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.
Sr. Software Development Engineer - National Imagery
$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...
1 week ago
Security Engineer Lead, Security Foundations
$160K - $190K *
Transform security solutions across multiple domains, driving technical direction and collaboration to address high-risk items and enhance Meta's security posture company-wide. Lead cross-functional t...
Today
$104K - $163K *
Shape the future of IT project management by leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful technology solutions on time and within scope, while enhancing processes and ensuring effective stakeho...
Reposted today
Principal Physical Design Engineer
$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...
2 days ago
Principal, Cloud Solutions Architect
$208K - $235K *
Join a dynamic team to architect scalable cloud solutions, ensuring high engineering standards while collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to drive innovation and governance in a fast-paced...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage in transformative DevOps practices by implementing AWS technologies and tooling. Collaborate with product teams to enhance cloud infrastructure, security, and CI/CD pipelines, contributing to a...
4 weeks ago
Software Quality Assurance Engineer - DO178
$90K - $110K *
Unlock your potential as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, ensuring compliance with DO-178 and DO-254 standards. Collaborate with engineers and certification authorities to enhance software quali...
1 week ago
Journeyman Marine Propulsion Engineer
$90K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing marine propulsion systems through innovative engineering solutions. Provide lifecycle support for U.S. Coast Guard vessels, ensuring operational effectiveness...
Today
Manufacturing Solutions Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Support manufacturers by implementing solutions that enhance operational performance. Collaborate with teams to drive adoption and deliver measurable improvements, ensuring lasting value from the plat...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage with sales teams to identify prospects and demonstrate solutions that enhance organizational security. Educate clients on challenges and drive meetings to provide tailored solutions, ensuring e...
6 days ago
Sr Execution Business Partner Practitioner – EBP Center of Excellence
$160K - $170K *
Drive excellence in program execution by mentoring leaders, optimizing performance, and ensuring compliance. Transform data into insights for proactive decision-making, enhancing customer satisfaction...
4 days ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Core Engineering, Trusted Data Platform
$209K - $273K *
Advance your career by leading a high-performing engineering team, driving strategic execution and operational excellence while ensuring a reliable data platform aligns with enterprise goals and custo...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director, Software Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Lead and inspire a blended team of developers to enhance AI-driven legal automation platforms, ensuring technical excellence, delivery, and collaboration across functions while managing architecture...
2 weeks ago
Lead Program Systems Engineer, Cyclops (remote considered)
$150K - $230K *
Architect system-level requirements and verification plans for a complex aerospace program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure coherent design and integration across multiple engineerin...
2 weeks ago
Control System Engineer - (Strong Delta V experience)
$93K - $156K *
Explore new horizons as you design and implement advanced control systems, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction while collaborating with diverse teams to deliver innovative solutions...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by leveraging your SOC expertise to triage alerts, analyze threats, and implement effective response actions, ensuring robust protection for clien...
3 days ago
$82K - $172K *
Advance your career as an Embedded Linux Software Developer, contributing to the evolution of mission-critical devices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance networking capabilities and d...
Reposted 1 week ago
$90K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system reliability and performance for critical defense projects. Leverage your engineering expertise to implement best practices and drive data-driven improv...
2 weeks ago
Principal Specialist, Contracts (Remote)
$86K - $165K *
Unlock potential by leading contract management for complex defense programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive proposal execution and maintain strong customer relationships, ensuring c...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Research Solutions Engineering
$82K - $87K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research through technology. Lead and mentor a talented group of professionals in delivering high-performance computing solutions that support innovative rese...
3 weeks ago
DAF365 JML Lead Engineer (Study 3) (REMOTE)
$120K - $145K *
Transform the DAF365 JML process by leading the design and implementation of an automated identity management framework, enhancing operational efficiency and security through innovative architecture a...
Today
Critical Materials Supply Chain Engineer
$161K - $299K *
Optimize critical materials supply chains by collaborating across teams to identify risks, develop new sources, and enhance resilience. Drive initiatives to improve supplier capabilities and mitigate...
2 weeks ago
Senior Strategic Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Empower customer success as a Senior Strategic Program Manager, overseeing major contracts, driving growth strategies, and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with teams to ensure excellence...
1 week ago
$100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing enterprise systems through effective maintenance, troubleshooting, and collaboration. Ensure the reliability and performance of critical IT applications in di...
2 weeks ago
Chief Product Engineer - Audio Technology
$205K - $282K *
Join us in shaping the future of audio technology as a Chief Product Engineer, overseeing product engineering strategies, licensing, and R&D integration for consumer audio innovations. Drive technical...
1 month 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.