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 ITCR / Requirements Analyst
$79K - $122K *
Shape the future of IT capabilities by leading requirements analysis and advisory support for a Department of War agency. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver data-driven insights and enhance ente...
Today
Senior ITCR / Requirements Analyst
$79K - $122K *
Join a team that's driving innovation as you lead critical IT capability analysis, mentorship, and strategic decision-making. Utilize your expertise to enhance enterprise IT initiatives and deliver im...
3 weeks ago
Lead Software Test Development Engineer
$100K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of server hardware validation. As a Lead Software Test Development Engineer, you'll design and develop test systems, ensuring quality and reliability in large-sca...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Optimize IT operations by managing day-to-day support for macOS and Windows environments, ensuring seamless onboarding/offboarding, and administering SaaS platforms while enhancing user experience and...
Yesterday
Customer Success Engineer, Advisory
$100K - $120K *
Transform customer success by driving adoption and value realization for advisory teams. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance workflows and deliver measurable outcomes, ensuring clients achieve e...
2 days ago
Information System Security Officer (ISSO)
$115K - $130K *
Empower our cybersecurity efforts by managing risk and compliance for critical systems. Collaborate with teams to develop security documentation and provide guidance, ensuring adherence to DoD policie...
1 week ago
Remote Services Portfolio Program Manager
$167K - $188K *
Unlock potential by leading a complex portfolio of services projects, driving customer value and business outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish priorities, manage dependencies...
3 weeks ago
Senior Business Systems Engineer - Product & Engineering Platforms
$120K - $145K *
Drive the evolution of product and engineering systems by managing platforms like Jira and Aha!. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance workflows, integrations, and reporting, ensuring tools align...
4 weeks ago
$72K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as you collaborate on innovative electrical designs, progressing from basic tasks to complex projects while ensuring quality and efficiency in a supportive environment...
6 days ago
Senior Cloud Operations Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Transform your career by owning AWS cloud operations, enhancing reliability, performance, and cost efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless service delivery and operation...
Yesterday
Forward Deployed AI Architect IRC296102
$160K - $220K *
Elevate your career by leading AI-driven software delivery transformations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify bottlenecks, design innovative solutions, and enhance product lifecycle...
1 week ago
Sr. Project Manager - IT Service Delivery
$130K - $140K *
Lead the charge in managing complex IT projects, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional service. Collaborate with teams and stakeholders to drive successful outcomes while adhering to project manage...
3 weeks ago
System Engineering Manager, SLED (West)
$156K - $257K *
Join a team that inspires innovation and empowers technical talent in transforming data strategies. Lead high-performing Systems Engineers to create impactful storage solutions for enterprise clients...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role focused on coding, cloud resources, and database support. Lead automation projects, solve unique challenges daily, and collaborate with teams to deliver practical...
Today
Information System Security Officer (ISSO)
$90K - $189K *
Lead the charge in safeguarding information systems by implementing security policies, managing risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with DoD standards. Collaborate with teams to maintain system...
3 days ago
Lead Platform Engineer, AI and DevSecOps
$155K - $175K *
Empower engineering teams by leading the evolution of cloud, security, and AI operations. Drive platform reliability and DevSecOps practices while mentoring others to foster a collaborative, innovativ...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead, mentor, and develop a software engineering team driving customer data conversion. Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure project delivery success while advocating for process efficiency a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director , Ai Support Transformation (ServiceNow)
$130K - $150K *
Elevate support operations by leading AI transformation initiatives, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency through strategic ServiceNow platform management and innovative workflow r...
1 week ago
Cloud Programs Analyst SME - Technical Background
$95K - $115K *
Unlock the potential of IT modernization by crafting compelling executive briefings. Collaborate with technical teams to translate cloud infrastructure insights into clear narratives for government le...
Reposted 1 week ago
Technical / Methodology Lead Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to lead analytical quality in consulting engagements, developing research approaches and guiding teams. You'll ensure sound methodologies, oversee data analysis, and translate findings...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer V - Team Manager
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advanced mechanical design for controllable propulsion systems. Manage a talented engineering team, tackle complex design challenges, and ensure alignment of mission goals with engi...
3 weeks ago
Principal Specialist Sales Engineer, Zero Trust Branch - Healthcare/SLED
$175K - $251K *
Lead the charge in transforming customer experiences through innovative cloud security solutions, leveraging your expertise to craft tailored technical presentations and solutions that drive strategic...
Reposted 6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential as an IT Security Analyst, collaborating directly with federal cybersecurity teams to strengthen security posture, drive compliance, and manage risks in a dynamic environment cri...
1 month ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to design and develop secure backend services and APIs that enhance platform capabilities, drive enterprise adoption, and support innovative solutions leveraging AI and modern architecture...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Security Engineer (Research Infrastructure)
$346K - $500K+*
Shape a secure future for research technologies. Lead in defining security for multi-cloud environments that enable high-compute research, ensuring safety in CI/CD practices and automated systems for...
Reposted 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.