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.
$130K - $160K *
Engineer robust security solutions to protect users and partners. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance security across infrastructure, applications, and compliance, while writing production code...
3 weeks ago
Principal Analog Layout Design Engineer/Lead
$150K - $180K *
Transform the future of optical communication systems by leading complex analog layout design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success while mentoring junior engin...
2 days ago
$131K - $205K *
Engage in the design and evaluation of electric power generation projects. Provide technical support and owner’s engineering services, focusing on thermal power systems. Collaborate on project develop...
2 weeks ago
Sr Mechanical Engineer (SRM - Design) (Remote Option Available)
$95K - $129K *
Drive the design and integration of mechanical components for solid rocket motors, ensuring performance and safety. Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle, from conce...
3 weeks ago
$171K - $245K *
Empower program delivery by leveraging AI-driven tools and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage complex projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment wh...
3 days ago
Director, Advanced Network Planning
$154K - $246K *
Join a dynamic team to lead advanced network planning initiatives, guiding strategic projects and shaping product roadmaps. Leverage your expertise to drive innovation in network optimization and ment...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer 4 - AI Native
$88K - $180K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI-native software development. Drive engineering excellence by orchestrating autonomous agents and maintaining high-quality standards in a FedRAMP-authorized e...
3 weeks ago
Quality Engineering Lead / Automation Architect
$117K - $143K *
Join a team that's redefining quality engineering by leading the transition to automation. Drive strategy, mentor a global QA team, and enhance testing frameworks to ensure high-quality software deliv...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Containers
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to drive technical vision and operational excellence in cloud-native platforms. Lead engineering efforts, champion security practices, and empower talent while ensuring system stab...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate project management excellence by delivering best practices in IT systems integration and infrastructure analysis, ensuring compliance with security standards while supporting the Department of...
4 days ago
Principal Enterprise Cloud Architect
$159K - $265K *
Join a team that's leading the design and optimization of multi-cloud infrastructure. Drive cloud adoption and innovation while ensuring scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness across Azure, AWS...
1 week ago
Sr Principal Program Cost and Schedule Control Analyst
$106K - $176K *
Drive financial excellence as a Senior Principal Program Cost Control Analyst, collaborating with program managers to ensure budget adherence, perform cost analysis, and support audits while enhancing...
2 days ago
Lead Engineer - Thermal-Hydraulic Methods Development
$98K - $188K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of reactor physics and technology. Contribute to computational methods development, numerical analysis, and thermal-hydraulic modeling while supporting software d...
Today
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of money movement by leading innovative software solutions that enhance payroll systems for thousands of businesses. Collaborate across teams to build effective, scalable systems that...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate organizational impact by driving strategic initiatives and fostering cross-functional alignment. Collaborate with global teams to ensure seamless execution of key projects while enhancing comp...
Today
Director, Intellectual Property Counsel
$175K - $210K *
Lead the global intellectual property strategy for groundbreaking AI infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to protect and leverage IP assets, driving innovation and aligning with bus...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Observability Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading a high-impact engineering team focused on observability. Drive technical roadmaps, enhance platform reliability, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating with...
Today
$126K - $188K *
Shape the future of security operations by leading SOC Engineering to enhance telemetry, detection, and automation capabilities. Drive technical excellence, scalability, and strategic initiatives whil...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$110K - $172K *
Optimize your career by managing the full contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance, and driving profitable execution of agreements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer relations...
3 days ago
Director of Engineering, Sensor Detection Platform (Remote)
$195K - $290K *
Transform detection strategies by leading engineering teams to enhance on-sensor detection engines and infrastructure, ensuring high-quality protection for customers while managing performance and ope...
Today
Senior Corporate Security Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential by enhancing corporate security operations through hands-on engineering. Collaborate with teams to manage endpoints, identity access, and incident response while driving complian...
3 weeks ago
Engineer III, Endpoint Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining endpoint management by designing and optimizing Active Directory, Group Policy, and Intune solutions for a global organization, ensuring seamless integration and user pro...
2 weeks ago
$149K - $201K *
Join a team that's transforming data into impactful AI solutions. As an AI Engineer/Architect, you'll lead innovative projects, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive automation in mission-critical...
5 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Innovate and enhance software solutions in a dynamic SaaS environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain high-quality applications while driving continuous impro...
Yesterday
$102K - $138K *
Elevate product strategy and delivery in a scaled Agile framework, ensuring business value through effective collaboration, backlog management, and strategic execution across Agile Release Trains for...
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.