Chief Systems Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Chief Systems Engineer Do?

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.

Industries Hiring Chief Systems Engineers

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Explore CSE Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$124K - $238K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of spacecraft systems engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead cross-functional teams in developing complex spacecraft designs, ensuring compliance, and drivi...

Palo Alto, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $299K *

Transform the future of C4I systems as a Systems Engineering Manager, leading design initiatives and managing a team to ensure alignment with customer requirements. Drive modernization efforts through...

Colorado, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $144K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $105K *

Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...

Pittsfield, MARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$93K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Transform the future of enterprise solutions by bridging stakeholder needs with actionable architecture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess capabilities, identify gaps, and recommend sc...

Suitland, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $285K *

Transform complex spacecraft systems through leadership in integration, architecture, and verification, ensuring mission success. Collaborate across disciplines to define strategic requirements and fo...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $130K *

Support the operational efficiency of complex application cloud systems. Collaborate with teams to detect, document, and resolve system outages, ensuring compliance with standards while utilizing cont...

Texas, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$146K - $280K *

Contribute to cutting-edge projects by designing embedded flight software, ensuring compliance and efficiency in real-time systems for advanced aerospace applications while collaborating with diverse...

Palo Alto, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$93K - $140K *

Lead the charge in deploying CAASM solutions, integrating Cyber data for Federal agencies, and optimizing security outcomes through expert troubleshooting and collaboration with cross-functional teams...

Arlington, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $225K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Security Engineering team. Drive technical direction, own security architecture, and collaborate closely with operations to build robust security platforms and...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Build and automate security solutions within the software development lifecycle, enhancing application and cloud security through hands-on collaboration and systemic risk evaluation. Lead initiatives...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$117K - $195K *

Join a team that's developing cutting-edge avionics architectures for diverse missions. Leverage your expertise in command and data handling to optimize system performance and ensure seamless integrat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$238K - $365K *

Join a team that's redefining lidar technology for autonomy products. Lead the technical strategy, collaborate with experts, and drive innovations from concept to production, ensuring performance and...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$107K - $204K *

Join our team to lead the development and modernization of a critical software platform, driving architectural updates and AI integration while mentoring junior developers and ensuring compliance with...

Nebraska, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$148K - $263K *

Drive the design and implementation of AI-First operational environments, architecting resilient multi-cloud networks and building autonomous orchestration layers to enhance security and efficiency ac...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $315K *

Create and implement robust security architectures across enterprise, cloud, and infrastructure environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards while guiding security initiatives and influen...

Carlsbad, CARemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $175K *

Shape the future of defense solutions by leveraging C5ISR expertise to develop mission-focused strategies for the U.S. Army and Department of War, ensuring alignment with customer priorities and acqui...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$89K - $148K *

Lead innovative model development and systems integration remotely while guiding a team of engineers. Collaborate directly with clients to define optimal solutions and ensure project success in a dyna...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $199K *

Help us define and validate complex defense systems as a senior technical leader. Mentor junior engineers, ensure compliance, and interface with cross-functional teams to drive success in systems engi...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive project success by leading a team of experts in managing complex government programs. Ensure financial, technical, and schedule objectives are met while fostering strong client relationships and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $238K *

Shape the future of embedded flight software by designing robust solutions for real-time operating systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, document, and maintain critical systems...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...

Florida, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$183K - $203K *

Lead mission-critical RF and SATCOM systems, ensuring reliable operations through hands-on troubleshooting, maintenance, and collaboration with technical teams to support seamless mission execution ac...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$220K - $290K *

Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Chief Systems Engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Browse Chief Systems Engineer listings on Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.