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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$115K - $275K *

Manage the delivery of GPU clusters for AI workloads by coordinating teams across engineering, networking, and operations. Develop strategies, manage risks, and ensure timely, quality launches to scal...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$111K - $206K *

Lead cross-functional teams to develop and manage integrated program schedules, ensuring effective execution and performance through Earned Value Management and critical path analysis. Drive collabora...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $190K *

Join a dynamic team to shape the future of cybersecurity solutions across the Americas. As a Senior Solution Engineer, you'll engage deeply with clients, deliver tailored demonstrations, and lead tech...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $166K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI governance in software development. As a Senior Engineer, you'll design policies and tools that ensure safe, effective use of AI coding agents, empowering d...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in optimizing IT configuration management practices to enhance service lifecycle support, ensuring accuracy of configuration items and improving operational efficiency across enterpris...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $165K *

Shape the future of records management by developing processes and systems that enhance compliance and efficiency. Collaborate with teams to assess needs, analyze data, and promote best practices in r...

Texas, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $230K *

Lead the charge in optimizing cloud and on-prem environments, ensuring seamless software deployments and enhancements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions and support...

Austin, TXRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Transform enterprise technology initiatives by connecting business goals with technical solutions. Collaborate in an Agile environment to analyze requirements, support Medicare systems, and ensure eff...

Columbia, SCRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$145K - $185K *

Champion the future of defense solutions by driving new business, building relationships, and leading contract execution. Own a diverse portfolio while adapting to evolving challenges and ensuring cus...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in shaping the future of energy through advanced power system modeling and compliance assessments. Collaborate with a dynamic team to conduct studies, ensure project quality, and drive...

Austin, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$170K - $200K *

Drive portfolio strategy and execution by transforming market needs into profitable offers. Collaborate across teams to ensure alignment and operational readiness, enhancing sales confidence and optim...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead product strategy and execution for a suite of wargaming tools, collaborating with users and engineers to transform complex technical capabilities into impactful solutions in high-stakes environme...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$108K - $162K *

Deliver exceptional customer service by managing maintenance operations and support activities. Collaborate with teams to ensure timely resolution of issues while leading talent development and execut...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Elevate project execution by leading a team of Control Technicians, ensuring quality, timely completion, and effective communication across all stakeholders while providing technical support and mento...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$131K - $196K *

Architect and lead the commissioning process for cutting-edge liquid-cooled and AI factory deployments. Ensure rigorous testing and validation, providing independent assurance on performance and desig...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $252K *

Shape the future of cloud infrastructure by optimizing AWS GovCloud environments. Leverage your expertise in architecture and security compliance while empowering technical teams toward innovation and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$74K - $130K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Agile team to develop critical enterprise software applications, leveraging modern technologies in a fast-paced environment for mission success...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$208K - $235K *

Join an enterprise-scale cybersecurity team leading operations, incident response, and risk management across cloud and hybrid infrastructures. This role drives innovation in security architecture whi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by designing and maintaining advanced IT infrastructure platforms, ensuring reliability and security. Collaborate with teams to optimize solutions, automate processes, and enhance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Develop strategic sourcing initiatives for IT software and services, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness. Drive negotiations and manage supplier relat...

Falls Church, VARemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$69K - $125K *

Join a team that's pivotal in supporting the FAA's new Air Traffic Control System. As an RSR Field Engineer, you'll oversee installations at critical airports, ensuring timely execution and high-quali...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Transform enterprise IT projects by leading cloud migration and infrastructure modernization initiatives. Drive cross-functional collaboration, manage project lifecycles, and ensure alignment with str...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $170K *

Transform complex Federal consulting engagements by leading diverse teams, establishing strategies, and ensuring practical outcomes that enhance government capabilities and client trust...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$105K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading commissioning activities for complex projects, ensuring technical scope delivery and quality standards. Collaborate with project teams and clients to drive successful imple...

Stillwater, MNRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.