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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$90K - $120K *

Elevate your career by leading clients through the CMMC 2.0 compliance journey. As a key advisor, you'll translate complex regulations into actionable strategies, ensuring audit readiness and security...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Cybersecurity Consultant to evaluate and enhance clients' security postures across diverse environments. Drive proactive assessments, collaborate with experts, and deliver act...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $120K *

Elevate software quality assurance by testing GIS applications and validating complex datasets. Collaborate with developers and GIS specialists to ensure accuracy and reliability in geospatial data fo...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

The Security Program Manager will be responsible for securing OpenAI's critical product launches by coordinating security reviews and managing risks across cross-functional teams. This role ensures th...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform client engagement by leading diverse teams to deliver high-quality projects. Drive business development through strong client relationships and oversee technical delivery, ensuring complianc...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $170K *

Transform enterprise software systems by leading design and development efforts, ensuring scalable, secure applications that meet federal mission needs while mentoring engineers and driving best pract...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer the administration and development of core business systems, focusing on ServiceNow. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable solutions that enhance operations, service, and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Optimize technical documentation processes for complex thermal management solutions. Join us in bridging engineering concepts with practical applications, enhancing customer understanding while suppor...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $130K *

Join us in leading on-site installation activities for complex projects. As a key liaison, you'll ensure safety, quality, and schedule adherence while coordinating with diverse stakeholders to drive s...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $166K *

Drive satellite analysis and intelligence production by researching, tracking, and assessing satellite activity. Collaborate with partners to identify threats and deliver timely insights that support...

Macon, GARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $165K *

Pioneer in leading a dynamic team of Solution Engineers, optimizing multi-discipline datacenter solutions across data protection, storage, compute, and networking. Drive collaboration to shape industr...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform client engagements by leading cybersecurity initiatives, managing risks, and coaching junior consultants. Drive strategic discussions and deliver high-quality results while fostering growth...

Washington, DCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $202K *

Drive customer success by serving as a technical expert, guiding implementations and optimizing strategies for Harness AppSec solutions. Collaborate with clients to ensure they achieve maximum value a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by bridging commercial airline operations with military AOC modernization. Leverage your expertise to guide software teams and enhance operational strategies in a dynamic, remote...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by leading electrical engineering design for innovative projects. Collaborate with experts to enhance grid modernization and mentor emerging talent while...

Houston, TXRemote

Yesterday

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

$236K - $354K *

Innovate and drive strategic initiatives as a Principal Technical Program Manager, aligning engineering, product, and business stakeholders to enhance organizational effectiveness and execution across...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$168K - $240K *

Unlock potential by leading AI advisory strategy and governance, driving customer adoption through tailored solutions, and collaborating with technical teams to deliver impactful outcomes in a dynamic...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $240K *

Champion AI strategy and governance by leading advisory consulting services, guiding clients from interest to practical adoption. Collaborate with technical teams to deliver integrated solutions and e...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in optimizing supplier performance and innovation. Drive a team to enhance supplier capabilities, ensuring high-quality product delivery while fostering strategic relationships and con...

South Bend, INRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$97K - $122K *

Advance your career by leading supplier development initiatives that enhance performance and innovation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products while driving continuo...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$198K - $298K *

Champion the optimization of Sales systems and processes, driving productivity and strategic initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the sales experience and lead a global team...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $250K *

Transform the intersection of cybersecurity and government solutions by leading client delivery and business development in critical infrastructure settings, while delivering high-priority client work...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $220K *

Partner with us to tackle complex engineering challenges, leveraging deep expertise in TypeScript, Postgres, and AWS. Collaborate closely with our VP of Engineering to innovate and deliver impactful p...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Innovate core infrastructure and systems for agent-native applications, ensuring high availability and performance while enabling a culture of developer efficiency and confidence in delivery...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$136K - $181K *

Lead the charge in executing systems engineering activities across R&D, cloud, and AI platforms. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration, compliance, and operational excellence in...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.