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.
Business Systems Engineering Manager
$110K - $150K *
Drive the technical direction and hands-on leadership of a diverse Business Systems Development team, focusing on Salesforce and integration development to deliver scalable business solutions across o...
3 weeks ago
ERP Business Analyst Sr Stf - E5
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Engineer solutions by applying functional knowledge to design and customize SAP or PeopleSoft applications, ensuring alignment with business needs. Collaborate with teams to write requirements, develo...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer Team Lead, Simulation Infrastructure
$200K - $275K *
Lead and optimize cloud infrastructure for simulation frameworks, driving team performance and technical strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance validation processes and ensure robust soft...
Reposted 3 days ago
Director, Digital Systems & Strategic Growth
$140K - $180K *
Transform the digital manufacturing landscape by driving sales growth and market expansion. Collaborate across teams to develop strategies, support federal opportunities, and enhance customer value th...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of VDC delivery by managing project execution from start to finish. Collaborate across teams, develop budgets, ensure quality and timely deliverables, while being the key point of con...
4 weeks ago
Cyber Security Operations Engineer
$76K - $98K *
Unlock your potential as you develop and automate security processes, enhancing global cybersecurity operations while working with senior engineers to better the organization's security posture...
4 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer -- Agentic AI
$224K - $431K *
Architect scalable systems for agentic AI, tackling challenges in runtimes and large-scale execution to deliver production-quality solutions. Collaborate across teams for optimal performance and resou...
Reposted 5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional service as a Field Service Engineer. Leverage your expertise in PET/NUC/CT modalities to troubleshoot, repair, and enhance customer satisfaction...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead advanced troubleshooting and repair of medical equipment, ensuring customer satisfaction through service excellence. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive initiatives to enha...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex medical equipment, ensuring exceptional service and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with teams to drive operational excellence and...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your career by driving the design and deployment of AVEVA MES projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality solutions, mentor junior engineers, and enhance user adoption...
1 week ago
$70K - $117K *
Join our team as a Technical Business Analyst, bridging business needs and technical solutions. Drive data-driven projects, optimize processes, and enhance reporting for diverse clients while collabor...
Today
$175K - $185K *
Engage with Federal agencies and software providers to design and implement secure cloud solutions. Leverage your expertise in FedRAMP and DoD IL4 to drive technical sales strategies and ensure compli...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead customer engagement and service delivery in cloud and compliance projects. Manage project lifecycles, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while main...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Interoperability
$169K - $220K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming healthcare through innovative software solutions. Collaborate with engineers and healthcare professionals to build systems that enhance patient care and st...
2 weeks ago
Director of Product Marketing - Services
$190K - $220K *
Lead the charge in shaping the go-to-market strategy for innovative data security services, driving customer adoption and engagement through compelling narratives and strategic partnerships across tea...
2 days ago
Senior Subject Matter Expert (Mechanical) - Rolling Stock Engineering
$165K - $193K *
Drive the future of rail engineering by managing complex rolling stock projects. Leverage your expertise in vehicle design and modifications to ensure quality and compliance while mentoring teams and...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive the design and enhancement of corporate security infrastructure, improving automation and maintaining strong security posture in a cloud environment. Collaborate with teams to implement controls...
Reposted 3 days ago
$101K - $150K *
Champion client success by leading complex enterprise implementations, managing risks, and ensuring high-quality outcomes. Drive stakeholder engagement and project delivery while fostering strong rela...
4 days ago
Senior Platform Engineer (FedD202)
$148K - $201K *
Empower application teams by integrating, securing, and deploying software in Kubernetes environments. Collaborate across platforms to enhance CI/CD processes and ensure reliable operations, driving i...
1 week ago
Director - PMO - Aviation Construction
$135K - $160K *
Lead and optimize PMO strategies for major aviation and infrastructure programs. Drive governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement while mentoring a high-performing team to ensure project...
1 week ago
Senior Cloud Security Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Accelerate progress at securing cloud environments by designing robust guardrails and automation. Collaborate with engineering teams to embed security into CI/CD pipelines and ensure compliance across...
4 days ago
Senior AI PM for Data and Governance
$170K - $200K *
Lead cross-functional integration of data, analytics, evaluation, and governance to enhance healthcare AI products. Drive roadmap ownership, optimize workflows, ensure data quality, and foster collabo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Technology Transformation & AI Enablement
$144K - $288K *
Transform enterprise technology by leading modernization initiatives, enhancing engineering practices, and enabling responsible AI adoption across diverse platforms. Collaborate with stakeholders to d...
Yesterday
Sr. Practice Manager -- AI Agentic Ops
$150K - $190K *
Help us shape the future of AI operations by leading a dynamic team focused on innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and technical excellence in agentic environments. Drive growth and operatio...
3 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.