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.
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$180K - $240K *
Empower teams to innovate in residential construction software by leading high-performing engineering groups, fostering Agile practices, and enhancing project management for builders and homeowners al...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Optimize contract management processes while collaborating across teams to drive business success. Leverage strong analytical skills and contracting expertise for international and commercial projects...
3 weeks ago
Subcontract Management Sr - E3
$72K - $134K *
Optimize supplier management by leading multifunctional teams to ensure cost, schedule, and technical performance on complex subcontracts for diverse programs. Drive procurement processes and negotiat...
3 weeks ago
Technical Leader - Isovalent Secure Workload (Observability) (remote)
$186K - $267K *
Take ownership of technical leadership within a dynamic engineering team, enhancing software solutions for workload security. Focus on scalability, performance, security, and reliability in complex en...
Reposted today
$120K - $170K *
Engage as a Technical Lead to design, modernize, and enhance federal software systems. Drive engineering excellence across the SDLC, mentor teams, and deliver secure, scalable applications in mission...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of secure software development by integrating security practices into engineering workflows, building automation tools, and conducting penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities an...
2 days ago
Principal Software Tester (Edifecs)
$80K - $120K *
Elevate software quality by leading comprehensive testing strategies, ensuring all systems meet rigorous standards and user needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements and del...
1 week ago
Principal Software Tester (Edifecs)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Software Testing Principal, where you'll develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to dri...
1 week ago
Principal Enterprise Architect, Business Architecture
$163K - $316K *
Engage in defining and owning business architecture, translating strategy into action. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance organizational efficiency through innovative capability models and AI in...
Reposted 1 month ago
$137K - $231K *
Empower your career by shaping design systems that enhance user experience. Collaborate with teams to build high-quality, interactive UI across platforms, ensuring accessibility and performance while...
1 week ago
$151K - $195K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of design engineering by developing innovative systems that enhance user experience across web and mobile platforms. Your expertise will drive quality and perform...
1 week ago
$90K - $115K *
Deliver expert-level service on CT, MR, and X-ray equipment, ensuring optimal performance through preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and emergency repairs across healthcare facilities in a multi...
2 weeks ago
Senior Solutions Engineer, Acquisition
$200K - $250K *
Engage with clients as a trusted advisor, driving technical sales and solution design in cybersecurity. Collaborate with teams to translate complex challenges into impactful solutions, ensuring alignm...
2 weeks ago
$101K - $188K *
Unlock potential by driving advancements in AI and machine learning for autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, optimize, and prototype cutting-edge algorithms that enh...
2 days ago
Quality Manager, QMS & Process Excellence
$110K - $172K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and deployment of a global Quality Management System, ensuring compliance and operational excellence across multiple aerospace sites while fostering collaboratio...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of rail vehicles by designing innovative structures and components. Leverage your expertise in 3D CAD and materials to create efficient, compliant designs that en...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform customer engagement as a Solutions Engineer, driving technical strategy and growth within existing accounts. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to optimize solutions and strengt...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Empower the development of mission-critical applications on the ServiceNow platform, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver scalable solutions while ensuring compliance with federal standards and...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in construction quality management for a large-scale data center portfolio. Drive the establishment of quality standards, ensure compliance, and oversee a dedicated team of Site Qualit...
3 weeks ago
Program Manager, Security Operations (Remote)
$165K - $175K *
Deliver seamless integration of security operations by managing vendor teams, mentoring embedded employees, and aligning strategies with client objectives while fostering communication and operational...
4 weeks ago
Principal TA Systems Architect
$128K - $205K *
Elevate your career by owning the TA tech stack, driving integrations, and enhancing system efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and lead vendor relationships, all...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's leading the modernization of a legacy system. Drive architectural decisions, enhance engineering practices, and foster a culture of innovation while ensuring reliable delivery and c...
1 week ago
$125K - $140K *
Pioneer innovative electrical design solutions while leading projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure compliance and efficiency, mentoring junior engine...
1 week ago
Senior Windows Engineer - Managed Services
$106K - $150K *
Unlock potential by providing expert operational support for Windows environments. Manage complex incidents, ensure service availability, and collaborate across teams to enhance customer experiences i...
1 week ago
VP, Engineering, Network Observability
$175K - $210K *
Unlock potential by leading engineering for a data-intensive network observability platform, partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on customer experience and business goals while...
3 weeks 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.