Explore Chief Systems Engineer (CSE) opportunities for experienced professionals who lead the design, integration, and performance of complex systems. CSEs bring technical teams together, translate mission and business needs into system architectures, and guide programs from concept through deployment. Browse vetted roles on Ladders, including positions paying $100,000 or more.
A Chief Systems Engineer establishes technical direction across a program or organization. Typical responsibilities include defining system requirements and architecture, overseeing system integration, managing technical risks, and ensuring that solutions meet performance, safety, security, and regulatory expectations. CSEs often work across engineering disciplines and serve as a key technical partner to program leaders, customers, and executives.
Chief Systems Engineers are sought in aerospace, defense, national security, software, telecommunications, transportation, energy, and other industries that develop or operate complex, interconnected systems. Job requirements vary by sector and may involve specialized standards, certifications, or experience with particular technologies and mission environments.
Employers commonly seek extensive systems engineering experience, a record of technical leadership, and the ability to communicate clearly with both engineering teams and senior stakeholders. Relevant strengths may include systems architecture, requirements management, integration and verification, model-based systems engineering, risk management, and lifecycle planning. Many positions require a bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering or a related field; specific education and clearance requirements depend on the role.
Find Chief Systems Engineer openings that align with your expertise, leadership goals, and preferred industry. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates discover senior-level roles and take the next step in their careers.
Chief Systems Engineer/Architect Lead
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's redefining enterprise systems engineering by providing expert guidance on architecture, integration, and innovation. Lead technical solutions and collaborate with stakeholders to en...
3 days ago
Systems of Systems Integration Engineering Capability Chief Engineer
$190K - $285K *
Innovate systems integration strategies to enhance mission outcomes through collaboration, technical leadership, and mentorship. Drive quality and capability development while shaping research priorit...
1 week ago
$200K - $240K *
Lead a dynamic team in providing Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory services for complex space systems, ensuring mission success through effective oversight, requirement management, and lifecy...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead a dynamic team in providing systems engineering and technical advisory services for advanced space and ground architectures, ensuring mission success through effective oversight and integration o...
1 week ago
Director Systems Engineering 2 - I&S BU Chief Engineer/ Mission 1 SE&I IPT Lead
$266K - $399K *
Drive technical excellence as you lead multidisciplinary teams in systems engineering, ensuring mission success and integrity across complex programs while shaping long-term strategies and fostering c...
3 days ago
$220K - $260K *
Lead the charge in shaping technical strategies for AI solutions, engaging with customers and internal teams to drive innovative software architectures and cloud solutions across the Intelligence Comm...
4 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in shaping technical strategies for AI solutions, engaging with customers and internal teams to drive innovation in shared software platforms and cloud architectures within the intelli...
5 days ago
$69K - $141K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and integrate complex software systems using model-based approaches. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering to manage requirements and deliver innovative solutio...
5 days ago
$69K - $141K *
Unlock potential by driving the development and integration of complex software systems using model-based approaches in an Agile environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure complian...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive modernization efforts by managing enterprise systems and infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to ensure high availability, performance, and security while delivering innovative solutions and t...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower innovation by leading systems engineering efforts for space operations, ensuring seamless integration and support for advanced capabilities within a dynamic team environment focused on mission...
3 days ago
$140K - $180K *
Drive the modernization of space launch ranges by providing expert systems engineering support, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing innovative digital engineering practices to...
Reposted 4 days ago
$120K - $160K *
Champion the modernization of space launch ranges by providing expert systems engineering support, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving digital transformation to enhance mission capa...
Reposted 4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join us to drive modernization efforts for space launch ranges, enhancing capabilities and supporting the Assured Access to Space mission through innovative engineering solutions and collaboration wit...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the systems engineering function for a major IT project, overseeing design, development, and integration of technical systems. Collaborate with teams to resolve complex issues and ensure successf...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive your career forward as you lead complex systems engineering projects, ensuring effective operational maintenance and sustainment of critical radar systems supporting US Space Force missions...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Join a team that delivers innovative solutions to critical missile surveillance systems. As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will drive technical excellence and operational readiness for ground-based...
3 weeks ago
Principal Systems Engineer (TechSIGINT)
$145K - $175K *
Explore a pivotal role in systems engineering, supporting TechSIGINT initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate capabilities, manage risks, and ensure compliance while driving modernizati...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer Mission Integration
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer the integration of complex systems by transforming mission needs into actionable technical solutions, bridging diverse technical teams, and ensuring seamless operational capabilities throughou...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Systems Engineer - Command & Control (C2) Satellite System
$183K - $261K *
Unlock potential by leading satellite command and control systems' architecture and integration. Guide technical direction, mentor engineers, and interface with partners on high-impact challenges in a...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by leading systems engineering for a major platform program, ensuring rigorous management of architecture, requirements, and verification from concep...
2 weeks ago
$161K - $241K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of national security through innovative software solutions. As a key leader, you'll manage integration and testing efforts, ensuring mission success while collabo...
1 week ago
$165K - $175K *
Advance mission integration through innovative systems engineering and architecture design, ensuring robust capability delivery for diverse operational needs in a dynamic defense environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Advance the future of systems engineering by leading complex Navy combat system initiatives. Engage in strategic planning, technical documentation, and program management while ensuring adherence to D...
Reposted today
Principal Systems Engineer, Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE)
$118K - $224K *
Join a team that's redefining systems engineering by leading innovative solutions and ensuring robust verification processes. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance system performance and mentor ne...
Reposted 1 week ago
What does a Chief Systems Engineer do?
A Chief Systems Engineer provides technical leadership for complex systems, guiding architecture, requirements, integration, verification, and risk management across a program or organization.
What qualifications are typically required for Chief Systems Engineer jobs?
Requirements vary, but employers commonly look for substantial systems engineering experience, technical leadership, and a bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering or a related field. Some roles require industry-specific expertise, certifications, or security clearance.
Which industries hire Chief Systems Engineers?
Common industries include aerospace, defense, national security, software, telecommunications, transportation, and energy, as well as other fields involving complex systems.
How much do Chief Systems Engineer jobs pay?
Compensation depends on factors such as industry, location, experience, and scope of responsibility. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more.
Where can I find Chief Systems Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse Chief Systems Engineer listings on Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.