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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$220K - $235K *

Transform the future of cloud security by leading the platform security vision, integrating resilient practices, and mentoring teams to innovate securely, driving collaborative growth and risk reducti...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$126K - $155K *

Unlock potential by joining a high-functioning team to design and enhance TTWCS software, ensuring critical functionality and user experience within advanced DoD weapon systems. Bring your extensive s...

Fredericksburg, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$124K - $134K *

Innovate and optimize our core fintech systems, leveraging AI-driven technologies while owning end-to-end product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure impactful user experien...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$165K *

Champion innovative solutions as a Platform Site Reliability Engineer, enhancing infrastructure, optimizing deployment pipelines, and ensuring system reliability, scalability, and security in collabor...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $195K *

Lead the charge in shaping technical direction and mentoring teams while driving program delivery and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration in a dynamic engineering environment...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $150K *

Transform business growth by generating leads and fostering client relationships across Chemicals, O&G, Power, Metals, and Advanced Facilities sectors, driving profitability and strategic sales initia...

Baton Rouge, LARemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Drive modernization initiatives by leveraging AI and automation to enhance SaaS delivery processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline technical architecture and improve customer ou...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$201K - $352K *

Join a team that's redefining enterprise AI by building scalable, LLM-enabled applications. Collaborate with customers to deliver impactful solutions, codify reusable assets, and shape the future of A...

Santa Clara, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing and deploying GenAI applications that drive business solutions. Collaborate with teams to integrate AI technologies, ensuring scalability and security while staying ahead...

Merrimack, NHRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic team focused on federal acquisitions. Leverage your expertise to navigate the acquisition lifecycle, solve complex challenges, and contribute to impactful pr...

Maryland, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$250K - $300K *

Join a team that's redefining enterprise solutions! Leverage your expertise in networking and security to drive technical sales, support customer adoption, and influence product development while coll...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Empower innovation by leading the design and delivery of scalable software solutions while mentoring developers and optimizing performance across multiple tech stacks...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$96K - $148K *

Unlock potential by managing configuration data integrity and processes. Collaborate with teams to design workflows in ServiceNow, ensuring accurate configuration management while driving continuous i...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $190K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing enterprise AI architecture strategy, ensuring scalable, ethical AI integration across platforms. Drive innovation through Generative and Agentic AI, aligning...

Florida, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Execute project development and implementation, managing budgets, schedules, and vendor tasks while ensuring quality standards and fostering collaboration across teams and clients...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$131K - $205K *

Shape the future of electric power projects by providing expert development support, technical evaluations, and engineering design reviews. Collaborate with clients to optimize project outcomes while...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$290K - $320K *

Pioneer the future of quality and commissioning, ensuring operational excellence in high-stakes environments. Lead a talented team, define strategic goals, and optimize processes for seamless project...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$141K - $236K *

Lead the charge in defining technical standards for secure, scalable Windows and macOS endpoints. Mentor engineers, manage projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance an...

San Diego, CARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$174K - $224K *

Empower organizations by shaping data governance strategies that enhance security, compliance, and operational resilience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful governance solut...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive strategic initiatives in Security and Risk Services, leading a team of consultants to enhance customer value and operational resilience across North America. Foster relationships, ensure deliver...

Dallas, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $125K *

Explore your potential as a Software Architect, designing and enhancing build systems and delivery platforms. Collaborate with teams to implement CI/CD practices and ensure high-quality software deliv...

CanadaRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $170K *

Lead the evolution of our design system by building accessible, reusable components and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and streamline adoption across products...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$107K - $204K *

Lead the transformation of supply chain systems by optimizing SAP applications, collaborating with teams to enhance operational efficiency, and ensuring alignment with business objectives across domes...

Connecticut, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining technical support for enterprise customers. You'll own escalations, advocate for clients, and build scalable processes while collaborating with engineering to enhance our...

San Francisco, CARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $167K *

Manage safety protocols across nationwide data center job sites, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and corporate standards. Lead inspections, audits, and training initiatives to promote a c...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

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.