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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$120K - $145K *

Innovate solutions in power systems engineering by leading consulting initiatives, enhancing client relationships, and driving strategic growth in protection and control services while ensuring high-q...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$200K - $255K *

Shape the future of cloud security by designing and implementing robust controls. Guide integrations in DevOps, perform comprehensive assessments, and mentor teams to reduce risks in AWS and mobile in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$140K - $152K *

Join a team that's focused on developing and maintaining secure API integrations, utilizing MuleSoft and Informatica in AWS GovCloud. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure reliable, reusable solutio...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $140K *

Shape the future of technology solutions as a Systems Administrator, ensuring optimal performance of complex software systems and network infrastructures for critical operations while leading and enha...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Discover innovative security solutions for AI technologies, ensuring compliance and best practices across product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement secure ar...

Morrisville, NCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $215K *

Drive innovative systems engineering processes to enhance design, integration, and management of complex nuclear systems. Ensure cohesive functionality and project compliance by leading teams and appl...

Rockville, MDRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$109K - $159K *

Lead the charge in administering cutting-edge cloud technologies, focusing on AWS and Linux systems. Collaborate with development teams to enhance CI/CD pipelines while ensuring system security and re...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $205K *

Engage in high-impact enterprise deployments, leading customer projects from kickoff to closure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of the Zero Trust Exchange platf...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $252K *

Engineer scalable cloud-native software solutions for mission-critical operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and maintain secure tools on Google Cloud Platform, enh...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $166K *

Champion project execution and risk management in complex energy infrastructure, driving operational efficiency and digital innovation while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance projec...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$132K - $251K *

Drive the development and management of ECAD libraries, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance design processes and implement best practices for efficient...

Iowa, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $130K *

Transform the contracting process by managing the lifecycle of agreements, ensuring efficient execution while balancing risk and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $130K *

Champion global expansion initiatives by managing the FedRAMP program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project timelines and deliverables are met while navigating a fast-paced enviro...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive the strategy and execution of an AI framework for state government, ensuring responsible AI use and fostering innovation. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement effective AI initiatives that...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$107K - $195K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced platforms that automate operations and enhance AI-driven interactions. This hands-on role combines technical leadership with coding, mentoring, and ensuring comp...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$162K - $220K *

Drive innovation in electrical engineering for hyperscale data centers. Lead design activities, manage project teams, and ensure quality assurance while collaborating with stakeholders to deliver resi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $211K *

Join our dynamic team as you lead new product launches in hardware manufacturing. Oversee cross-functional collaborations, manage operational risks, and drive high-quality production strategies that s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Engage in technical leadership and project management to develop industry standards and reports. Collaborate with working groups to drive best practices and support continuous improvement initiatives...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Execute comprehensive program management for a critical Air Force contract, leading a diverse team to ensure compliance, quality, and performance across multiple global operations while maintaining 24...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI Cybersecurity by providing technical leadership in evaluating, implementing, and operationalizing AI security solutions to protect against emerging threats while ensuring compli...

Washington, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Drive your career with us as you craft compelling technical proposals for aerospace projects. Collaborate with experts to deliver innovative solutions and elevate your writing skills in a dynamic, mis...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of geospatial science by leading the design and development of innovative data processing pipelines and APIs, while mentoring engineers and setting technical direction in a dynamic, m...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $140K *

Shape the future of security by leading efforts to protect and modernize a federal platform. Balance legacy system maintenance with the development of a secure cloud-based solution, ensuring complianc...

Fairfax, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$93K - $124K *

Unlock potential by joining a team focused on advanced Tier II support for network devices in a fiber optic transport network, ensuring operational excellence and 100% service availability across mult...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$132K - $251K *

Unlock potential by leading a portfolio of forecasting and analytics products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product vision, prioritize features, and drive measurable business outc...

Connecticut, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.