Global Head, Systems Engineering & Delivery

BD; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

BD is seeking a senior Systems Engineering leader to guide a global team across geographies, ensuring rigorous design controls and lifecycle excellence. You will align hardware, software, UXD, Quality, Regulatory to drive integrated development with MBSE and architecture governance.

The role requires 12+ years in engineering with 5+ years in people leadership, travel 15-25%, and a 4-days-in-office Durham schedule with optional remote day. Strong communication and stakeholder skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Biomedical Eng or related field.
• 12+ years of engineering experience with 5+ years of people leadership.
• Proven experience leading a Systems Engineering function in complex hardware/software environments.
• Deep expertise in systems engineering: user needs, requirements, architecture, integration, risk, test.
• Knowledge of design controls, risk mgmt, and quality systems in regulated industries.
• Ability to build mature engineering functions with standards and tools.
• Experience developing engineering talent and performance management.
• Familiarity with product development lifecycles (waterfall & agile).
• DFSS certification is a plus.
• Experience in matrixed organizations with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the global Systems Engineering team across geographies.
• Own and mature the Systems Engineering excellence program (standards, tools, templates, ways of working).
• Ensure consistent application of systems engineering across projects from PRDs to verification and validation.
• Partner with Hardware, Software, UXD, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory to align standards.
• Provide staffing oversight and resource management for Systems Engineering portfolios.
• Drive continuous improvement of lifecycle processes within the QMS and risk management practices.
• Champion talent strategy: recruiting, onboarding, mentoring, succession planning.
• Represent Systems Engineering on the R&D Leadership Team and contribute to strategy and budgeting.
• Lead MBSE initiatives, model-based practices, and architecture governance.
• Foster culture of technical rigor, collaboration, and learning.

Skills

Global team leadership

Systems engineering

Requirements management

Architecture governance

MBSE

Design controls

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Matrix organization

Travel willingness

In-office 4 days/week hybrid

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering/related

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MBSE tools

Requirements tooling

Job description

BD is seeking a senior Systems Engineering leader to guide a global team across geographies, ensuring rigorous design controls and lifecycle excellence. You will align hardware, software, UXD, Quality, Regulatory to drive integrated development with MBSE and architecture governance.

The role requires 12+ years in engineering with 5+ years in people leadership, travel 15-25%, and a 4-days-in-office Durham schedule with optional remote day. Strong communication and stakeholder skills are essential.