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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1
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$140K - $175K *

Lead manufacturing development for integrated avionics systems. Collaborate with design engineers on prototyping and production strategy while implementing advanced manufacturing techniques and stream...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $192K *

Advance the future of automotive technology by leading the design, development, and integration of vehicle infotainment systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless user experiences while adhe...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $192K *

Elevate your career by steering the future of vehicle infotainment and displays. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and validate cutting-edge systems that enhance user experie...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Pioneer innovative depth sensing systems by managing cross-functional projects, ensuring effective communication, and driving technical issues to resolution while collaborating with engineering teams...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Champion a dynamic team focused on managing and enhancing enterprise help desk operations. Leverage your technical expertise to ensure contractor performance meets stringent SLAs while supporting crit...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

$200K - $255K *

Join a team that's pioneering advanced satellite architectures, leading the design and integration of complex systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for next...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $135K *

Join a team that's advancing simulation-based training systems, where you'll support integration and troubleshooting in a dynamic environment, enhancing operator readiness through hands-on experience...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead and coordinate the Engineering and Infrastructure teams for critical launch operations, ensuring optimal system performance to meet mission requirements while overseeing operation validations and...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Elevate launch operations by leading infrastructure systems teams, ensuring mission readiness and equipment maintenance while coordinating critical support functions for operations across both coasts...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Champion systems engineering efforts for a Navigation and Positioning project, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with DO-278 guidelines while enhancing system integrity an...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$97K - $160K *

Lead the development of integrated communication systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product integration, testing, and validation throughout the engineering lifecyc...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Champion the development of innovative aerospace and defense technologies, leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget while ensuring alignment with customer expectati...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Unlock your potential as a project engineer, leading a dynamic team in missile control systems. Collaborate with Navy partners and drive project success while enhancing your career through mentorship...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to execute systems engineering and testing for PNT systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and reliability for U.S. Space Force programs in a fast...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $216K *

Lead the charge in engineering operations by supervising a diverse team of 30 engineers, ensuring effective performance management, resource allocation, and workforce planning to support the moderniza...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $180K *

Transform complex wire harness programs by leading engineering efforts, optimizing processes, and ensuring quality. Collaborate with production and customers to drive improvements and manage technical...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$104K - $194K *

Join a team that leads the design and integration of advanced flight simulation systems. Spearhead project management for technical development, ensuring excellence in communication, risk management...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$158K - $294K *

Drive engineering excellence by managing technical performance, cost, and schedule for key programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues, track metrics, and ensure adherence to b...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$167K - $229K *

Lead and mentor software engineering teams to deliver high-quality, secure software for aerospace and defense. Drive process improvements, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with industry standards...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$167K - $229K *

Shape the future of aerospace software by leading engineering teams to deliver secure, high-quality solutions. Drive process improvements, mentor talent, and ensure compliance with industry standards...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $155K *

Champion manufacturing excellence by optimizing welding and fabrication processes for marine propulsion systems, collaborating with engineers to enhance production efficiency and sustainability while...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$89K - $134K *

Transform manufacturing processes by designing and documenting procedures, enhancing productivity, and ensuring quality for a critical national security program. Collaborate with engineering teams to...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Lead the planning and execution of F-35 testing processes, ensuring integration across engineering teams. Collaborate on test plans, oversee lab readiness, and generate reports to assess product quali...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.