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.
$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...
Reposted 1 month ago
Principal Technical Strategist - NextGen (Remote)
$180K - $275K *
Unlock potential by defining and driving the technical vision and product strategy for Next-Gen SIEM and Log Management products, ensuring alignment with market needs and customer motivations while fo...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive field engineering excellence by installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting cutting-edge hardware systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance product design and ensure reliable operations in dyn...
2 weeks ago
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Engineer transformative solutions by integrating cutting-edge APIs into enterprise systems. Collaborate closely with clients to deploy production software efficiently while leveraging modern AI tools...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Electrical Engineer, Datacenter
$138K - $184K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of mission critical facilities by leading electrical design projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure high availability and efficiency in data center inf...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Business Systems
$110K - $130K *
Lead the enhancement of finance systems in a dynamic environment, focusing on optimizing NetSuite and integrating additional solutions. This role involves strategy, system configuration, and process i...
3 weeks ago
Control Systems Integrator III
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential by developing innovative control systems for diverse industries. Collaborate with clients to solve complex manufacturing challenges through automation and controls, ensuring effi...
2 days ago
Program Manager, Cybersecurity
$100K - $120K *
Lead and manage diverse cybersecurity programs, ensuring timely delivery and client success through effective communication and strategic planning. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance service qua...
2 weeks ago
Lead Transmission Line Engineer - Innovation & Technology
$92K - $166K *
Pioneer your career in transmission engineering, leading major EPC projects while driving innovation and technology development. Shape processes and tools that enhance project delivery and client sati...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer II - Agentic SDLC
$170K - $185K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leading complex projects, mentoring engineers, and driving technical excellence across teams. Collaborate on strategic initiatives to enhance reliability and...
Today
$166K - $187K *
Champion program operations by overseeing business development, quality, logistics, and financial performance. Collaborate with clients and manage resources to enhance efficiency and drive new busines...
Yesterday
Sr Staff Software Engineer (Distributed Systems | Data Ingestion | Storage | Analytics) - Remote
$171K - $300K *
Champion the evolution of a high-volume data platform, collaborating with engineering and product teams to enhance reliability and efficiency while mentoring senior engineers and driving innovative AI...
Yesterday
PMRT - Senior Software Engineer (Remote)
$140K - $160K *
Drive the development of critical enterprise applications for defense personnel, utilizing Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate in an agile team to enhance program and financial management tool...
Today
$123K - $205K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and evolution of complex CICS infrastructure solutions that underpin critical enterprise operations, leveraging your expertise to enhance performance and drive i...
Reposted 1 week ago
Project Manager/Senior Financial System Analyst
$140K - $160K *
Deliver impactful financial management solutions by leading a team of 8-10 professionals in federal financial systems. Engage with stakeholders to analyze data, support decision-making, and ensure suc...
3 days ago
$132K - $251K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI governance by leading the development of scalable, trustworthy data solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure responsible AI practi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in technical excellence by independently managing complex DDC implementations, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in mission-critical data cente...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$155K - $200K *
Engage as a Senior Backend Software Engineer, driving innovation in Go-based backend systems and contributing to the OpenTDF project, ensuring data security solutions for enterprise and federal client...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Advance your career by managing audio visual projects from inception to completion, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction while collaborating with diverse teams and overseeing logistics...
Today
Capacity Deployment Lead - Data Center Operations
$320K - $405K *
Unlock your potential by driving large-scale compute capacity deployments in partner-operated data centers. Manage hardware installations, collaborate with vendors, and optimize processes while ensuri...
4 weeks ago
Industry 4.0 Solution Engineer - Production Analytics
$100K - $135K *
Drive operational excellence by building and validating data products that empower manufacturing leaders. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate metrics and insights, enhancing pro...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineering Lead, NA
$175K - $190K *
Explore strategic leadership in mechanical engineering, guiding a team of experts to innovate and deliver top-tier data center solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to shape engineering standards...
3 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Lead the charge in managing AWS co-sell relationships, driving demand generation, and executing strategies to close deals. Collaborate with AWS account teams and ScaleOps AEs to optimize pipeline perf...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Scanning Engine
$134K - $199K *
Elevate your career as you design and operate large-scale cloud services for a cutting-edge scanning engine. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and mentor engineers in a dy...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $220K *
Take ownership of the entire algorithm development lifecycle. Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and optimize machine learning models for analyzing biosignal data in heal...
1 month 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.