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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$125K - $150K *

Take ownership of next-generation IT infrastructure innovation. Collaborate with a diverse team to design, deploy, and secure tools that enhance operational capabilities using leading technologies in...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$143K - $176K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in project management and Agile delivery. Lead cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives while enhancing your skills in a dynamic environment focused o...

Washington DC, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$140K - $165K *

Empower our mission by developing and maintaining integrated master schedules, ensuring timely delivery and compliance across multiple stakeholders in a dynamic environment. Your expertise will drive...

Chantilly, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$238K - $280K *

Lead the charge in developing autonomous attack workflows for external surfaces, leveraging your expertise to enhance reconnaissance capabilities and mentor engineers while driving strategic technical...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive the performance and scalability of next-gen networks by designing, deploying, and maintaining complex infrastructure. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver optimal solutions, while mentoring...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$185K - $273K *

Lead the charge in designing secure AI architectures that enhance adoption across defense and intelligence sectors. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions and establis...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $140K *

Optimize web application development by leading design and implementation using .NET Core, ASP.NET, and Angular. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior developers, and ensure code quality while leverag...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $235K *

Grow your career with a role leading cloud security strategy across multi-cloud environments. As a key decision-maker, you will enhance enterprise security frameworks while driving innovation, complia...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate your career by leading mechanical system upgrades in data centers. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive project success, manage risks, and optimize processes while ensuring alignment wit...

Oregon City, ORRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading power systems engineering for transmission protection. Drive compliance, enhance reliability, and guide teams in innovative solutions to shape the future of energy with adv...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $185K *

Join a dynamic team to evaluate and enhance data center construction feasibility. Leverage your expertise to assess sites, identify risks, and influence project decisions, ensuring efficient and safe...

Denver, CORemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative engineering solutions by leading multi-site projects, enhancing infrastructure, and driving operational improvements to ensure safety and efficiency across facilities...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$100K - $120K *

Help us shape the future of healthcare identity management by leading projects, ensuring compliance, and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive success and foster gro...

Oregon, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform compliance through AI-driven strategies that continuously enhance IT governance, risk management, and regulatory adherence, ensuring operational efficiency and audit readiness across multipl...

Johnson City, TNRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$196K - $245K *

Join us to lead technical enablement and validation for our Zero Trust solutions. Leverage your networking expertise to enhance customer experience, drive sales readiness, and create impactful enablem...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$70K - $106K *

Champion the enhancement of global connectivity by deploying and maintaining ground network hardware. Collaborate as a dedicated team member to resolve technical issues, ensuring operational excellenc...

Washington, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive strategic insights by analyzing cross-functional data to enhance decision-making. Collaborate with teams to build a trusted business intelligence framework, delivering actionable recommendations...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $234K *

Drive the architecture and development of audio signal processing technology, leading complex engineering efforts and ensuring high-quality, reusable DSP components across multiple product lines...

Framingham, MARemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $200K *

Reimagine the SOX compliance landscape by establishing a robust Internal Audit function. Drive risk management and internal controls, collaborating across departments to ensure compliance, enhance pro...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$136K - $170K *

Drive impactful infrastructure solutions by collaborating with engineering teams to resolve blockers, execute migrations, and develop tooling. Leverage your expertise to enhance platform adoption and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Innovate secure network solutions by engineering and supporting robust infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security technologies, ensuring reliable connectivity and comp...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $155K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on designing and implementing scalable systems. Collaborate on complex projects, mentor peers, and drive technical excellence while contributing to impactf...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engineer secure, scalable cloud platforms and automate workflows. Lead migrations, implement observability, and mentor junior engineers while driving cloud-native adoption in a collaborative environme...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to bridge design and engineering, enhancing UI systems and creating reusable components that elevate product quality and speed. Collaborate across teams to build, evolve, and maint...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $234K *

Shape the future of autonomous systems by leading the integration of multi-modality sensors, ensuring robust performance and alignment with product goals. Collaborate across teams to tackle engineerin...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.