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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$170K - $180K *

Lead the charge in overseeing complex software development initiatives, driving Agile sprint teams, and ensuring seamless integration of web services and databases to meet organizational goals while e...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$145K - $175K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Data Architect, where you'll shape enterprise data architecture, drive data lifecycle strategies, and ensure governance while collaborating with engineering teams to en...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Transform structural engineering solutions by designing and analyzing systems for mission-critical environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency in...

Texas, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $225K *

Champion service integration by leading a multivendor framework that enhances collaboration, accountability, and performance across IT operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery for veterans an...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Optimize project financials by providing expert analysis, reporting, and controls for government contracts. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure accurate forecasting, invoicing, and compliance, dri...

Chicago, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$82K - $172K *

Design and implement innovative AI solutions, guiding pilot programs from conception to execution while collaborating across teams to enhance system capabilities and performance in a dynamic environme...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Architect robust CI/CD pipelines and cloud infrastructure while driving innovation in geospatial science. Collaborate on AI architecture and ensure compliance-ready deployments across multi-cloud envi...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $170K *

Elevate employee experiences by leading the design and implementation of integrated HR Service Delivery solutions leveraging ServiceNow and Microsoft technologies...

Virginia, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $180K *

Unlock the potential of Army logistics by driving enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and systems integration initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance business processes and deliver i...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$187K - $224K *

Lead the charge in managing complex technical solutions across multiple workstreams, ensuring seamless integration and delivery for a high-stakes federal program. Drive risk management and stakeholder...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $230K *

Lead complex, multi-workstream technology programs, ensuring alignment across teams and delivering customer outcomes through strategic planning, execution, and governance. Drive program success by man...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $160K *

Create impactful data solutions by leading a cross-functional team in managing high-priority IT projects for federal clients. Drive collaboration and ensure project success through effective communica...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$103K - $181K *

Empower a dynamic Agile team in developing critical mission applications, utilizing your expertise in enterprise software development and fostering effective collaboration to enhance solutions for com...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$200K - $250K *

Join a dynamic team as a senior leader to enhance transmission engineering services, oversee project delivery, and strengthen client relationships while driving innovation and growth in the energy sec...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$107K - $150K *

Engage with clients to design and implement advanced Physical Security Systems. Collaborate with top engineers on complex projects, ensuring high-quality solutions and customer satisfaction while mana...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$126K - $167K *

Transform your future by leading a dynamic team of electrical engineers in our Mission Critical Department. Elevate project outcomes while driving accountability, fostering growth, and cultivating inn...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$132K - $208K *

Lead the charge in transforming data center network designs into seamless execution. Drive end-to-end delivery of infrastructure projects, ensuring timely and efficient deployment across multiple site...

Colorado, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$232K - $319K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by leading a dynamic team of Solutions Engineers. Drive partner engagement, foster relationships, and execute strategic initiatives to enhance per...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $200K *

Champion large-scale enterprise application initiatives, leading Agile teams to drive digital transformation, manage program execution, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives while fostering c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing complex IT projects for Federal Government, driving performance and organizational change. Leverage your experience in training and communications to support multiple proje...

Washington, DCRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in managing a dynamic team of finance and business ops professionals, ensuring efficient program and travel management, financial operations, and superior executive support for the Dep...

Washington, DCRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$132K - $238K *

Champion innovative structural engineering solutions that ensure the integrity of data center products and manufacturing facilities. Collaborate across disciplines to create scalable designs from conc...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$156K - $190K *

Transform cybersecurity governance by shaping effective frameworks and controls. Partner with teams to enhance oversight, automate processes, and drive compliance, ensuring robust protection of member...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$123K - $202K *

Innovate advanced GIS and remote sensing software for defense and intelligence, collaborating with a skilled team to enhance analytical workflows and imagery processing capabilities, while mentoring j...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of ASIC physical design, leading complex SoC implementations, optimizing performance, and ensuring design integrity through collaboration and innovative methodolog...

Irvine, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 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.