric grid while ensuring projects meet client speci...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Optimize design processes and lead a team of Design Leads to ensure high-quality project deliverables. Collaborate with project managers to balance resources, enforce design standards, and drive conti...

Dallas, TXRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $200K *

Unlock potential by leading technical direction in autonomy systems. Drive ownership of advanced perception, prediction, and planning components with cross-stack influence, facilitating innovation and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$140K - $170K *

Execute complex, cross-functional initiatives while navigating ambiguity and redefining operational models. Your strategic insights and leadership will propel projects to success and enhance overall o...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $216K *

Lead the charge in managing a software engineering team, driving the design and delivery of secure satellite ground communication services while fostering best practices and ensuring alignment with mi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$168K - $280K *

Lead the charge in enhancing flight software validation and verification processes, impacting critical aerospace projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with rigorous st...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $150K *

Unlock your potential by leading high-stakes proposals for public agencies in the rail and transit sector. Drive strategy, mentor teams, and craft compelling narratives to elevate project pursuits and...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$154K - $260K *

Join an innovative team to lead and evolve critical Core Infrastructure. Oversee infrastructure strategy, improve operational health, and drive automation to boost performance across a globally distri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $184K *

Join a team that's dedicated to building scalable, efficient infrastructure systems. Leverage your technical and leadership skills to enhance operational health while guiding a global team to meet str...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $205K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team in developing autonomous operations for satellite management. Drive innovation and efficiency across multiple projects while ensuring technical excellence and operation...

Seattle, WARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Join a team that's developing cutting-edge avionics architectures for diverse missions. Leverage your expertise in command and data handling to optimize system performance and ensure seamless integrat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Engage in leading a diverse technical team to drive innovative engineering solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and t...

Warren, MIRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$156K - $257K *

Join a team that inspires innovation and empowers technical talent in transforming data strategies. Lead high-performing Systems Engineers to create impactful storage solutions for enterprise clients...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering high voltage engineering projects, overseeing complex substation and interconnection initiatives while ensuring successful execution and fostering collaboration among div...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $144K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Systems Engineering Manager do?question toggle

    A Systems Engineering Manager leads engineers and coordinates the technical work needed to define, design, integrate, verify, and maintain complex systems. The role often includes setting technical direction, managing requirements and risks, and aligning engineering teams with program goals.

  • What qualifications are commonly required for Systems Engineering Manager jobs?question toggle

    Many employers look for a degree in engineering or a related discipline, substantial systems engineering experience, and a track record of leading technical teams. Skills in system architecture, requirements management, integration and test, and cross-functional communication are frequently valued. Specific requirements vary by role.

  • Which industries hire Systems Engineering Managers?question toggle

    Common industries include aerospace, defense, technology, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare technology, and industrial automation. Responsibilities depend on the systems and products each employer develops.

  • What is the typical salary for a Systems Engineering Manager?question toggle

    Pay varies based on experience, location, industry, and employer. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, and listings provide details about compensation when available.

  • How can I find Systems Engineering Manager jobs on Ladders?question toggle

    Search Ladders for Systems Engineering Manager openings and review listings by location, industry, compensation, and role requirements to find opportunities that fit your experience and career goals.