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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$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...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $196K *

Shape the future of software engineering by leading a dynamic team to develop mission-critical solutions, ensuring seamless integration and high-quality backend services while fostering collaboration...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in systems engineering and cybersecurity. Lead complex technical programs, manage Agile processes, and collaborate with diverse teams to enhance defense initiativ...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Join us in shaping the future of data-centric platforms by leading a dynamic team of software engineers. Drive innovation, enhance collaboration, and deliver high-quality solutions that meet the needs...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$107K - $204K *

Elevate manufacturing capabilities by integrating and optimizing workflows, tooling, and processes. Collaborate across functions to identify constraints and implement solutions that enhance production...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Pioneer innovative solutions in Model-Based Systems Engineering to drive advanced aerospace and defense projects. Lead architecture development, enhance collaboration, and tackle complex challenges in...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Unlock the potential of advanced aerospace solutions by leading Model-Based Systems Engineering efforts. Drive innovation in system architecture and collaborate across teams to deliver next-generation...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $210K *

Lead the integration and development of advanced avionics systems, collaborating across disciplines to ensure seamless functionality and performance in unmanned aerial vehicles. Drive innovation while...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of Air Force training systems by providing expert systems engineering support across the entire lifecycle, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness while collaborating with d...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$148K - $258K *

Champion Cyber Security initiatives by leading project management and systems engineering efforts. Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements and ensure program success, enhancing the Inform...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $183K *

Lead multiple manufacturing functions, overseeing recruitment, training, and performance management. Drive production efficiency and resource allocation to meet strategic goals while ensuring complian...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $167K *

Innovate in satellite payload engineering by leading the design and optimization of operational solutions for GEO and MEO missions, enhancing performance monitoring, and supporting spacecraft operatio...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$132K - $251K *

Unlock potential by leading complex aerospace programs through their lifecycle, balancing cost, schedule, and performance. Collaborate across functions to drive customer engagement and strategic growt...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$132K - $251K *

Lead the charge in managing the Orion portfolio, guiding products through their lifecycle while balancing cost, schedule, and performance. Collaborate across functions to resolve challenges and drive...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in designing and managing innovative aerospace systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety and efficiency in aviation technology. Your expertise will shape the...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$87K - $163K *

Drive the integration and testing of complex electronic systems, ensuring seamless functionality from design to installation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test plans and execute...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Grow your career with a leading role in systems engineering for complex spacecraft, focusing on design, requirements management, and verification activities to ensure mission success and foster collab...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $185K *

Partner with us to shape complex systems, leading design and development while guiding user requirements. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure system integrity throughout the lifecycle, providing i...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading complex projects in advanced nuclear technology. Drive cross-functional teams, manage budgets, and ensure compliance while contributing to innovative reactor development...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$192K - $289K *

Unlock your potential as a key technical authority, leading a diverse engineering team to enhance national security initiatives through innovative software solutions in an agile, collaborative setting...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $180K *

Lead the charge in optimizing production processes while managing a skilled engineering team. Drive continuous improvements, enhance product quality, and ensure manufacturing efficiency within a dynam...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $105K *

Transform systems engineering by delivering critical support for FAA Radar System Replacement through site surveys, testing, and technical documentation to optimize performance and ensure compliance t...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $105K *

Join a dynamic engineering team to support and enhance FAA Radar systems by conducting site surveys, technical testing, and system integration under the guidance of senior staff, ensuring compliance a...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading the integration of complex automation systems. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure seamless design, testing, and delivery of innovative industrial solutions that me...

1 week 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.