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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$200K - $220K *

Lead the design and implementation of advanced systems and workflows for GTM teams. Drive technical initiatives to optimize scalability, leverage AI, and mentor engineers, ensuring robust architectura...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$92K - $153K *

Drive the design and implementation of security controls in AWS cloud environments, ensuring compliance with security frameworks while collaborating with engineering teams to enhance secure CI/CD proc...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $200K *

Empower clients by leading the implementation of innovative solutions, ensuring successful adoption and integration of Omnissa Workspace ONE. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive business outcomes...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$164K - $240K *

Join us to lead innovative AI solutions, guiding complex projects and client engagements while shaping enterprise architecture and MLOps practices. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive successful ou...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $105K *

Transform enterprise network infrastructure by providing operational support, administration, and troubleshooting for LANs, WANs, and VPNs, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity across diverse env...

Washington DC, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of power systems engineering. As a key member, you'll design and develop scalable analysis modules, driving innovation in distribution system analysis and optimiz...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Elevate our software engineering capabilities by designing and building modern, cloud-native data pipelines. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless project delivery and advocate for best pr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $115K *

Empower IT operations by building and managing internal systems, ensuring productivity and security. As the first hire, you'll shape the IT function, streamline processes, and support the team while c...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$115K - $185K *

Lead the charge in transforming developer workflows and API architecture for enterprise AI applications. Collaborate with engineering teams to eliminate friction and enhance the developer experience a...

Ontario, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$117K - $193K *

Join a team that's dedicated to countering cyber threats and protecting critical assets. Contribute your expertise in threat analysis and incident response while collaborating with cybersecurity profe...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Champion the successful delivery of complex projects, guiding financial institutions in adopting innovative loan origination software. Manage timelines, risks, and stakeholder expectations to ensure p...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $95K *

Engineer secure enterprise infrastructure by designing, implementing, and maintaining robust security measures across on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards an...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $200K *

Shape the future of large-scale data center projects by leading BMS/EPMS commissioning efforts. Drive operational excellence, manage onsite teams, and ensure quality standards are met across complex e...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $155K *

Drive business growth by leading consulting and system studies for T&D infrastructure, focusing on data centers. Engage with industry leaders and ensure high-quality technical solutions while supporti...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$94K - $101K *

Transform the ECAD library by collaborating with engineers and PCB designers to create and maintain component representations, ensuring adherence to corporate guidelines and industry standards while s...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $135K *

Take ownership of engineering projects from kick-off to handover, leading design efforts for automated storage solutions while collaborating with clients and internal teams to ensure timely and budget...

Romeoville, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading Digital Test & Evaluation initiatives that integrate modern software solutions into defense workflows, enhancing efficiency and data-driven decision-making across the T&E l...

Mountain View, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $216K *

Join a team that's driving growth initiatives for the US Air Force. You'll develop strategies, manage relationships, and support pipeline development to enhance business opportunities and position the...

Mc Lean, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Transform enterprise application environments by leading upgrades and enhancements. Collaborate on complex integration projects, ensuring compatibility and performance across multiple platforms while...

Mclean, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $145K *

Transform software solutions by leading development efforts and enhancing Enterprise Content Management applications. Collaborate on diverse projects, ensuring system compatibility and delivering inno...

Washington, DCRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in overseeing system integrators and project management, ensuring quality and performance across all phases. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive standardization and risk mitigation...

Ohio, USRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $125K *

Lead the charge in managing complex projects for a federal data analytics platform, ensuring operational excellence through effective communication, risk management, and collaboration across teams whi...

Virginia, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive impactful go-to-market strategies for Global Systems Integrators. Leverage your product marketing expertise to create valuable enablement resources that empower partners and enhance Cyera's data...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing exceptional post-sales technical support for federal clients. You'll troubleshoot complex systems, collaborate with engineering teams, and ensure seamless ope...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $230K *

Champion strategic execution as a trusted partner to the CEO, optimizing operational flow and enhancing leadership team alignment while driving high-impact initiatives and cross-functional collaborati...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.