Chief Software Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Chief Software Engineer Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Chief Software Engineer Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Chief Software Engineer Opportunities

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.

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

$166K - $200K *

Lead the charge in advancing power system simulation and grid engineering. Drive innovative research and advisory services while establishing EPRI's technical vision in grid modernization and DER inte...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Partner with us to drive customer engagement by leading sales engineering efforts, supporting strategic initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions that me...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$206K - $242K *

Transform external attack capabilities by developing scalable workflows and automating reconnaissance processes. Drive innovation in offensive security, mentor teammates, and contribute to a high-impa...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform the future of cloud infrastructure by automating and optimizing systems for reliability, performance, and scalability, collaborating with engineering teams to embed best practices and foster...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $225K *

Champion service integration by leading a multivendor framework that enhances collaboration, accountability, and performance across IT operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery for veterans an...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform your career by leading platform engineering initiatives that enhance developer experience and operational excellence. Drive technical ownership across the software lifecycle, shaping the pla...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$119K - $215K *

Drive your career by leading cross-functional teams to execute complex technical programs. Leverage your expertise in program management and communication to align engineering efforts with strategic g...

Cambridge, MARemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $231K *

Drive offensive security initiatives by leading penetration testing and red-team efforts. Own complex technical engagements, ensuring robust assessments and impactful remediation strategies for federa...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $185K *

Unlock business growth by leading technical scoping, managing client relations, and guiding consultants. This hybrid role integrates project management with hands-on consulting to ensure accurate prop...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $117K *

Champion software quality by analyzing healthcare data, developing test cases, and executing both manual and automated tests. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with clinical...

Connecticut, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$112K - $193K *

Empower health care interoperability by leading a team to design and develop AI-enabled software solutions that enhance data exchange among payers, providers, and members, ensuring compliance with evo...

Raleigh, NCRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$156K - $240K *

Innovate solutions at the intersection of cloud technology and engineering. Lead AWS projects, mentor teams, and drive best practices while ensuring delivery excellence across multiple client engageme...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $225K *

Transform enterprise cybersecurity programs by leading AI-driven initiatives and modernization efforts. Collaborate with C-suite executives to design and implement comprehensive security roadmaps, enh...

Fairfax, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $236K *

Lead the charge in defining technical standards for secure, scalable Windows and macOS endpoints. Mentor engineers, manage projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance an...

San Diego, CARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to leading complex projects within the PMO. You'll provide strategic direction, foster collaboration, and ensure effective project delivery while mentoring Project Manager...

Calgary, ABRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$184K - $287K *

Transform production infrastructure by automating bare-metal provisioning and enhancing GPU capacity management. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliability and efficiency in AI workloads, driving...

Santa Clara, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $180K *

Transform identity governance at scale by leading the SailPoint ISC platform. Drive strategy, architecture, and compliance across global operations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...

Brooklyn, NYRemote

6 days ago

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

$160K - $235K *

Pioneer impactful change as you lead structured management initiatives, engaging clients with strategies that enhance technology and process adoption, while leveraging strong analytical skills and fos...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $130K *

Champion global expansion initiatives by managing the FedRAMP program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project timelines and deliverables are met while navigating a fast-paced enviro...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $170K *

Advance your career by leading a dynamic team in developing secure access solutions. Drive technical direction, manage project delivery, and mentor engineers while balancing customer reliability with...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of dental technology by leading software development for specialized machines, shaping the future of custom prosthetics manufacturing in a dynamic, high-growth env...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Champion the successful delivery of customer projects through all phases, ensuring alignment with business goals by coordinating teams and resources while managing risks and transacting key communicat...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Transform the engineering landscape by leading teams to innovate AI-assisted software development, ensuring timely delivery of next-gen products while enhancing existing offerings. Drive strategic exe...

New Germany, MNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$250K - $280K *

Empower the development of AI observability capabilities, architecting data models and infrastructure while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user workflows and insights into AI sys...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join us to enhance the security posture of our production platform. As an Infrastructure Security Engineer, you'll drive remediation efforts, build security frameworks, and collaborate with teams to p...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Chief Software Engineer?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.