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.
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of IT infrastructure and security operations, driving the migration to a Nutanix-based IaaS environment. Collaborate with teams to enhance security, compliance, and automation, utilizin...
2 weeks ago
Construction Project Management Director
$140K - $160K *
Lead our initiatives in designing and constructing innovative water and carbon capture facilities globally. Collaborate across teams to ensure project success within budget and timeline while promotin...
Reposted 1 week ago
Technical Delivery Manager - Healthcare, Release Management & AI
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of patient services by ensuring timely delivery of features and integrations. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational efficiency in a compliance-heavy environment, driving inn...
3 days ago
$72K - $115K *
Elevate your career as a Network Engineer II. Support and manage our network infrastructure while troubleshooting issues and ensuring effective communication for a seamless production experience. Join...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Cross-Centers Service Delivery Operations Lead
$120K - $145K *
Transform enterprise service delivery by leading cross-center operations, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring high-quality IT services across multiple locations. Drive initiatives that improve performa...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate project delivery by leading cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives. Transform complex requirements into actionable plans while ensuring alignment across stakeholders and enhan...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software/ML Engineer (Top-Secret)
$110K - $130K *
Help us advance Geospatial AI by developing cloud-native services and backend systems. Collaborate with top engineers and data scientists to create innovative solutions that transform vast data into a...
3 days ago
Software/ML Engineer (Top-Secret)
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of Geospatial AI by developing cloud-native services and backend systems. Collaborate with top engineers and data scientists to deliver innovative solutions that transform vast data i...
3 days ago
Software/ML Engineer (Top-Secret)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a Software/ML Engineer, collaborating on cutting-edge Geospatial AI projects. Contribute to cloud-native services and backend systems, driving innovation from concept to deplo...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior VDC Engineer, driving innovative design solutions and enhancing project delivery through advanced BIM technologies and collaboration with diverse teams in a dynamic e...
3 days ago
$95K - $130K *
Manage the design and implementation of integrated physical security systems, driving innovative solutions in complex environments while fostering collaboration with clients and stakeholders for enhan...
Reposted 2 days ago
$90K - $189K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Scrum Master, facilitating Agile execution, coaching teams, and removing obstacles to ensure high-quality software delivery while aligning business needs with technical...
4 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Transform customer engagement by delivering tailored product demonstrations, guiding technical discussions, and architecting solutions that meet unique educational needs across diverse sectors...
1 week ago
$107K - $204K *
Unlock potential by leading procurement efforts for multiple programs, fostering supplier relationships, and managing complex contracts within a collaborative environment. Drive performance and compli...
Today
Junior Systems Engineer (W/ 1 day telework)
$119K - $161K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, support developers, and ensure successful Agile delivery throughout th...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $154K *
Lead the charge in high-quality process design for complex industrial projects, collaborating across disciplines to ensure effective delivery from concept to detail, while driving execution in a dynam...
3 weeks ago
Director, Audit Transformation
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining audit practices by leading the transition to an agentic operating model. Collaborate across functions to innovate audit methodologies and drive transformation for clients...
2 weeks ago
Senior Customer Onboarding Engineer
$126K - $140K *
Shape the future of customer success by owning technical onboarding, guiding clients through implementation, optimizing deployments, and ensuring adherence to best practices for optimal use of the pla...
3 weeks ago
Document Ctrl Specialist II (SRM - CM2) (Remote Option Available)
$71K - $96K *
Optimize technical documentation processes for the Solid Rocket Motor program, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Collaborate with engineering teams to gather data, maintain product information, and pr...
2 days ago
AICC Senior Technical Lead, Forward Deployed Engineering (Senior Manager)
$165K - $190K *
Transform your career by leading engineering teams within dynamic business environments, ensuring top-tier delivery and quality while building cutting-edge AI solutions and mentoring talent to drive s...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Services Analyst
$110K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Technical Services Analyst, leveraging your data expertise to deliver complex data migration projects for diverse clients. Drive efficiency through automation and desig...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr. Agile Transformation Coach
$141K - $160K *
Advance your career by leading Agile transformations in a large financial services enterprise. Coach and mentor teams at all levels, fostering an Agile mindset and ensuring effective application of Ag...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Quality Engineering
$140K - $190K *
Join our team to lead quality engineering transformations across multiple platform portfolios, championing automation and innovation while developing exceptional engineering talent to elevate quality...
Reposted 1 week ago
$142K - $236K *
Drive innovation in cybersecurity by leading technical initiatives for MSSP partners and AI security solutions. Leverage your expertise to design, scale, and secure managed services while mentoring te...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Engage with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into actionable system requirements, focusing on cloud-based applications and Medicare systems. Drive Agile product development and ensur...
6 days 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.