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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$135K - $160K *

Design and oversee tailored security architectures for government clients, ensuring integration of threat intelligence and compliance within Cyware's platform. Collaborate on use cases, empower teams...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$149K - $224K *

Lead the charge in shaping digital solutions for perioperative workflows, driving strategy and execution across cross-functional teams to enhance clinical outcomes and operational efficiency in surgic...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Champion our security posture by designing and automating detection and response systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance incident response and improve security practices, ensuring...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by driving client success through expert system configuration, data analysis, and consultative training. Ensure timely project delivery while enhancing user experience and satisfactio...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$115K - $117K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing privacy compliance and cybersecurity. Collaborate with stakeholders to assess risks, develop training, and ensure adherence to federal regulations while prote...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the enhancement of security measures for cloud-based healthcare solutions, focusing on vulnerability management, incident response, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensu...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$158K - $197K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering innovation through advanced structural and thermal-mechanical modeling. Lead high-fidelity simulations to drive next-gen interconnect technology, collaboratin...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $251K *

Transform logistics operations by leading SAP EWM configuration efforts, ensuring seamless integration and optimization of warehouse processes while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive...

Colorado, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $180K *

Drive innovative electrical design solutions for high-density compute environments. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance with industry standards while mentoring junior engineers. Make a signi...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $235K *

Drive the design and implementation of backend services to enhance customer experiences across NodeZero’s licensing, provisioning, and admin systems. Lead efforts to ensure accuracy, scalability, and...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$122K - $211K *

Join a dynamic team as a DevOps Engineer, enhancing cloud infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with developers and cybersecurity experts to ensure reliable software delivery and operational...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$135K - $160K *

Transform the Digital Engagement portfolio by leading technical initiatives, driving scalable architectures, and mentoring engineering teams to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance c...

Manitoba, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $189K *

Lead, shape, and execute advanced penetration testing assessments, overseeing scoping, planning, and reporting. Collaborate with teams to enhance cybersecurity measures across various platforms, ensur...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Unlock technical excellence by providing critical support for product implementations, ensuring seamless installations and troubleshooting for diverse technologies. Collaborate with teams to enhance c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$80K - $95K *

Champion power system analysis by conducting modeling for transmission planning studies, ensuring compliance with NERC standards, and delivering high-quality technical reports while managing multiple...

Austin, TXRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $175K *

Join us to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in delivering complex IT modernization projects for the U.S. Department of State, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with mission objective...

Washington DC, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$199K - $285K *

Empower enterprise transformation by leading strategic initiatives and engaging with C-level executives. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive revenue and deliver impactful workshops that showcase i...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$138K - $173K *

Join a team that's transforming manufacturing through digital solutions. Lead cross-functional initiatives, drive process improvements, and ensure seamless integration of technology to enhance operati...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$115K - $130K *

Drive rapid service restoration by leading IT incident management processes, ensuring effective communication and coordination for critical incidents. Leverage expertise in troubleshooting and support...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K *

Join a dynamic team to manage client technologies, mentor peers, and deliver IT assessments. This hands-on role emphasizes client service and consultant development, ensuring optimal performance acros...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$84K - $129K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovative structural engineering solutions. Leverage your expertise in materials and design to tackle complex challenges in power transmission upgrades, ensuring clien...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate product strategy and delivery in an evolving security landscape. Own roadmap execution, collaborate with engineering, and engage with customers to build trust and drive innovation. Measure...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $135K *

Join us in transforming technical documentation by leading the shift to a Git-based, AI-augmented workflow. You'll set standards, mentor writers, and drive innovation across our Technical Publications...

Morrisville, NCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $100K *

Advance your career by supporting cloud operations in a dynamic team. You'll manage requests, coordinate changes, and document processes, ensuring smooth communication and operational efficiency in a...

Arlington, VARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Empower operational excellence by developing and implementing technical training strategies across teams, ensuring compliance and effectiveness while enhancing workforce capabilities in high-stakes en...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.