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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$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...

Markham, ONRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$112K - $196K *

Lead subcontract administration efforts, ensuring compliance and effective negotiation while fostering relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Drive strategic procurement initiatives within the...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

Richland, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Texas, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$123K - $166K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cloud platform reliability and security. As a Platform Engineer, you'll leverage your expertise in Kubernetes and CI/CD to build and maintain robust infrastru...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Design Manager, overseeing design delivery, coordinating projects, and leading a talented team to ensure high-quality results while fostering strong relationships with...

Indianapolis, INRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$185K - $260K *

Join us in shaping the future of our AI infrastructure! Leverage your expertise to build and scale our cloud systems, ensuring reliability and security as we meet the demands of enterprise clients and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to securing web applications for federal clients. Collaborate in a cross-functional environment to implement security measures and threat detection, ensuring compliance wi...

Washington, DCRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team focused on enhancing cybersecurity measures for web applications, ensuring compliance with industry standards while managing threats. Utilize your expertise to protect vital data a...

Washington, DCRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$150K - $207K *

Partner with us to drive enterprise AI adoption by assessing, deploying, and securing Microsoft 365 Copilot and Agent 365 capabilities. Leverage your expertise to enhance customer environments and ens...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Elevate incident response capabilities by developing dashboards and alerts, optimizing cloud performance, and ensuring security compliance. Collaborate with product teams to enhance IAM needs while dr...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$92K - $153K *

Transform client experiences by leading ServiceNow implementations, translating business needs into technical solutions, and collaborating with teams to optimize application performance and drive inno...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Elevate customer satisfaction by providing expert remote technical support. Leverage your engineering skills to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues, ensuring optimal system performance and adheren...

Independence, OHRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $210K *

Pioneer your career by leveraging your full-stack development expertise to design and implement innovative software solutions. Collaborate with teams to support critical federal missions through IT mo...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity in higher education by delivering expert assessments, advisory services, and tailored remediation plans that empower institutions to enhance their security posture an...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

$118K - $147K *

Drive high-stakes architectural design for complex technology projects, ensuring innovative solutions from concept through execution while collaborating with leading global firms in a multidisciplinar...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$74K - $139K *

Engage in comprehensive contracts management, coordinating across multiple departments to optimize proposals, negotiations, and compliance while fostering customer relationships and ensuring adherence...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Join us to ensure the effectiveness of our GTM systems. You will maintain and optimize CRM configurations, data flows, and governance while supporting teams in navigating technical solutions for our e...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 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.