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.
$114K - $155K *
Lead innovation by developing and maintaining secure software solutions for public access to court electronic records. Collaborate with diverse teams, ensuring compliance with security standards and d...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $198K *
Shape the future of supply chain management by leading Agile project delivery, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across teams to optimize logistics and enhance performance metrics withi...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Secret Clearance Eligible)
$160K - $200K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge AI systems by leveraging your expertise in Go and Python. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize and refine scalable services, ensuring high performance and u...
Today
Software Engineer - Mercury Command
$122K - $176K *
Lead the charge in evolving a cutting-edge financial assistant, enhancing user experience through innovative features and AI integration while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a dynamic st...
Today
Deputy Program Manager / PMO Lead (Senior)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading PMO operations for a complex federal IT program. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure timely execution, effective risk management, and compliance, while maintaining sche...
2 days ago
$135K - $180K *
Unlock potential by managing key relationships with insurance partners, overseeing operations, and ensuring compliance in a dynamic, team-focused environment. Thrive in a collaborative setting that dr...
3 weeks ago
$126K - $160K *
Drive impactful software solutions by collaborating with sales teams, leading demos, and managing technical inquiries. Leverage your expertise to enhance customer experiences and support enterprise tr...
Today
Principal Mechanical Engineer (Starship)
$130K - $155K *
Engineer cutting-edge mechanical systems for revolutionary aerospace projects. Collaborate across disciplines to design, test, and iterate on flight hardware while empowering hands-on engagement with...
4 weeks ago
Software Engineering, Team Manager
$165K - $175K *
Empower engineering teams to enhance assessment services through leadership, technical expertise, and responsible AI adoption. Drive team performance and customer outcomes across diverse product areas...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in overseeing pre-commissioning and commissioning activities for liquefied hydrocarbon facilities, ensuring safety and efficiency while coordinating with teams and stakeholders through...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Play a key role in designing and optimizing enterprise-scale cloud environments and CI/CD pipelines, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance operations, automate processes, and support mission-cri...
1 month ago
Software Productization & Technology Commercialization Architect
$150K - $280K *
Elevate AI and autonomy technologies from concept to production-ready solutions. Collaborate across teams to drive commercialization and product strategy while ensuring effective implementation and in...
4 weeks ago
$140K - $155K *
Deliver your expertise to enhance the security posture of Cloud Service Providers. Engage in comprehensive architecture reviews, compliance assessments, and technical consultations within a collaborat...
3 weeks ago
Customer Quality Engineer - Integration
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in ensuring quality and compliance for mechanical and electrical systems. Collaborate across teams to uphold standards, conduct inspections, and drive continuous improvement in mission...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Manage the configuration and administration of our quote-to-cash platform, enhancing DealHub and Salesforce systems to optimize business operations. Collaborate to design robust workflows, governance...
1 month ago
Architect, AI - Active Top Secret Clearance
$130K - $215K *
Unlock potential by leading AI architecture solutions that empower clients through innovative design, hands-on implementation, and strategic guidance, ensuring successful adoption of cutting-edge tech...
Yesterday
$75K - $158K *
Contribute to the security of critical Oracle systems by designing and implementing cyber controls. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance, support testing phases, and produce quality deliverable...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Customer Support Programs & Supportability Lead
$154K - $180K *
Unlock your potential as a strategic leader driving customer support excellence. Own high-impact programs, optimize processes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experienc...
2 weeks ago
Senior Red Team Engineer - Frontier AI Security (Remote US)
$120K - $150K *
Lead the charge in advanced security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing security posture through hands-on penetration testing and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Mentor...
Reposted 2 days ago
Principal Architect, Healthcare
$165K - $243K *
Deliver innovative disaster recovery solutions for healthcare systems, ensuring compliance and resilience for clinical workloads. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address complex challenges...
4 days ago
$92K - $166K *
Empower engineering teams to excel in electric utility projects nationwide while optimizing project performance through strategic leadership and client collaboration. Drive business growth by managing...
Reposted 1 week ago
$135K - $150K *
Join a team that's engineering innovative cloud solutions, ensuring stability and performance while driving continuous improvement across scalable environments. Your expertise will shape the future of...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in program management excellence, ensuring seamless operations and compliance across diverse teams while supporting critical Air Force contract initiatives and rapid-response readiness...
Yesterday
$116K - $210K *
Transform environmental remediation projects as a technical leader, guiding multidisciplinary teams through complex regulatory challenges, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to ensure compl...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead large-scale automation projects, guiding teams through all phases with a focus on customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and financial management in a collaborative environment...
Reposted 1 week 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.