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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$145K - $190K *

Lead technical initiatives in aerospace and defense, driving system architecture, integration, and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program success and mentor engineers while...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $157K *

Elevate project management effectiveness by leading operational initiatives, collaborating with engineering teams, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals to drive successful project executio...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Transform complex spacecraft designs through rigorous systems engineering, focusing on Power and Thermal subsystems. Lead ConOps development, manage requirements, and ensure integration and validation...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$200K - $240K *

Drive strategic leadership in autonomous systems to expand DoD capabilities. Engage with customers, oversee full program lifecycles, and identify growth opportunities for innovative solutions that mee...

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $196K *

Drive innovation in software engineering by developing cutting-edge cyber tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance national defense capabilities while advancing your career in a fast-paced en...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$112K - $196K *

Drive innovation by designing and developing cutting-edge software for cyber security projects, enhancing national defense capabilities while collaborating with a dynamic team focused on excellence an...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$93K - $171K *

Lead the charge in driving innovative systems engineering solutions. Collaborate across teams to define and refine requirements while managing multi-disciplinary efforts and ensuring integration with...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Lead a team of Manufacturing Systems Engineers to enhance advanced manufacturing technologies, driving innovation and efficiency in production. Collaborate across functions to implement digital worker...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Optimize manufacturing systems by leading a team of engineers to enhance production efficiency and innovation through advanced technologies and digital solutions, ensuring alignment with operational g...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$147K - $173K *

Join our dynamic team to lead civil engineering projects, drive growth, and foster client relationships while managing a dedicated group. Your leadership will inspire excellence and innovation within...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$112K - $135K *

Shape complex systems engineering solutions in support of NAVAIR programs. Lead requirements development, system architecture, and integration across technical disciplines, ensuring successful project...

3 weeks ago

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

$193K - $289K *

Empower a dynamic team of over 100 engineers in digital electronics, driving innovation and technical excellence in space systems. Lead strategic planning, talent development, and program execution to...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $195K *

Drive the design and realization of electromechanical propulsion components, collaborating with a dynamic team to innovate high-performance spacecraft solutions from concept to completion...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Deliver impactful project management solutions by overseeing project planning, execution, and delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects meet objectives within budget and tim...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$166K - $289K *

Advance your career by leading a dynamic Systems Engineering team, driving project success and talent development across critical defense programs while ensuring operational excellence and strategic a...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $289K *

Lead a dynamic team in Systems Engineering, driving project success and talent development across multiple disciplines. Collaborate with senior management to achieve strategic objectives and enhance o...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of embedded systems engineering by leading design, integration, and lifecycle management for military and aerospace products. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative solu...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $150K *

Advance progress at the forefront of software configuration management, ensuring seamless integration and delivery of software products while maintaining rigorous standards and oversight in a dynamic...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$200K - $240K *

Lead complex systems integration for advanced space capabilities, driving program planning and risk mitigation while collaborating with government and contractor teams to deliver innovative solutions...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in advancing space systems integration, applying your expertise to enhance U.S. Space Force capabilities. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive program execution, risk management, an...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$127K - $217K *

Unlock potential by leading integration efforts for BCD and image sensor technologies, ensuring robust performance and continuous improvement in yield, quality, and manufacturability through cross-fun...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $123K *

Shape the future of project management by supporting dynamic teams, tracking action items, and facilitating communication. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project success and deliver impactful...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$171K - $225K *

Drive progress at the forefront of systems engineering by analyzing user requirements and leading design initiatives. Collaborate closely with teams to integrate cutting-edge technology and ensure sys...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $260K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in space technology as a leader in Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test. Oversee a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the successful execution of strategic ob...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$200K - $260K *

Join a team that's redefining satellite ground systems by leading a multidisciplinary engineering group. Drive innovation, manage priorities, and ensure mission success through strategic partnerships...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

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.