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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$177K - $266K *

Drive success as you lead a remote team of Systems Engineers to enhance technical sales and partner engagement across the Southwest Mountain region, ensuring strong product adoption in a rapidly evolv...

Colorado, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$114K - $252K *

Drive the development of advanced data pipelines in a cloud environment to centralize and govern critical data for national security operations. Lead a team in migrating legacy systems to modern solut...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $170K *

Execute complex, cross-functional initiatives while navigating ambiguity and redefining operational models. Your strategic insights and leadership will propel projects to success and enhance overall o...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by designing and implementing hybrid networks across AWS, OCI, and on-premises environments, ensuring secure connectivity and compliance while troubleshooting complex issues in a f...

Baltimore, MDRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Transform large-scale data center projects by leading innovative structural engineering efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and sustainability in design, while managing...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$101K - $174K *

Lead innovative test strategies and execution for complex defense systems, ensuring mission-capability and compliance through robust integration and verification processes across agile team environmen...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of operational excellence by leading engineering initiatives, driving program execution, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance performance and deliver key operationa...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $204K *

Drive innovative software solutions as a Software Systems Engineer. Collaborate across teams to create, test, and enhance software products using advanced systems engineering techniques to meet missio...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$66K - $128K *

Unlock your potential as you design and implement software for spacecraft simulators, collaborating with engineers to create cutting-edge solutions in the space industry. This entry-level role offers...

San Jose, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform transportation infrastructure by leading electrical system design for highway and bridge projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance wi...

Miami, FLRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the design and optimization of mechanical systems for data centers, ensuring reliability, energy efficiency, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational perform...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$170K - $185K *

Join a team that's redefining tactical communications and networking strategies for unmanned systems. Leverage your expertise to shape connectivity solutions, ensuring seamless data exchange across jo...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $166K *

Transform critical systems for the US Antarctic Program by designing, deploying, and maintaining Linux-based infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead operations in a unique, mi...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$218K - $256K *

Lead the charge in shaping IT strategy and operations for a remote-first SaaS company. Drive service delivery, enhance employee technology experiences, and build a high-performing IT organization whil...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $200K *

Transform backend services and REST APIs in a collaborative environment. Leverage your software engineering skills to support cyber training initiatives, utilizing modern technologies and cloud infras...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Partner with us to drive innovative mechanical design solutions for Navy missile systems. Leverage your expertise in complex programs to lead design analysis and collaborate with diverse teams, ensuri...

Indiana, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $175K *

Join a dynamic engineering team as a Senior Technical Advisor, providing strategic guidance on emerging technologies and systems integration while supporting Agile program execution and modernization...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving project excellence by leading a diverse group of Project Managers. You'll optimize resources, enhance delivery outcomes, and foster high performance across critical VA initi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Lead governance initiatives in a multi-cloud environment, managing a team to secure and optimize cloud operations. Oversee compliance, develop policies, and optimize costs while ensuring alignment wit...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive operational excellence by enhancing reliability and performance of a SaaS platform. Collaborate with development teams to implement automation, incident management, and observability practices...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $251K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software development by enhancing DevSecOps capabilities. Collaborate with customers to automate processes and deliver innovative solutions in a dynamic enviro...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$106K - $198K *

Accelerate progress at the intersection of data and technology, transforming complex data into actionable insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement innovative data solutions that...

Georgia, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$228K - $423K *

Lead the charge in advancing national cybersecurity initiatives, overseeing program execution and stakeholder engagement. Drive strategic objectives into actionable plans while ensuring technical perf...

Colorado Springs, CORemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $190K *

Transform your career by managing data center acquisitions and infrastructure transactions. Drive negotiations, provide legal guidance, and support operational transitions, while deepening expertise i...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Optimize the verification of embedded software within aviation systems. Collaborate closely across teams to enhance safety and compliance, ensuring robust performance on flight hardware and complete i...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.