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 - $145K *

Drive technical pre-sales and implementation for innovative API and AI products, serving as a key liaison between customers and engineering teams to enhance AI-driven discovery experiences in the medi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Drive quality assurance for ICT cabling infrastructure across 700+ Army Reserve sites. Collaborate with engineering teams and contractors to ensure compliance with technical standards and deliver exce...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $160K *

Lead the charge in embedding AI solutions across clinical, product, and operations teams, ensuring validated and governed features are shipped. Own initiatives end-to-end, enhance AI fluency, and buil...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $165K *

Design and deliver AI solutions within clinical and product teams, spearheading validated features while ensuring compliance. Collaborate across functions to enhance AI fluency and operational capabil...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$134K - $205K *

Join a dynamic team influencing nuclear power systems design. Contribute to modification packages, technical specifications, and engineering analyses to enhance operations and lead projects, ensuring...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $225K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring 24/7 operations of critical data centers. Lead engineering and operations teams to optimize infrastructure, enhance reliability, and modernize systems, all whi...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$224K - $308K *

Unlock potential by leading and scaling our MSSP partner business across North America, combining technical leadership with hands-on architecture engagements to drive strategic growth and adoption of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$133K - $262K *

Engage with clients and lead projects through all phases to achieve project goals while enhancing methodologies and tools tailored for the government contracting industry. Drive business development a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing healthcare technology by developing and maintaining our Electronic Health Record platform using Ruby. Collaborate in an agile environment to deliver impactful...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$184K - $356K *

Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, collaborating with research and product teams to transform innovative ideas into production-ready services that enhance AI tooling...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $175K *

Transform cybersecurity professional services by leading delivery execution, ensuring quality, and developing talent. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service capabilities and drive...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $140K *

Elevate your career by leading project estimation efforts, coordinating with teams, and analyzing complex solutions. Drive project success through meticulous planning and risk analysis while maintaini...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$127K - $175K *

Champion the execution of security and privacy initiatives, aligning cross-functional teams to reduce risks and enhance outcomes. Drive strategic planning, maintain clear communication, and prepare ex...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by managing complex government contracts, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and mitigate risks in a dynam...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$159K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative software solutions for complex payment systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize code, mentor junior engineers, and ensure high-quality prod...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $205K *

Lead the charge in cybersecurity governance and risk management consulting. Drive client engagements, develop security frameworks, and mentor teams while ensuring alignment with industry standards and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $180K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing scalable software solutions, designing responsive UIs, and optimizing backend services. Collaborate across functions to drive innovation and champion best pr...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $166K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing telecom systems for Antarctic support. Collaborate with teams to manage cable assets, ensuring compliance and quality while overseeing upgrades for Insid...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $225K *

Grow your career with a pivotal leadership role overseeing IT service delivery, project management, and customer engagement. Drive collaboration across teams to enhance infrastructure operations and e...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Pioneer innovative software solutions for defense programs by leveraging your expertise in C#, .NET, and SQL Server. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, compliant, and high-quali...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in shaping and expanding bridge design services across New England. Provide strategic direction, oversee project delivery, mentor staff, and strengthen client relationships to enhance...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$130K - $175K *

Transform IT operations by establishing automated, self-service systems while ensuring ISO compliance. As a crucial partner across functions, you'll enhance security protocols, streamline workflows, a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $190K *

Lead and design data solutions to drive healthcare insights, working with a team of engineers to build and maintain robust data pipelines, ensuring high reliability and performance for critical busine...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$155K - $209K *

Drive the future of device software as a hands-on technical lead, overseeing architecture and delivery for a team of firmware engineers. Own critical subsystems, ensuring safety and performance while...

Philadelphia, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to overseeing personnel and operational execution across critical Navy training programs. Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage contracts, and ensure successful program del...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.