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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1
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$151K - $205K *

Elevate client success by driving technical innovation and transformation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop strategic solutions, enhance client relationships, and execute multi-year...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$171K - $300K *

Take ownership of architecting and developing AI-driven backend solutions for Access Security, enhancing identity intelligence and risk detection while collaborating with cross-functional teams to del...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $189K *

Architect comprehensive testing strategies and oversee automation efforts for a vital supply chain management system. Lead a team to ensure effective test cycles and enhance capabilities, delivering a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $210K *

Advance your career by leading a dynamic data center electrical design team. Enhance project strategy, design, and deployment, ensuring excellence in performance while collaborating across functions t...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$59K - $106K *

Drive high-voltage transmission line design projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to execute technical tasks, prepare documentation, and enha...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in engineering and securing infrastructure while ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity standards. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop robust solutions that protect sensi...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of defense business development by leading strategic initiatives in the Defense Space Market. Drive growth opportunities with the U.S. Space Force, enhancing mission integration and c...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Drive the development of advanced machine learning systems for autonomous trucks, leading a team in perception capabilities. Oversee the complete lifecycle from data requirements to deployment, ensuri...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate global post-market surveillance by leading a team focused on safety, compliance, and performance of medical devices. Drive field actions, analyze data, and collaborate cross-functionally to en...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative technical solutions, guiding customers through complex digital transformations, and enhancing software capabilities within a collaborative environ...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $150K *

Shape the future of specialized federal projects by managing product delivery from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budgets, and schedules while leading cross-fun...

Alexandria, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $220K *

Transform diverse big data into actionable insights by designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge AI-driven applications. Collaborate with teams to optimize models and create robust ML pipeline...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Drive strategic capture efforts for large federal contracts, managing multiple pursuits while leading cross-functional teams. Leverage market insights to develop winning strategies and ensure complian...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion the pursuit of large federal contracts by managing multiple capture efforts, developing winning strategies, and inspiring cross-functional teams to achieve excellence in complex, high-stakes...

Reston, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Lansing, MIRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Tennessee, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Warren, MIRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.