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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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...
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Site Reliability Engineer - Grid Orchestration Software
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Optimize system reliability and performance by integrating GridOS solutions, managing incidents, and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure high-quality deploym...
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Cyber Security Technology Management Analyst
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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...
Reposted today
$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...
2 days ago
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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...
2 days ago
Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer I
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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...
1 week ago
$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...
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$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...
2 weeks ago
Security Engineer, Corporate Security
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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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Support Engineer, Identity Security - US
$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...
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Principal Information Security Engineer
$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...
2 weeks ago
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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...
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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...
1 week ago
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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...
1 week ago
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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...
Today
$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...
2 weeks ago
GRC Engineer (Governance Risk and Compliance)
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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...
2 days ago
Hardware Deployment Project Manager
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Champion hardware readiness for customer deployments, ensuring timely delivery and accurate documentation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage escalations, RMAs, and configuration contro...
4 days ago
Solution Architect – ServiceNow & Enterprise Applications
$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...
5 days ago
Senior Engineer - System Protection and Control (Remote)
$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...
1 week ago
Power Systems Software Engineer
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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...
3 days ago
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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...
1 week ago
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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...
2 weeks ago
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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...
2 weeks ago
Head of Product Delivery & PI Planner
$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...
1 week ago
What does a Chief Systems Engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Browse Chief Systems Engineer listings on Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.