Explore Chief Software Engineer (CSE) opportunities on Ladders, where professionals can find vetted jobs paying $100,000 or more. Chief Software Engineers guide technical strategy, shape software architecture, and lead engineering teams in delivering reliable, secure, and scalable products.
A Chief Software Engineer sets engineering direction and helps translate business priorities into technical plans. Depending on the organization, the role may involve designing system architecture, reviewing critical code and technical proposals, mentoring senior engineers, and coordinating with product, security, and operations teams. CSE responsibilities vary by company and may overlap with roles such as chief architect, principal engineer, or engineering executive.
Employers commonly seek extensive software development experience, strong system-design and architecture skills, and a record of delivering complex projects. Expertise in relevant programming languages, cloud platforms, distributed systems, cybersecurity, or data infrastructure may be important. Communication, technical judgment, and the ability to influence teams across an organization are also valuable.
Compensation depends on factors such as location, industry, company size, scope of responsibility, and experience. Many CSE openings are senior-level opportunities, and Ladders focuses on vetted jobs paying $100,000 or more. Review each listing for salary details, benefits, and the responsibilities associated with the position.
Use Ladders to explore Chief Software Engineer jobs and related senior technology roles. Compare job requirements, identify opportunities that fit your technical background and leadership experience, and take the next step in your software engineering career.
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of IT capacity management by ensuring resources meet business demand in a regulated environment. Collaborate with teams to optimize performance, manage risks, and align strategies for...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Agile Software Engineer
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Unlock potential by driving innovative AI solutions through hands-on engineering and client collaboration. Transform complex business challenges into reliable, production-ready software while enhancin...
6 days ago
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Join a visionary team to architect cloud networking solutions, drive innovation in DPU and NIC technologies, and collaborate with global experts to redefine data center architecture from hardware to a...
Reposted yesterday
Software Engineering Technical Leader (remote) - 2025538
$151K - $222K *
Elevate your career by leading software security governance initiatives. Drive transformation of security requirements into actionable workflows while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enha...
6 days ago
Lead Software Engineer, AI Platform
$164K - $240K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build AI infrastructure, ensure reliability and security, and guide technical direction while fostering engineer development. Lead innovative projects that e...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Manager Software Engineering
$128K - $252K *
Lead the charge in building and managing high-performing software engineering teams. Drive innovation, optimize processes, and deliver high-quality applications while fostering a culture of excellence...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, Applied AI
$153K - $213K *
Drive efficiency by automating internal processes, enhancing productivity across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify bottlenecks, implement AI solutions, and ensure measurable impact on w...
2 weeks ago
Epic Certified Cogito Project Manager
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Lead and enhance our analytics efforts by managing a skilled team while driving the implementation of business intelligence solutions to optimize Epic EHR usability and performance across diverse appl...
4 weeks ago
$171K - $245K *
Empower program delivery by leveraging AI-driven tools and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage complex projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment wh...
2 days ago
$140K - $150K *
Innovate within the healthcare engineering sector by providing expert electrical engineering support, ensuring compliance and enhancing the safety and efficiency of VA facilities across multiple proje...
4 weeks ago
Senior Cloud Security Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Accelerate progress at securing cloud environments by designing robust guardrails and automation. Collaborate with engineering teams to embed security into CI/CD pipelines and ensure compliance across...
3 days ago
$129K - $177K *
Elevate your career by leading technical direction and hands-on development in a dynamic digital health platform. Collaborate with teams to shape product outcomes and drive AI coding practices while i...
Yesterday
$209K - $273K *
Grow your career with a technical leadership role tackling complex challenges while mentoring others and collaborating on impactful projects across multiple engineering teams, elevating standards and...
3 weeks ago
$210K - $265K *
Transform engineering excellence by redefining AI paradigms, driving innovation, and shaping technical strategies to elevate performance across teams while enhancing the educational experience for stu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior DevOps Engineer (Active Secret Clearance)
$185K - $230K *
Advance your career by ensuring seamless performance of AI systems in diverse environments. Collaborate with customers and teams, automating and maintaining infrastructure for reliability across uncla...
4 weeks ago
Sr Technical Security Product Owner (DevSecOps Engineering)
$94K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving security outcomes in DevSecOps Engineering. You'll prioritize the backlog, define features, and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance developer experience while managing...
2 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate organizational impact by driving strategic initiatives and fostering cross-functional alignment. Collaborate with global teams to ensure seamless execution of key projects while enhancing comp...
Today
Solution Architect, Exposure Management
$121K - $248K *
Transform your career by leading technical solutions globally, guiding customers through complex evaluations, and empowering teams with essential training and tools to scale operations effectively...
Reposted 6 days ago
Solution Architect, Exposure Management
$121K - $248K *
Lead the charge in delivering top-tier pre-sales technical solutions, driving customer engagements, and creating robust enablement tools to scale field operations across diverse regions and enterprise...
Reposted 6 days ago
Solution Architect, Exposure Management
$121K - $248K *
Lead technical evaluations and deployments, ensuring seamless integration and operational excellence. Collaborate across teams to empower field operations and deliver actionable security insights, enh...
6 days ago
Staff Software Engineer - Build System Modernization
$171K - $288K *
Unlock potential by leading the modernization of major build systems for software-defined vehicles. Drive technical progress, influence team direction, and enhance engineering productivity through inn...
4 weeks ago
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Join a dynamic team to innovate and deliver high-quality software solutions. Collaborate in an Agile environment, leveraging modern technologies to enhance product functionality and customer satisfact...
1 week ago
$66K - $128K *
Unlock your potential as you design and implement software for spacecraft simulators, collaborating with engineers to create cutting-edge solutions in the space industry. This entry-level role offers...
3 weeks ago
$131K - $243K *
Join a team that's driving sustainment transformation and adoption across programs. As a Project Engineer Staff, you'll lead initiatives, coordinate projects, and enhance processes to ensure successfu...
1 week ago
$100K - $140K *
Take ownership of building intelligent, cloud-native solutions that streamline radiology workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable software, ensuring quality and security...
1 week ago
What is a Chief Software Engineer?
A Chief Software Engineer is a senior technical leader who helps set software engineering direction, guides architecture and major technical decisions, and supports teams delivering software systems. The exact scope varies by employer.
What qualifications are commonly required for Chief Software Engineer jobs?
Requirements often include substantial software engineering experience, expertise in system design and architecture, a history of delivering complex projects, and strong communication and technical leadership skills. Specific requirements depend on the company and role.
How much do Chief Software Engineers earn?
Compensation varies with location, industry, employer, experience, and role scope. Ladders features vetted jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for salary ranges and benefits.
How is a Chief Software Engineer different from a Chief Technology Officer?
A Chief Software Engineer typically focuses on software architecture, engineering practices, and technical execution. A Chief Technology Officer often has broader responsibility for an organization's overall technology strategy. Titles and responsibilities vary between organizations.
Where can I find Chief Software Engineer jobs?
You can explore Chief Software Engineer openings on Ladders, which focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Review listings to find roles aligned with your skills and career goals.