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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$125K - $150K *

Shape cybersecurity governance by leading risk assessment, strategy development, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance organizational security posture and mitigate emerging threats effectively...

Columbus, INRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$77K - $108K *

Innovate high-performance AI network fabrics for accelerated computing. Engage with clients to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring optimal configurations for GPU clusters and data-center infrastructu...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate impactful AI integration and operational efficiency by translating CEO priorities into actionable workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making and streamlin...

Miami, FLRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$118K - $180K *

Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects, mentoring junior engineers while designing complex systems and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams t...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $280K *

Lead the charge in FPGA design and hardware development, ensuring quality integration while managing technical processes and customer interfaces. Drive innovation and improve development initiatives i...

Owego, NYRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$157K - $238K *

Join a team that's redefining security by leveraging AI to enhance application safety. You'll assess vulnerabilities, develop innovative security solutions, and shape the AI security strategy across t...

Denver, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$157K - $238K *

Lead the charge in enhancing application security by integrating AI-driven solutions, conducting assessments, and shaping the AI security strategy across the organization. Collaborate with cross-funct...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$153K - $242K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity by developing innovative architectures and strategies that integrate AI and emerging technologies, enhancing security capabilities across multiple domains while colla...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform endpoint security management by ensuring compliance, investigating security events, and implementing corrective actions within the Department of Defense's Endpoint Security Solutions environ...

Chicago, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$206K - $242K *

Transform external attack capabilities by developing scalable workflows and automating reconnaissance processes. Drive innovation in offensive security, mentor teammates, and contribute to a high-impa...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Collaborate with government agencies to transform complex data into actionable insights. Take ownership of customer engagements, from discovery to deployment, leveraging engineering and analytical ski...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$122K - $227K *

Drive innovative solutions in AI-enabled mission applications and autonomy, leading software-intensive programs and integrating advanced technologies across multidisciplinary teams to enhance command...

New Jersey, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the accounting department's daily operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with GAAP, and effective team management. Drive efficiency in accounts payable and receivable while...

Arlington, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the technical health of a claims platform by enhancing applications, ensuring system stability, and bridging engineering with business needs. This hybrid role combines hands-on development with s...

Cincinnati, OHRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$174K - $273K *

Lead the charge in a high-impact Growth team, managing and mentoring engineers, optimizing delivery, and driving product strategy to enhance customer acquisition and engagement efficiently...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by mentoring ARNG leaders in Mission Command and Movement and Maneuver. Shape training strategies and enhance operational readiness through expert guidance in Multi-Domain Operatio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $216K *

Lead the technical implementation of a large-scale platform modernization program, ensuring adherence to architectural standards and providing hands-on guidance across multiple teams and vendors for s...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $150K *

Drive operational excellence by designing and enhancing technology systems that elevate customer experience. Lead cross-functional initiatives, leveraging AI and automation to create scalable solution...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Unlock insights by analyzing operational data and developing reporting tools. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance data quality and streamline processes, delivering polished executive presentation...

Texas, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$106K - $190K *

Join a dynamic Threat Intelligence team to drive vulnerability detection and response, enhancing security measures and protecting policyholders through innovative solutions and collaboration across mu...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$170K - $200K *

Optimize large-scale AI data center deployments by architecting rack-level compute solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of compute, storage, and networking...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$182K - $212K *

Lead quality assurance efforts in rolling stock engineering, overseeing vehicle procurement and rebuilds. Collaborate with teams to ensure high standards and timely delivery while supervising inspecti...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer 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.