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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$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

Atlanta, GARemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Ashburn, VARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Stennis Space Center, MSRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

Toronto, ONRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Berkeley, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.