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.
Principal Solution Architect - Security
$165K - $231K *
Transform complex security challenges into innovative solutions for public-sector and commercial clients. Lead technical pre-sales efforts, collaborating with sales teams to deliver tailored architect...
Today
$56K - $114K *
Help us advance our secure computing environment by maintaining and optimizing infrastructure, ensuring reliability and performance, and supporting the deployment of new technologies while providing e...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Platform Engineering
$160K - $200K *
Join us in shaping the future of cybersecurity by leading the platform engineering team. Drive innovation and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment, enhancing our data platform and suppor...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $185K *
Unlock business growth by leading technical scoping, managing client relations, and guiding consultants. This hybrid role integrates project management with hands-on consulting to ensure accurate prop...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance enterprise threat detection capabilities by developing high-fidelity detections across security platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance defensive posture and mentor junio...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineering Manager
$150K - $180K *
Engage in leading a diverse technical team to drive innovative engineering solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and t...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in modernizing SaaS solutions by integrating AI and automation to enhance delivery efficiency, scalability, and customer outcomes while supporting complex migration projects and foster...
3 weeks ago
$170K - $190K *
Join us to support strategic customer accounts by providing technical and operational expertise. Collaborate with teams to enhance security operations, optimize workflows, and ensure customer trust in...
1 week ago
$150K - $160K *
Drive project success by managing integrated delivery across AI task orders, overseeing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring adherence to quality standards while maintaining project roadmaps and sche...
2 weeks ago
$63K - $105K *
Champion the development of AI agents and workflows, leveraging GenAI.mil to create innovative automated solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes and deliver high-qualit...
Yesterday
$114K - $252K *
Lead architectural vision for Hardware Asset Management solutions on ServiceNow. Design, implement, and optimize comprehensive lifecycle strategies while collaborating with stakeholders to drive innov...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform cloud infrastructure for higher education products by designing, building, and operating AWS and Azure environments. Collaborate with teams to enhance reliability, automate processes, and me...
2 weeks ago
Cyber Architect - Clearance Required
$120K - $160K *
Lead the charge in modernizing Army platform infrastructure through secure, scalable cloud systems. Serve as a principal cybersecurity advisor, ensuring compliance and enhancing security across techni...
2 days ago
Principal System Architect (Remote)
$154K - $231K *
Transform the future of high-speed data communication by leading system architecture initiatives, engaging with customers, and driving innovative solutions in compute, AI, and networking to meet evolv...
1 week ago
Platform & DevSecOps Delivery Architect
$125K - $150K *
Transform software delivery by architecting a secure, automated platform that empowers development teams to ship compliant code effortlessly. Collaborate across systems to ensure operational readiness...
2 weeks ago
$104K - $153K *
Champion innovative AI-driven self-service solutions, enhancing employee experiences through ServiceNow. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes, ensuring high-quality engineering from design t...
1 week ago
Lead Specialist, Solution Architect
$150K - $160K *
Design innovative solutions for a secure online proctored testing platform, guiding engineering teams in modernizing architecture and ensuring scalable, reliable delivery while enhancing candidate and...
1 week ago
Vice President Contracts, Engineered Systems
$200K - $383K *
Join us to lead the contracts function in a dynamic Federal contracting environment. Oversee a team of 20+ professionals, develop strategies, and negotiate complex contracts while fostering strong rel...
6 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Optimize the AI core systems transforming public records into actionable data. Collaborate with research and engineering to enhance scalability, efficiency, and accuracy across national applications...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive progress at our company by leading a team of SCADA engineers to implement advanced Ignition SCADA systems in data centers, ensuring quality execution and mentoring talent while managing multiple...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Architect (AWS/Azure)
$101K - $135K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare technology by designing and enhancing our build and delivery infrastructure. Collaborate with architects and developers to implement best practices...
2 days ago
$161K - $299K *
Lead the charge in implementing enterprise applications by leveraging your expertise in SAP or PeopleSoft to drive solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet business requirements and...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Partner Technology Architecture
$150K - $180K *
Champion partner growth by leading a high-performing team focused on pre-sales excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption. Drive business development and co-innovation while ensuring technical dis...
Today
Microsoft 365 Platform Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Transform the Microsoft 365 ecosystem by designing and implementing integrations, enhancing data flow, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize processes and drive...
2 weeks ago
Lead Transmission Line Engineer
$92K - $166K *
Transform electric transmission design by leading a dynamic team in delivering innovative solutions for major utilities. Drive project execution, client relations, and staff development in a fast-pace...
1 week 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.