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.
$88K - $105K *
Join us in overseeing construction projects, ensuring timely completion, budget adherence, and quality standards while managing teams and stakeholders effectively. Play a key role in project schedulin...
Today
Information Assurance Engineer - Intern Conversion
$90K - $92K *
Help us enhance security protocols by developing essential documentation and supporting assessments. Collaborate with a dedicated cyber security team to ensure compliance and effective implementation...
3 days ago
$91K - $163K *
Lead the charge in safeguarding our organization against evolving cyber threats. As a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, you'll design robust defenses and collaborate across teams to enhance security post...
6 days ago
$110K - $145K *
Champion innovative solutions as a Senior Business Analyst, driving requirements gathering and Agile processes to enhance custom applications for DHS. Collaborate with teams to streamline operations a...
1 week ago
$164K - $189K *
Transform cloud environments by architecting and supporting multi-cloud solutions. Leverage your expertise in AWS and identity management to ensure seamless service delivery and customer satisfaction...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Agent Platform & Growth
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining the onboarding experience for human and AI agents by leading innovative UX and engineering teams. Drive growth through strategic roadmap ownership, hands-on leadership, a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Structural Engineer, Global
$170K - $175K *
Champion innovative structural design for mission-critical data centers, focusing on prefabricated and modular construction. Lead technical strategy, establish design standards, and ensure safety and...
2 weeks ago
High Speed Data (HSD) Systems Engineer (Remote)
$80K - $95K *
Advance your career by ensuring the stability and performance of core network systems. Collaborate on innovative projects while using your expertise in Linux and network troubleshooting to support cri...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform the future of AI systems by building robust data pipelines and APIs. Collaborate with Product to refine specifications and enhance user experience, ensuring high-quality delivery and continu...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Automation Engineer, Falcon Complete (Remote, CAN)
$150K - $200K *
Empower our security operations by designing and implementing advanced automation workflows. Lead a team in creating innovative solutions that enhance threat detection and response, while mentoring ju...
Yesterday
$107K - $204K *
Drive financial excellence by managing a $600M budget and $10B in receipts. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational efficiency and deliver insightful analysis, ensuring the financial health of...
Yesterday
$97K - $185K *
Drive strategic sourcing and supplier management for IT software, optimizing procurement processes and ensuring compliance while fostering strong supplier relationships and delivering value across the...
1 week ago
$110K - $135K *
Unlock excellence in PCB design and manufacturing by leading DFM initiatives, developing complex multilayer layouts, and shaping best practices across engineering teams to enhance product performance...
6 days ago
Senior Business Systems Architect
$167K - $183K *
Lead the charge in optimizing G&A technology solutions, enhancing business processes through AI and automation. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive efficiency and compliance, ensuring scalable grow...
2 weeks ago
Senior AI Software Engineer, Agentic Systems & Data Fabric
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by joining a cross-functional team to design and implement scalable AI workflows on a multi-cloud data platform, ensuring secure data governance and integration for enterprise applica...
2 weeks ago
Material Program Manager (Remote)
$107K - $204K *
Lead the charge in developing and executing supply chain strategies for a dynamic program, ensuring effective supplier management and collaboration across functions to meet organizational objectives a...
Today
Lead Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) - Post-Quantum Cryptography
$105K - $155K *
Join a team that's dedicated to safeguarding critical systems through expert security management. Leverage your RMF knowledge to ensure compliance, drive remediation, and maintain robust security post...
Reposted 4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in delivering outstanding technical support and case management for complex escalated issues, ensuring customer success and trust while collaborating with teams to provide timely, high...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Principal Security Engineer - Information Security
$130K - $155K *
Join our team as a Principal Security Engineer, where you'll design and enhance security solutions, shape strategy, and lead initiatives to protect enterprise assets while mentoring junior engineers a...
3 days ago
$110K - $125K *
Elevate product strategy and delivery by leading a multidisciplinary team to ensure alignment with stakeholder needs and mission-critical outcomes in a fully remote environment...
Today
Principal Specialist, Supply Chain Management (Remote)
$86K - $165K *
Elevate your career by driving supply chain strategies and supplier management in a dynamic, remote role. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives and enhance operational...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in transforming unstructured homebuilding plans into actionable data, collaborating closely with teams to develop and deploy innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency an...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Lead Specialist, Technical Architect
$150K - $160K *
Partner with us to shape the quality strategy for a leading exam development platform. Leverage your expertise to guide multiple Agile teams, enhance automation practices, and ensure high standards ac...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Engineer, Geometric Modeling/CAD
$120K - $150K *
Shape the future of geometric modeling by developing innovative algorithmic solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior developers, and focus on delivering quality code while enh...
4 weeks ago
$158K - $199K *
Champion client success by leading strategic initiatives for global accounts, driving growth and retention through trusted relationships and innovative solutions. Leverage expertise to maximize value...
6 days 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.