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.
$153K - $186K *
Advance your career by driving the design and architecture of enterprise-grade software solutions. Collaborate with teams to deliver secure, scalable applications leveraging innovative AI technologies...
4 weeks ago
Senior Infrastructure Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing and enhancing infrastructure solutions across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Collaborate with teams and vendors to ensure security, reliability, and performa...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Staff Security Software Engineer - Agentic Security Engineering
$228K - $314K *
Drive the architecture and engineering direction for a shared Security AI platform, ensuring secure, reliable, and scalable operations across multiple security functions while mentoring teams and alig...
1 week ago
Principal Solutions Executive II - Security
$160K - $192K *
Accelerate revenue growth by driving security services sales, managing the full sales lifecycle, and building strategic relationships with clients and partners to enhance market presence and deliver i...
4 days ago
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$122K *
Elevate your career by managing global projects in Neuroscience, ensuring compliance, budget adherence, and successful collaboration across cross-functional teams to drive milestone achievement and en...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Export Compliance Operations Team Lead - Senior Staff - US Exports - Level 5
$129K - $239K *
Take ownership of export compliance operations, leading high-impact processes across US and international sites. Ensure efficient goods movement while navigating diverse regulatory frameworks and mana...
2 weeks ago
Level 3 Managed Services Engineer -- Microsoft
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing Microsoft-based systems, providing advanced technical support, and enhancing IT infrastructure. Collaborate with experts to resolve complex issues and drive...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead robust cloud infrastructure solutions in AWS and AWS GovCloud, ensuring CI/CD and security compliance across environments. Collaborate with teams to optimize deployment and operational processes...
3 weeks ago
Senior Product Security Engineer
$150K - $200K *
Engage in hands-on security initiatives across the platform, collaborating with engineering and product teams to identify vulnerabilities, develop security tools, and enhance secure development practi...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Drive your career with a Senior Site Reliability Engineer role focused on building secure AWS GovCloud foundations for FedRAMP High and IL5, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while mentor...
Yesterday
Senior Service Delivery Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead service delivery excellence for a major enterprise account, ensuring performance, compliance, and continuous improvement while fostering strong client relationships and managing cross-functional...
Today
Sr Advisory Solution Architect - Government Healthcare and Education (Armis/Veza)
$149K - $230K *
Join a team that's dedicated to solving complex security challenges. As a trusted advisor, you'll collaborate with Sales and customers to design solutions, deliver impactful demonstrations, and connec...
Yesterday
Sr Advisory Solution Architect - Government Healthcare and Education (Armis/Veza)
$149K - $230K *
Innovate solutions by partnering with Sales to address complex security challenges. Serve as a trusted advisor, leading technical discovery and customer validation while translating technical capabili...
Yesterday
Pursuit Leader - Digital Infrastructure (REMOTE)
$100K - $150K *
Reimagine the bid management process by leading strategic pursuits in the technology sector. Drive client engagement, develop tailored proposals, and enhance win strategies while collaborating across...
3 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Engineer innovative embedded systems solutions, driving design and optimization from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and performance in the power i...
3 days ago
Forward Deployed Agile Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative AI solutions through hands-on engineering and client collaboration. Transform complex business challenges into reliable, production-ready software while enhancin...
6 days ago
Data Center Structural Engineer
$113K - $142K *
Design and develop structural engineering solutions for modular data centers. Oversee vendor collaboration, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance with local codes, delivering repeatable desi...
3 weeks ago
Principal Solution Executive II - Security
$160K - $192K *
Elevate cybersecurity solutions by driving revenue growth through strategic sales, managing the full sales lifecycle, and building strong relationships with clients and partners to enhance market pres...
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Director Software Engineering - Central Security
$180K - $220K *
Drive the development of innovative security systems using AI/ML, managing risk across identity and access management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security while maintaining ope...
Today
$92K - $113K *
Lead the charge in managing complex global accounts, coordinating operations and sales teams to exceed customer expectations, ensure financial performance, and drive account growth. Foster strong rela...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Subcontract Administrator
$112K - $196K *
Lead subcontract administration efforts, ensuring compliance and effective negotiation while fostering relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Drive strategic procurement initiatives within the...
6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive success at the intersection of federal contracts and strategic initiatives, leading cross-functional teams to enhance performance, manage diverse portfolios, and foster client relationships whil...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Materials Manager (Remote)
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading materials management for a Nuclear Development project. Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and vendors to ensure effective planning and execution, driving project s...
1 week ago
Program Data & Systems Analyst
$80K - $120K *
Elevate operational excellence by analyzing complex data, developing insights, and delivering polished reports. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance program management and streamline processes usi...
2 days ago
Electrical Engineer - Microgrid Systems
$87K - $157K *
Engineer innovative microgrid systems, integrating PV, BESS, and distribution assets. Lead detailed electrical designs, ensuring compliance and constructability from concept to construction support. D...
2 weeks 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.