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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$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $179K *

Pioneer innovative cloud architecture solutions, leading modernization initiatives by integrating legacy systems into scalable environments while ensuring compliance and performance excellence across...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Take ownership of complex contract management, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment while advising on contractual matters and mitigating risks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive...

Connecticut, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Join a dynamic team as you manage complex government contracts, ensuring compliance and fostering strong relationships. Utilize your negotiation skills to support the P&C Mil Spares EPS aftermarket bu...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $130K *

Champion customer success by designing and optimizing scalable programs that enhance adoption of identity security solutions, ensuring impactful training and resources for customer-facing teams...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $252K *

Drive the design and integration of Oracle Cloud solutions for federal HCM modernization, transforming technical strategies into robust architectures while overseeing development teams to ensure succe...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $500K+*

Deliver innovative mechanical designs for AI compute systems, enhancing data center capabilities. Collaborate on all facets of product development, ensuring high-quality assembly and performance throu...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $215K *

Transform cloud-based engineering strategies as you lead teams in creating innovative AI-powered automation solutions, ensuring quality and scalability while promoting a dynamic and collaborative cult...

Lehi, UTRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$153K - $213K *

Take ownership of a customer-facing product area, driving strategy and execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance user experience, leverage AI, and achieve key performance metrics while deli...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$78K - $105K *

Shape your career with this multifaceted role, providing expert Level 2-3 product support while collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and enhance product experience for...

Vancouver, BCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Champion the evolution of our billing systems by leading a dynamic engineering team. Drive strategy, ensure accuracy, and collaborate across departments to enhance customer trust as we scale our usage...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $158K *

Shape the future of federal data integration by leveraging Oracle EBS expertise to create actionable insights and advanced dashboards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and enhance government da...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Lead engineering efforts by writing production code and mentoring a team. Drive modernization initiatives through Java microservices while managing performance and growth of engineers. Collaborate wit...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $200K *

Champion innovation by developing scalable backend solutions and troubleshooting complex issues within our Cyber-Physical Systems platform. Collaborate with global teams to enhance performance and ens...

New York, NYRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$181K - $226K *

Join our dynamic team as a Software Engineer, where you'll enhance internal tools, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive improvements in cloud infrastructure and observability, all while working in...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K *

Shape the future of IT security by enhancing compliance and risk management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify risks and implement effective solutions, ensuring the organization meet...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $160K *

Lead customer success initiatives by optimizing platform use, driving adoption, and ensuring satisfaction for global enterprises. Collaborate closely with clients, providing expertise and tailored sol...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Elevate customer experiences by leading a team of engineers, providing strategic insights, and implementing innovative solutions in growth engineering and digital marketing for impactful delivery serv...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving innovative launch campaigns, managing complex schedules, and enhancing internal processes. This role requires a proactive leader to oversee launch operations and foster rela...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $135K *

Champion customer connectivity by delivering technical training and support, coordinating initiatives to enhance customer experience, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless s...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$184K - $356K *

Unlock your potential by developing cutting-edge pipelines for multi-modal content retrieval. Collaborate with experts in Generative AI and enhance user experiences through innovative software solutio...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$155K - $185K *

Join a growing aerospace organization to design and develop backend software for remote sensing systems, influencing the entire operational structure through autonomous project ownership and collabora...

Arlington, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Drive enterprise-wide IT service management governance and process integration. Lead service-quality improvements and ITIL best-practice adoption across all service-management processes for enhanced s...

Chicago, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K *

Drive your career by leading technical architecture and AI tooling development in a dynamic company transitioning to multi-platform solutions. Collaborate with teams, mentor talent, and engage with en...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.