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.
Software Engineer, Design Systems
$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...
2 weeks ago
Manager Business Systems and Transformation - ERP Procurement
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
$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...
Today
$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...
6 days ago
$170K - $250K *
Lead the charge in building high-throughput systems as you manage a team of engineers. Drive technical excellence and team growth while collaborating across functions to deliver innovative solutions i...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Champion customer satisfaction by executing maintenance and service solutions, coordinating logistics and support activities, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence in a dyn...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion customer service excellence by managing maintenance activities and solutions on-site. Leverage technical expertise to enhance support for diverse services, ensuring effective execution and ti...
3 weeks ago
ServiceNow IT Operations Management Architect
$145K - $175K *
Accelerate your career by architecting innovative IT operations solutions. Lead the design and implementation of advanced ServiceNow capabilities, ensuring high accuracy and integration across enterpr...
Today
$100K - $110K *
Solve complex production challenges and ensure system stability as a key technical support resource. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance customer satisfaction through effective incident manageme...
3 weeks ago
Cloud Security Engineer (AWS & GCP)
$115K - $140K *
Partner with us to enhance cloud security across AWS and GCP environments. Engage in system hardening, vulnerability remediation, and incident response while collaborating with a team of experts to en...
3 weeks ago
Senior Lead Electrical Engineer
$148K - $200K *
Champion innovative electrical design for mission-critical facilities. Lead complex projects, mentor teams, and enhance efficiency through technology. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project s...
1 week ago
Senior Security Engineer (Infrastructure)
$137K - $160K *
Engineer secure and resilient multi-cloud environments while collaborating with product teams. Adapt designs to support rapid change in a late-stage startup, ensuring safety and performance in AI-driv...
4 weeks ago
Director of Quality - Advanced Manufacturing (CAM)
$140K - $260K *
Join as a key leader to develop and optimize a comprehensive Quality Management Program across complex manufacturing projects, ensuring top-tier quality standards and fostering relationships with clie...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Network Operations Center Technical Services Supervisor
$95K - $115K *
Oversee and lead a technical services team, ensuring efficient 24x7 network operations and advanced troubleshooting of IT systems. Drive quality and improve processes while actively engaging with both...
3 weeks ago
Director, Software Engineering - Platform Development
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the development of innovative Microsoft-based platforms, driving modernization and AI integration while ensuring robust, scalable, and secure solutions in a highly regulate...
5 days ago
AI Machine Learning Engineering Staff
$150K - $280K *
Elevate your career by driving AI strategy and development across the enterprise. Collaborate in rapid sprints to implement cutting-edge AI systems, enhance security practices, and contribute to a dyn...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative remedial systems design solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, providing technical leadership and strategic direction for diverse environmental p...
Reposted 1 week ago
$86K - $165K *
Accelerate your career by joining our team to design and manage cloud infrastructure solutions. Collaborate on innovative projects, enhance operational efficiency, and support a diverse range of appli...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Engineering (Modeling & Rendering, Simulation, Distributed Computing, QA)
$160K - $200K *
Transform the engineering landscape by leading teams to innovate AI-assisted software development, ensuring timely delivery of next-gen products while enhancing existing offerings. Drive strategic exe...
2 weeks ago
$87K - $160K *
Unlock potential by leading strategic PLM engagements, transforming systems, and guiding clients through complex landscapes. Collaborate across teams to design scalable architectures that align with e...
Today
$140K - $200K *
Join a team that drives mission success in aerospace program management, overseeing the entire payload lifecycle from planning to execution. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and governm...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Staff Engineer, Weapons Physical Integration (R6364)
$170K - $260K *
Transform aircraft capabilities by integrating weapons and payloads. Collaborate with design teams to create innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with military standards while supporting testing...
2 days ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Tenant
$285K - $320K *
Lead the charge in delivering Honeycomb Private Cloud, driving product growth, and collaborating across teams to enhance operational processes while building a high-performing engineering team to supp...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer - Agentic Security Operations (remote)
$170K - $227K *
Drive innovation in cybersecurity by leading the development of agent capabilities within our Security Operations Center, enhancing threat detection, response, and operational efficiency while ensurin...
1 week ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)
$110K - $130K *
Transform customer experiences by leading solution discovery and deployment for enterprise software. Collaborate with Fortune 500 clients to operationalize innovative solutions, ensuring quality and e...
1 week 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.