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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$101K - $206K *

Join a team that's redefining AI product development by leading high-performing engineering teams. Drive innovation and collaboration across functions to deliver scalable AI solutions, while fostering...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Innovate your career by leading SaaS modernization projects, enhancing delivery efficiency through AI and automation. Drive customer success by transforming legacy systems into scalable, sustainable s...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Build high-performing software teams that drive critical project success while managing technical architecture and mentorship. Collaborate with leadership to align solutions with business needs and en...

Overland Park, KSRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Oversee the coordination and management of design models across software platforms, establishing BIM standards and schedules. Review models for accuracy, identify conflicts, and support project develo...

Plano, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $251K *

Optimize cost modeling and benchmarking for complex assemblies, driving transparency in supplier negotiations across various defense products. Lead should cost assessments and develop models to enhanc...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Transform airport infrastructure by leading design projects, preparing engineering reports, and collaborating on innovative solutions in a dynamic aviation environment. Drive your career forward with...

Dallas, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $120K *

Help us drive procurement excellence by leveraging your mechanical engineering expertise to support strategic sourcing and supplier management for defense programs, ensuring quality and cost-effective...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead strategic procurement initiatives by leveraging mechanical engineering expertise to optimize sourcing, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships for defense programs, ensuring qualit...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team in managing project lifecycles by applying proven methodologies. You will lead diverse project teams, enhance client satisfaction, and promote continuous improvement while driving...

Philadelphia, PARemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Drive enterprise remediation initiatives for cryptographic assets, coordinating with cross-functional teams to enhance security compliance and reduce risks in a complex technology environment. Lead ef...

Texas, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity by collaborating with partners to identify solutions, educate stakeholders, and drive impactful engagements that enhance organizational safety and operational integri...

Dallas, TXRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$229K - $258K *

Empower a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative security tools. Own product development from roadmap to rollout, fostering collaboration and driving results in a fast-paced environment focuse...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $155K *

Play a key role in enhancing cybersecurity by designing and implementing secure DevSecOps practices, developing software solutions, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate in a dy...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $135K *

Drive strategic growth by managing a diverse portfolio of accounts. Lead and mentor an account management team to enhance client relationships and maximize profitability through innovative solutions a...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team, driving innovation and product development while ensuring quality and efficiency in facility design and technical support for sales initiatives...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $150K *

Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity operations by managing incident response, mentoring SOC analysts, and developing processes to effectively identify and mitigate threats in a 24/7 Security Op...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $168K *

Shape strategic sourcing initiatives by collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive savings and efficiencies in the Mechanical category. Manage supplier relationships and execute OneLM Agreemen...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $252K *

Inspire innovation by developing scalable cloud software solutions that enhance mission-critical operations in a collaborative environment, translating complex requirements into secure tools on Google...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$154K - $260K *

Join an innovative team to lead and evolve critical Core Infrastructure. Oversee infrastructure strategy, improve operational health, and drive automation to boost performance across a globally distri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Drive innovation as a strategic Sr. Cloud Architect, transforming legacy systems into scalable, cost-optimized cloud-native architectures while ensuring efficient deployments and dynamic data producti...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Create real-time user interface applications for automated aircraft systems, collaborating with a dynamic team of engineers. Lead the design and implementation to enhance pilot experiences, ensuring s...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $125K *

Lead and coordinate engineering projects, ensuring technical quality and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while managing resources, schedules, and bu...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $165K *

Join a dynamic team as a Software Developer, enhancing security tools through innovative web applications. Collaborate in an agile environment to design, develop, and maintain solutions that support c...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by managing full life cycle subcontract activities, ensuring compliance, and driving supplier performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize procurement strategie...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion the evolution of Business Value Engineering by leading a global team, optimizing practices, and driving strategic initiatives across sales and customer engagement to enhance operational succe...

Itasca, ILRemote

2 days 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.