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.
Software Engineering Team Manager
$125K - $150K *
Lead the modernization of a data platform, ensuring reliability and security while managing engineering teams across legacy and new technologies. Drive AI-native practices and uphold quality standards...
Reposted 4 days ago
Solution Architect - Autonomous Systems & Industrial Base (ComS058)
$135K - $160K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of autonomous systems and cloud-native technologies, driving integration and architecture solutions for defense and commercial sectors. Engage with stakeholders...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer - Network (Remote)
$195K - $290K *
Oversee the design and evolution of global backbone architecture, driving initiatives in traffic engineering, capacity planning, and network automation. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure strateg...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture - Networking
$142K - $203K *
Design and optimize AI-ready networking infrastructures to support high-performance computing and data-intensive workloads. Collaborate with customers to assess, plan, and implement scalable solutions...
Reposted 4 days ago
Director, Engineering, Data, and AI
$150K - $180K *
Drive operational excellence by leading engineering, data, and AI teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring high-quality project delivery and te...
Today
Senior Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture
$170K - $221K *
Partner with us to deliver integrated IT solutions that align with customer goals. Leverage your technical expertise to navigate complex requirements and enhance customer satisfaction through innovati...
Reposted 4 days ago
Staff Mission Solutions Engineer
$165K - $205K *
Champion technical sales for our EO satellite portfolio, focusing on international defense and intelligence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions, drive customer engag...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to drive strategic contracts management and proposal development for high-stakes federal bids. Collaborate across functions to balance risk and compliance while ensuring financial...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion strategic contract management and proposal development for high-stakes federal bids. Collaborate across teams to balance risk and compliance while driving growth through effective negotiation...
1 week ago
Lead IT Systems Engineer - Public Sector
$116K - $155K *
Transform the future of networking by leading hands-on system integration; design, implement, and optimize solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiencies and deliver top-tier operational...
Reposted 1 week ago
$101K - $188K *
Elevate your career by enhancing platform reliability and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve operational challenges, improve observability, and ensure dependable systems in a...
2 weeks ago
$89K - $148K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your electrical engineering expertise to support military vessel operations. Collaborate with teams to ensure safe, reliable electrical systems while managing design and...
1 week ago
Senior Cost Estimating Analyst
$76K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by leading cost estimating efforts for complex aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop accurate estimates and support both commercial and government...
3 weeks ago
R&D Eng SME (SRM Propulsion) (Remote Option Available)
$180K - $235K *
Lead advanced R&D initiatives for Solid Rocket Motor technologies, driving feasibility studies, design, and testing. Provide technical leadership across programs and serve as the primary interface for...
2 days ago
$105K - $231K *
Empower security excellence by leading ServiceNow implementations, ensuring compliance with NIST and FedRAMP standards, and enhancing platform security through innovative governance and risk managemen...
4 days ago
$110K - $120K *
Unlock your potential as a Solutions Engineer, guiding sales teams with expert network security advice, conducting training sessions, and supporting customer needs while driving professional services...
Reposted 5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by leveraging your cybersecurity expertise to drive software modernization initiatives. Contribute to operational objectives while ensuring compliance within a collaborative Agile...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape and support enterprise networking solutions by delivering pre-sales technical leadership and post-sales support. Leverage deep expertise in Wi-Fi, LAN, cloud, and Zero Trust security to ensure o...
4 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Engineer/Chief Role
$150K - $180K *
Drive the development of AI-native solutions, designing robust agentic systems and workflows while closely collaborating with SMEs to enhance real user value through effective feedback mechanisms and...
3 weeks ago
$200K - $250K *
Drive enterprise-wide network architecture and modernization for mission-critical systems, ensuring security and resilience across hybrid environments. Collaborate on technical designs, implement solu...
3 weeks ago
(1111023) Embedded Software Engineer - Remote Control Systems
$95K - $108K *
Transform embedded control systems by designing, integrating, and validating innovative features. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver cutting-edge solutions in remote applications, enhancing fu...
Reposted today
Software Engineering Director, Agentic Evaluations
$150K - $180K *
Advance your career by leading the design and implementation of agent evaluations, enhancing the performance of AI systems through innovative techniques and team collaboration in a dynamic software en...
1 month ago
Sr. Manager, Software Engineering
$126K - $210K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic engineering team to enhance specialty prescription processes. Drive strategic direction, foster collaboration, and ensure delivery excellence while managing multi...
4 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (Technical Architect)
$170K - $210K *
Empower Federal agencies by architecting and delivering AI-assisted software solutions. Responsible for client engagement, technology integration, and ensuring that production-ready solutions meet ope...
3 weeks ago
Enterprise IT Lead / Space Programs
$135K - $216K *
Champion cybersecurity governance by leading strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of security across diverse operational environments. Drive program-wide adoption of sta...
Yesterday
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.