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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$220K - $260K *

Lead the charge in shaping technical strategies for AI solutions, engaging with customers and internal teams to drive innovative software architectures and cloud solutions across the Intelligence Comm...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in shaping technical strategies for AI solutions, engaging with customers and internal teams to drive innovation in shared software platforms and cloud architectures within the intelli...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $215K *

Empower a dynamic software engineering team by leading innovative projects, enhancing development processes, and fostering technical talent. Drive collaboration and accountability while shaping the fu...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $200K *

Oversee ship maintenance projects for Navy R&D, providing technical leadership in planning and compliance while ensuring project performance meets Navy standards and organizational practices...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive project success by managing engineering initiatives, coordinating resources, schedules, and budgets. Lead teams in design and testing while ensuring compliance and customer satisfaction. Elevate...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading a dynamic team in geotechnical engineering. Oversee projects, mentor staff, and drive business growth while ensuring quality and safety standards are met. Enjoy ample...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$133K - $199K *

Manage quality engineering processes to ensure compliance with standards, drive improvements, and lead a team in achieving strategic goals. Collaborate across functions to enhance product quality and...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a key leadership role to shape engineering strategy and operational performance in a growing GMP pharmaceutical facility, driving modernization, reliability, and continuous improvement initiative...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in managing engineering projects across various sectors, ensuring financial success and effective teamwork. Drive project planning, client relationships, and technical excellence while...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $145K *

Grow your career with a lead role in systems engineering, driving innovative solutions and supervising project teams while applying ISO/IEC 15288 standards to deliver high-quality work products across...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Innovate engineering solutions as a lead in systems engineering, overseeing projects, analyzing alternatives, and ensuring compliance with robust ISO/IEC 15288 processes. Guide teams in developing hig...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Transform manufacturing processes by designing systems and tooling to enhance production efficiency, ensuring seamless transitions from prototype to full-rate production. Join a dynamic team dedicated...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$104K - $194K *

Elevate the future of F-35 sustainment by leading engineering projects, managing budgets, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless support and innovative solutions for our custo...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$139K - $209K *

Lead the charge in shaping the future of production engineering by guiding a skilled team through design and build stages, ensuring cross-organizational collaboration, and driving innovative improveme...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $135K *

Champion complex transit projects by leading systems engineering efforts, ensuring seamless integration and operational readiness of advanced communication and control systems across multiple domains...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$85K - $135K *

Deliver innovative transit solutions by leading systems engineering teams, managing complex projects, and ensuring seamless integration of advanced communication and control systems for enhanced opera...

Kingston, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$101K - $156K *

Transform your career by ensuring quality and reliability in aerospace manufacturing. Collaborate across teams to develop processes and systems that meet rigorous standards, driving innovation and exc...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Unlock potential by managing engineering performance on critical programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure technical commitments are met, track metrics, and drive continuous improvem...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Unlock potential by leading engineering performance on critical programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure technical commitments are met, manage resources, and drive adherence to best...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Lead the charge in engineering excellence by managing technical performance, cost, and schedule for key programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and ensure adherence to best...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead and manage geotechnical projects while driving business development efforts. Engage with clients to win work and mentor staff, contributing to innovative solutions in the energy sector and shapin...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $269K *

Advance systems engineering solutions while mentoring talent and managing complex technical challenges. Collaborate with various stakeholders across lifecycle phases to ensure mission success and adhe...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Advance your career by leading a dynamic engineering team while managing multiple projects. Drive technical excellence and ensure program success through effective leadership and strategic decision-ma...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Drive execution of FBM Structures initiatives, managing a $50M budget and a team of 65 engineers. Oversee integrated planning, risk management, and technical authority to ensure successful program out...

6 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.