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.
Principal Large Deal Strategist
$120K - $160K *
Drive the advancement of high-value, complex deals, partnering with C-Suite executives to create innovative solutions that expand the organization's portfolio and enhance strategic account growth...
2 weeks ago
IT Program Stf - E4- TS/SCI Required
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Lead the charge in delivering complex IT capabilities within secure environments. Oversee program management, systems architecture, and vendor relations while ensuring compliance and effective communi...
1 week ago
$110K - $150K *
Take ownership of the SAP Concur platform, ensuring efficient travel and expense processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system functionality, resolve issues, and support complia...
2 weeks ago
$111K - $206K *
Transform global sourcing strategies for commodities, driving value through innovative procurement projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize costs, manage supplier relationships, a...
2 days ago
Secure Facilities Technical Engineering - Mission Critical & Secure Facilities
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead secure facility design, ensuring compliance with federal security standards. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions for mission-critical e...
Today
ARPA-H Technical SETA - HSF/SSO
$125K - $210K *
Elevate cutting-edge research by providing technical support and strategic assessments for ARPA-H projects. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to translate discoveries into real-world applicati...
2 days ago
Deployment Lead (Civil Aviation)
$110K - $130K *
Drive your career with a dynamic role that bridges product strategy and technical execution in the aviation industry while ensuring successful product delivery to customers...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Build robust software solutions by developing application and test code, while steering implementation decisions in a collaborative Agile environment. Contribute to complex architectures using modern...
4 weeks ago
Senior Business Systems Analyst
$75K - $158K *
Drive enterprise-level technical solutions by analyzing system needs, coordinating design activities, and ensuring compliance with governance processes. Leverage your expertise to enhance performance...
Reposted 1 week ago
$62K - $99K *
Join a dynamic team to perform critical inspections on aerospace components, ensuring compliance with stringent quality standards. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous imp...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Advance your career by providing expert E175 engineering support, analyzing technical problems, coordinating maintenance solutions, and delivering training to enhance operational excellence and client...
3 weeks ago
Distinguished Engineer - AI & Engineering Transformation
$240K - $320K *
Transform AI adoption and engineering efficiency by leading cross-functional initiatives and driving the strategic integration of innovative technologies across products, ensuring measurable outcomes...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Transform enterprise strategies by leading discovery and building account plans that align marketing goals with AI investments, driving growth and success for senior marketing leaders...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $115K *
Engineer and maintain cloud-based cyber ranges, ensuring scalable, secure training environments. Collaborate with experts to develop realistic simulations while managing network isolation and resource...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Grid
$165K - $253K *
Lead the charge in managing a project team focused on high voltage substations, overseeing design, analysis, and implementation to modernize the electric grid while ensuring projects meet client speci...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager, FEHRM Healthcare Technology Management - Deployment
$95K - $125K *
Drive the deployment of healthcare technology across multiple VA facilities, coordinating projects and ensuring readiness. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage timelines, resolve issues, and deliv...
2 weeks ago
Managing Counsel, Data Center & Infrastructure
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in major data center transactions, structuring complex deals and managing long-term infrastructure relationships to drive growth and strategic initiatives for the business...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate your career by partnering with leaders to develop innovative solutions, guide engineering best practices, and ensure high-quality infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to achieve technical...
Reposted 5 days ago
MSAD Systems Engineer V - Test Manager
$153K - $199K *
Pioneer high-fidelity modeling and simulation solutions for propulsion and aerospace systems while leading a versatile engineering team in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and perform...
4 weeks ago
$88K - $120K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions through leadership in commissioning. Lead complex projects, mentor talent, and ensure seamless integration across systems while engaging directly with cl...
1 month ago
$150K - $180K *
Make your mark at the forefront of cloud engineering, transforming infrastructure through automation, optimizing performance, and enhancing observability for large-scale distributed systems...
3 weeks ago
Vice President of Business Development, Navy & Marine Corps
$200K - $240K *
Drive strategic growth initiatives for Navy & Marine Corps, leading business development efforts and fostering partnerships to enhance tactical networking solutions across diverse operational domains...
6 days ago
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Transform legacy systems into modern applications, leveraging your expertise in IBMi and collaborating with international teams to meet diverse client needs. Drive innovation and excellence in system...
3 weeks ago
Senior Subcontracts Administrator
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in managing and administering subcontracts and task orders. Ensure compliance with standards and regulations while negotiating terms and monitoring performance. Collaborate with teams...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to drive innovative security solutions, engaging with customers and partners to address their unique challenges. Leverage your expertise in pre-sales and engineering to enhance operati...
6 days 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.