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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$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

$125K - $150K *

Optimize creative production through advanced AI and dynamic workflows, empowering a high-velocity studio to deliver personalized, high-performing marketing assets on a global scale while maintaining...

Myrtle Point, ORRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Join a pioneering team where you'll innovate software solutions for framing and structural analysis. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, set technical direction, and contribute to softwar...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $134K *

Elevate compliance standards by conducting detailed FedRAMP assessments, analyzing technical artifacts, and collaborating with clients to ensure security controls are effectively implemented and docum...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $145K *

Unlock your potential by designing CI/CD pipelines and automating processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance development efficiency while ensuring system compliance and security across AWS and Azure...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$114K - $213K *

Empower growth by managing and enhancing relationships with key clients, driving product adoption and sales expansion throughout the entire customer lifecycle. Your leadership will ensure exceptional...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the execution of VDC deliverables, ensuring quality standards while coordinating across various project phases. Collaborate with teams to enhance workflows and deliver optimal results in BIM, con...

Henderson, NVRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

Lead the technical execution of VDC deliverables, ensuring quality standards across all project phases. Collaborate with teams to enhance construction workflows and support field operations through in...

Henderson, NVRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovative system designs for security, video, access, and fire alarm solutions. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored solutions, support junior members, and ensure project success through...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $150K *

Champion innovation by enhancing our cloud infrastructure and automating operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive AI-powered solutions and ensure software reliability in a dynamic...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$68K - $187K *

Support and enhance client systems by providing technical expertise, leading installations, and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical equipment. Collaborate with teams for continuous improvement a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of electrical safety and engineering by leading global programs, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement across multiple sites while mentoring teams and enhancing oper...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$150K - $180K *

Champion enterprise systems diligence and value creation engagements, assessing technology, processes, and infrastructure to drive operational excellence and strategic insights for investors and manag...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $260K *

Elevate operational efficiency by designing and delivering cutting-edge AI and automation solutions. Collaborate with teams to turn complex challenges into scalable, impactful implementations that enh...

California City, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$250K - $270K *

Lead the charge in enhancing the guest web ordering experience by managing a team of full-stack engineers. Drive product innovation, optimize conversion rates, and ensure engineering excellence across...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $150K *

Lead the Remote Sensing Department, delivering strategic and operational excellence by managing resources, optimizing processes, and ensuring high-quality outcomes in collaboration with various techni...

Austin, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $150K *

Transform the remote sensing landscape by leading operations, overseeing projects, and driving innovation. Shape staff development and ensure high-quality deliverables through strategic resource manag...

Orlando, FLRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that leads the Remote Sensing Department, driving operations, technology, and quality systems to deliver innovative geospatial projects while mentoring a diverse team and ensuring successf...

West Palm Beach, FLRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$175K - $200K *

Deliver strategic leadership in remote sensing operations, ensuring optimal project delivery and resource management while overseeing a multidisciplinary team to enhance operational performance and te...

Denver, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $150K *

Innovate and lead the Remote Sensing Department, driving operational excellence and technical delivery across complex projects while mentoring a team of experts to ensure cutting-edge quality in geosp...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$59K - $106K *

Empower the future of energy by designing innovative transmission systems. Lead projects from concept to execution, ensuring compliance with industry standards while integrating renewable energy solut...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $175K *

Lead the charge in building trust through compliance frameworks, guiding customers and teams in navigating security and data protection. Engage directly with clients, translating complex compliance ne...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information 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.