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

$154K - $278K *

Transform IT infrastructure services by ensuring operational excellence, risk management, and compliance with SLAs. Leverage your expertise to enhance system performance and continuity, driving innova...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$154K - $278K *

Optimize IT infrastructure services by managing operations, evaluating metrics, and ensuring compliance with SLAs. Lead risk assessments and maintain system performance while supporting disaster recov...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$151K - $251K *

Elevate your career by leading Flight Software development programs, ensuring timely delivery and seamless coordination between engineering and management teams. Drive agile execution, manage risks, a...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $251K *

Empower the development of critical Flight Software by leading program planning, execution, and stakeholder communication. Drive agile methodologies and ensure timely delivery while managing complex s...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $251K *

Drive the planning and execution of Flight Software development programs, ensuring seamless coordination between engineering and program management for timely delivery of spacecraft software systems...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $280K *

Drive integration excellence as a Lead Systems Engineer, overseeing cloud, network, and security subsystems. Lead hands-on engineering efforts, mentor teams, and ensure compliance while shaping techni...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$182K - $338K *

Lead the charge in shaping future program requirements and capabilities. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive growth and develop production-focused solutions that meet diverse customer needs while f...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$228K - $423K *

Empower the future of defense technology by leading program management efforts, shaping strategies, and fostering collaboration across teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for diverse...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Partner with us to drive strategic program execution and develop innovative solutions that enhance production capabilities and affordability for diverse customers, while leading a high-performing team...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$132K - $165K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading and mentoring a diverse team, establishing best practices, and overseeing product development from concept to manufacturing, ensuring alignment with customer ex...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $200K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity by leading systems engineering efforts in developing, integrating, and testing secure enterprise infrastructure and products, while ensuring compliance with industry...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $224K *

Shape the future of multidisciplinary engineering by leading a complex development program, integrating hardware and software systems while mentoring teams and ensuring performance alignment from conc...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$141K - $224K *

Champion technical integration as you lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts, driving system architectures and performance across diverse teams. Grow into sensing leadership while delivering impac...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$205K - $381K *

Optimize interdisciplinary design and integration of complex aerospace systems. Serve as a key technical advisor, ensuring sound solutions and schedules while balancing technical needs with business c...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Champion the technical execution of UCS Re-architecture IR&D, managing cost, schedule, and performance while aligning investments with strategic goals. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $156K *

Champion the development and management of GN&C system requirements & interfaces, focusing on strategic defense and autonomous systems within a robust model-based engineering framework to drive innova...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$178K - $331K *

Join a team that's driving the future of systems engineering, leading integration efforts across multiple programs. Oversee and mentor a diverse team, ensuring excellence in technical execution and fo...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$178K - $331K *

Lead the charge in systems engineering integration while guiding a talented team of managers and engineers. Elevate operational excellence and foster growth through strategic leadership, ensuring prog...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$94K - $175K *

Shape the future of electrical cable and harness testing by leading a dynamic team. Drive technical excellence, manage resources, and ensure compliance across multiple programs while fostering employe...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Grow and lead a dynamic team in engineering excellence to develop innovative fusion energy solutions. Drive technical direction and foster collaboration across disciplines while ensuring project succe...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$142K - $213K *

Lead the charge in optimizing configuration management processes across the program lifecycle. Ensure data integrity and compliance while collaborating with diverse teams to enhance efficiency and del...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Shape the future of configuration management by leading and optimizing processes across the program lifecycle, ensuring data integrity and compliance while collaborating with diverse teams to enhance...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$97K - $145K *

Drive engineering excellence by supporting the PMX-311 team in the development, integration, and management of advanced defense systems, ensuring successful execution of projects and compliance with t...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $140K *

Champion the future of engineering projects by leading complex initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while collaborating with diverse teams to meet client objectives in nuclear op...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.