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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$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$161K - $299K *

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...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

Santa Clara, CARemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Houston, TXRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 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.