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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$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Dallas, TXRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Bellevue, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Mclean, VARemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Toronto, ONRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

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...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Philadelphia, PARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive collaboration with sales teams to identify prospects and deliver tailored security solutions, addressing technical challenges and enhancing customer engagement through education and presentation...

Dover, DERemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$64K - $102K *

Elevate network performance by deploying and optimizing voice solutions, ensuring 99.999% uptime. Collaborate on network planning and security, while providing expert support and documentation for com...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$63K - $129K *

Contribute to system quality by executing test cases, analyzing requirements, and validating functionality to ensure compliance and stability in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate with teams to enh...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information 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.