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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$160K - $200K *

Lead the technical direction for complex Naval aviation systems, ensuring Fleet readiness and safety. Drive architecture, requirements, and integration while mentoring engineers and collaborating with...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$79K - $147K *

Advance the future of strategic defense by leading developmental test planning and execution for the Fleet Ballistic Missile program. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful integration and test...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $155K *

Advance the mission of Athena as the Program Business Manager, overseeing budgets, schedules, and contracts in a dynamic, modern AI-driven environment. Collaborate directly with technical teams to ens...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading a high-impact engineering team that designs and manages real-time risk systems. Drive decision-making for fraud scoring and underwriting while ensuring system reliability a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $190K *

Elevate your career by leading a high-impact engineering team that drives real-time risk decisions and fraud prevention. Own critical systems, prioritize cross-functional needs, and leverage AI to enh...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$185K - $344K *

Lead a dynamic team of engineers in designing and developing advanced optical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet mission objectives while managing staffing and sustaining enginee...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$185K - $344K *

Lead the charge in designing and managing optical systems, guiding a team of engineers to innovate and deliver high-performance optical payload hardware while ensuring alignment with mission objective...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Drive technical planning and system integration to deliver effective solutions. Collaborate across all product lifecycle stages, ensuring customer requirements are met within technical, schedule, and...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Help us drive innovation by performing technical planning and system integration for complex aerospace systems, ensuring compliance with requirements and fostering collaboration across engineering dis...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Join a team that drives engineering excellence in aerospace systems through technical leadership, ensuring compliance and reliability. Collaborate across functions to manage risk and mentor talent whi...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive modernization efforts by managing enterprise systems and infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to ensure high availability, performance, and security while delivering innovative solutions and t...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

$160K - $190K *

Shape the future of autonomy by leading technical direction in Perception, Prediction, and Planning. As the senior-most contributor, you'll influence cross-stack design and ensure functional architect...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$166K - $200K *

Champion the evolution of autonomous systems by driving innovative solutions in Perception, Prediction, and Planning. Influence the entire autonomy stack while collaborating with cross-functional team...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$137K - $168K *

Join a team that's dedicated to applying systems engineering principles across all life cycle phases. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure technical integrity and quality in critical documentation...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$137K - $168K *

Drive systems engineering excellence by generating critical documentation, ensuring technical integrity, and collaborating with stakeholders throughout the systems life cycle. Engage with government a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

$92K - $138K *

Manage design efforts for Nacelle components in commercial aircraft, ensuring compliance with standards and requirements. Collaborate across functions to enhance product quality and efficiency while l...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $138K *

Architect design solutions for Nacelle components, ensuring compliance with standards. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and efficiency while driving engineering changes and techn...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

$146K - $234K *

Take ownership of a dynamic team, driving software development and engineering excellence while managing performance and fostering growth in a secure, mission-critical environment...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to executing complex training systems support contracts for the U.S. Navy. Lead multi-site operations, manage performance and cost control, and build strong relationships...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Elevate software engineering excellence by leading a dynamic team to deliver secure, scalable enterprise solutions. Drive performance, align capabilities, and implement innovative practices to enhance...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $224K *

Lead the charge in complex automated test solution development, driving multidisciplinary engineering programs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure technical excellence, timely delivery, and custo...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $224K *

Inspire innovation by leading complex engineering projects that drive success across multidisciplinary teams. Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to deliver cutting-edge automated test solutio...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.