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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$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...

Florida, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$183K - $203K *

Lead mission-critical RF and SATCOM systems, ensuring reliable operations through hands-on troubleshooting, maintenance, and collaboration with technical teams to support seamless mission execution ac...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$132K - $251K *

Drive enterprise-wide DMSMS management by establishing standardized processes and frameworks to mitigate supplier risks and enhance operational stability, ensuring compliance with government standards...

Arizona, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$220K - $290K *

Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Manager in Deployed Engineering, leading hands-on deployments and building a high-performing team. Collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to dri...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$168K - $280K *

Lead the charge in enhancing flight software validation and verification processes, impacting critical aerospace projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with rigorous st...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Unlock your potential as a Principal Software Developer, driving the design and deployment of cutting-edge AI platforms. Collaborate across the full stack to create intelligent applications that enhan...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $120K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and develop user-centric web applications, integrating AI-driven insights for high-stakes decision-making workflows while ensuring performance and sec...

Virginia, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Join our dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge AI platforms, enhancing decision-making workflows through innovative web applications and robust backend services. Collaborate across the full...

Virginia, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop a next-gen AI platform, focusing on intelligent agent frameworks and modern web applications. Collaborate across the full stack to enhance decision-making wor...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $149K *

Join a team that drives the integration and operation of advanced space systems for government and commercial missions. Contribute to multifaceted projects while collaborating with a diverse engineeri...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$72K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and implementing innovative Cyber solutions, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance throughout the lifecycle. Collaborate with architects and de...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $206K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior CSfC Systems Engineer, deploying cutting-edge networking solutions across the U.S. and globally. Leverage your expertise in virtualization and data center architecture...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $125K *

Champion operational excellence by managing cross-regional teams, ensuring consistent performance standards, and facilitating effective agent execution. Drive strategic initiatives and resolve conflic...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $175K *

Lead the charge in Model-Based Systems Engineering, collaborating with experts across diverse domains to develop cutting-edge solutions. Utilize your skills in SysML and modeling tools to drive innova...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$128K - $187K *

Transform your career by leveraging cutting-edge MBSE expertise across diverse domains. Engage with top technologies, collaborate with skilled engineers, and drive innovation in dynamic environments w...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $220K *

Unlock potential by leading airworthiness and certification efforts for complex aerospace programs. Collaborate with regulatory authorities, mentor engineers, and drive compliance activities across mi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Elevate engineering success by partnering with leadership to drive strategic execution, fostering alignment across teams, and leveraging data-driven insights for impactful decision-making in a dynamic...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Optimize real-time automation solutions across manufacturing and enterprise levels. Collaborate with engineering teams to design, implement, and enhance systems using diverse programming and design to...

Richmond, VARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Transform your career by engineering innovative automation solutions across industries. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance operational efficiency and drive real-time information systems from t...

Raleigh, NCRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$92K - $110K *

Elevate your career by engineering real-time automation solutions across industries. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, implement, and optimize systems that enhance operational efficiency and...

Philadelphia, PARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$118K - $204K *

Empower innovation as you lead software architecture for a cloud-native connected vehicle platform, driving engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful solutions for...

Wisconsin, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $170K *

Lead the charge in managing complex contracts for a major program, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment. Collaborate with teams to develop proposals, negotiate terms, and maintain strong relati...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $265K *

Partner with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency in our travel marketplace. You'll manage project lifecycles, enhance collaboration, and champion a custome...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$161K - $218K *

Join a team that's redefining cybersecurity by leading the architecture and integration of Zero Trust solutions for crucial defense initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver st...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.