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.
VP of IT Infrastructure & Operations
$230K - $310K *
Shape the future of IT Infrastructure & Operations by leading strategy and delivery for rapid growth and innovation in a tech-driven environment, ensuring security, scalability, and support across mul...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$75K - $158K *
Drive robust application security integration within the SDLC while collaborating with development teams to analyze and mitigate vulnerabilities. Engage in proactive testing and ensure compliance, enh...
Reposted 1 week ago
$75K - $158K *
Lead the charge in engineering and implementing a robust Intune solution for enterprise endpoint management, ensuring seamless integration and security across diverse devices within a mission-critical...
5 days ago
$183K - $203K *
Drive the integration of AI analytics and data platforms, ensuring decision-ready products through collaboration and technical leadership. Lead cross-functional teams to establish quality controls and...
2 weeks ago
Mission Systems S/4HANA Wave Deployment Lead, Sr. Manager (REMOTE)
$132K - $251K *
Advance S/4HANA deployment as the key liaison, driving site preparation, cross-functional coordination, and seamless go-live execution while minimizing operational disruptions across assigned Mission...
Reposted 3 days ago
$172K - $193K *
Join a dynamic team to deliver expert program management support for federal construction projects. Drive project startup, pre-construction planning, and internal capability development while ensuring...
1 week ago
Deployed Field Service Representative (FSR)
$69K - $125K *
Support and maintain airborne ISR systems through onsite and remote troubleshooting, ensuring mission readiness and compliance with safety and quality standards. Collaborate with teams to enhance oper...
1 week ago
Principal Orchestration Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Lead innovative software solutions as a Technical Lead in a dynamic environment. Drive strategic technical vision, mentor developers, and deliver complex applications while addressing critical busines...
4 weeks ago
$108K - $162K *
Champion customer support by managing maintenance services and operations. Lead a team to ensure timely resolutions and enhance product performance while utilizing technical expertise and strategic pl...
2 weeks ago
$124K - $241K *
Join a visionary team to architect cloud networking solutions, drive innovation in DPU and NIC technologies, and collaborate with global experts to redefine data center architecture from hardware to a...
Reposted 2 days ago
Security & Infrastructure Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Drive security excellence by managing identity access, external testing, and compliance processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance AWS security and develop scalable policies, ensuring robust protect...
2 weeks ago
UAS Account & Portfolio Director
$129K - $221K *
Shape the future of unmanned aircraft systems by developing market strategies, driving growth, and fostering partnerships. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance UAS integration into national airspa...
2 days ago
Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) Specialist
$115K - $145K *
Lead the charge in maintaining and enhancing unattended ground sensors for border security operations, ensuring optimal performance through inspections, technical support, and collaboration with team...
Yesterday
Senior Program Engineer, IT Services & Cloud Operations
$120K - $150K *
Drive complex federal platform initiatives, enhancing security, compliance, and infrastructure through innovative engineering solutions and cross-functional leadership...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Power Systems Engineer - Modeling
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead complex interconnection studies and provide expertise in transmission planning. Collaborate with clients and staff to innovate solutions that shape the future of energy acr...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to lead technical service delivery for complex accounts, guiding solution design and lifecycle management. Build strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring strategic alignment an...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Behavior Planning
$130K - $155K *
Drive the innovation of behavior planning systems for autonomous vehicles, owning key design and implementation tasks while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure peak performance in dyna...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager, Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls
$106K - $159K *
Transform regulatory strategies by providing CMC expertise to support product development and compliance in a dynamic pharmaceutical environment, ensuring quality and adherence to global standards thr...
1 week ago
Principal Software Engineer - Virtualization
$171K - $288K *
Transform engineering productivity by leading cross-team strategies and architectures for embedded software. Drive measurable improvements in quality and release confidence while mentoring teams acros...
Reposted 4 days ago
Forward Deployed Agile Software Engineer (Washington, D.C.)
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by collaborating with clients to design and deploy AI-driven solutions. This role blends engineering and client engagement, enabling you to tackle complex challenges and deliver...
6 days ago
Business Development Engineer - Mission Systems
$180K - $285K *
Unlock potential by leading technical capture initiatives that align engineering solutions with customer needs. Collaborate across teams to develop compelling proposals and enhance business growth thr...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion security excellence by leading initiatives to enhance IT solutions, ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of information assets while driving secure business growth throug...
1 week ago
Principal Product Marketing Manager - Threat Research
$200K - $230K *
Drive impactful AI threat research marketing by transforming technical insights into compelling narratives. Collaborate with experts to enhance Cyera's authority and visibility in data security, while...
Yesterday
Sr DevSecOps Automation Solution Architect
$170K - $230K *
Drive modernization by leading DevSecOps strategies for cloud transformation. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance automation, security, and delivery practices, ensuring reliable and scalable solu...
2 weeks ago
Senior Lead Cloud Architect / Delivery Lead
$112K - $179K *
Pioneer innovative cloud architecture solutions, leading modernization initiatives by integrating legacy systems into scalable environments while ensuring compliance and performance excellence across...
3 weeks 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.