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 *

Lead the charge in operational excellence for a Data Center Services unit, driving performance, workforce development, and customer satisfaction across multiple locations while overseeing mission-crit...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$93K - $140K *

Optimize system reliability and performance by integrating GridOS solutions, managing incidents, and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure high-quality deploym...

Bellevue, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $120K *

Champion compliance and security in complex information systems, ensuring adherence to federal standards while monitoring and improving industrial control systems and cybersecurity measures across var...

Huntsville, ALRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$86K - $97K *

Empower learners by designing innovative educational experiences that enhance cybersecurity training. Collaborate with experts to create engaging content and lead projects that meet diverse learning n...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Lead the development and operation of a cutting-edge Security Observability & Data Platform, enhancing endpoint security, threat detection, and incident response while driving innovation in security s...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $123K *

Unlock potential by leading supplier audits and performance evaluations. Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with industry standards while fostering str...

San Diego, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$149K - $256K *

Shape the technical strategy for complex global opportunities, collaborating with sales leadership to drive innovative solutions. Lead technical discovery and architecture workshops, ensuring alignmen...

San Ramon, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $400K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of digital supply chain management. You'll architect and optimize ERP, PLM, and inventory systems, ensuring data integrity and operational scalability across glob...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $220K *

Contribute to corporate security by designing, implementing, and maintaining robust security measures while collaborating with IT, engineering, and business teams to address and mitigate risks across...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $145K *

Champion enterprise support excellence by architecting a new function, diagnosing complex issues across security identity stacks, automating workflows, and driving customer success in a high-impact, c...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$60K - $211K *

Advance security engineering by defining strategies, solving complex challenges, and building scalable solutions. Collaborate with leaders to enhance security across enterprise environments while ment...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Optimize quality operations for large-scale data pipelines, ensuring high standards and consistency across diverse datasets. Lead a team to enhance efficiency and reliability in audio data processing...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Take ownership of automating workflows across teams by building AI agents using Claude and Microsoft Copilot. Collaborate with various departments to identify automation opportunities, ensuring securi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading system testing efforts for critical USAF missions. Collaborate on process improvements, develop test documents, and execute various testing types to ensure system operabili...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $180K *

Lead and manage clinical and technical research projects across global regions, ensuring compliance and quality throughout the project lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive succe...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by designing, deploying, and supporting security technologies. Collaborate with clients to enhance their security posture while aligning with busi...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $140K *

Drive GRC initiatives by building and testing security controls, assessing risks, and automating evidence collection. Collaborate with teams to enhance compliance and support audits while ensuring eff...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Champion hardware readiness for customer deployments, ensuring timely delivery and accurate documentation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage escalations, RMAs, and configuration contro...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $158K *

Engage your expertise as a hands-on technical leader, designing and evolving enterprise solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, ensure platform reliability, and deliver...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering expert engineering solutions while managing projects safely and efficiently. Leverage your technical expertise to mentor others and drive innovation in gener...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Innovate the future of power systems by designing automated tools for transmission planning. Collaborate with engineers to enhance workflows, ensuring reliable results that utilities and developers tr...

Austin, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$212K - $268K *

Engage with top Enterprise Organizations as a trusted advisor, showcasing Cisco solutions and aligning them with customer needs. Collaborate with teams to drive innovation and ensure successful outcom...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$202K - $257K *

Empower growth by identifying opportunities and aligning technical strategies with customer goals. Lead solution discussions with executives, drive innovation, and mentor teams to enhance knowledge an...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$202K - $257K *

Join a dynamic team of engineers driving customer success through innovative technology solutions. Collaborate closely with sales to tackle complex challenges and exceed goals while continuously enhan...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $120K *

Lead product delivery for a major federal IT program, overseeing multiple teams and ensuring timely execution of product line deliverables. Drive strategic planning, manage dependencies, and enhance d...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 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.