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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$90K - $110K *

Join our team to deliver innovative waste management solutions. Collaborate with clients to optimize operations through tailored technology integrations and enhance sustainability efforts while drivin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$216K - $264K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative projects that drive efficiency and growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact solutions while mentoring junior engineers and enhancin...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $105K *

Unlock potential by managing complex RF communication projects, ensuring successful design and implementation for public safety systems. Collaborate with diverse teams and clients while demonstrating...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$135K - $205K *

Lead the charge in delivering client-focused mainframe solutions. Oversee diverse projects, manage teams, and leverage strategic insights to enhance hardware and software lifecycle management while fo...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $241K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable data solutions, optimize performance, and enhance software architecture while adhering to coding standards and leveraging AI to...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Lead strategic growth in cyber solutions for defense agencies, enhancing national security through innovative programs and strong partnerships. This role requires expertise in business development, pi...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Accelerate growth by leading strategic business development efforts in defense cybersecurity. Engage with senior leaders, cultivate relationships, and manage a robust pipeline to address complex cyber...

Virginia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Drive customer success by leading strategic transformations and fostering C-suite relationships. Leverage ServiceNow expertise to enhance satisfaction, retention, and value delivery across complex, mu...

Addison, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$173K - $259K *

Transform the customer onboarding experience by bridging Product Management and Engineering. Lead initiatives that prioritize seamless integration, scalability, and customer success while ensuring opt...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Reimagine your career as a Solutions Engineer, collaborating with Sales to craft tailored product demonstrations addressing aviation sector challenges, while influencing product development through cu...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $195K *

Accelerate advertiser impact measurement by leading incrementality studies and analytics. Collaborate cross-functionally to refine methodologies and translate insights into actionable strategies for c...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$150K - $275K *

Unlock potential by leading enterprise networking solutions, guiding teams through complex architectures, and translating business needs into scalable strategies. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensu...

Texas, USRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $200K *

Lead and influence strategic growth initiatives in the Defense sector by fostering client relationships, managing complex programs, and driving operational excellence to enhance profitability and clie...

Arlington, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Engineer cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure for financial markets. Drive architecture, design proofs of concept, and ensure interoperability while collaborating with teams to meet institutional re...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Partner with us to drive customer engagement by leading sales engineering efforts, supporting strategic initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions that me...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $179K *

Reimagine the future of ServiceNow development by designing and supporting custom applications. Leverage your expertise to solve complex problems, mentor junior developers, and drive innovative soluti...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $189K *

Engineer innovative electrical designs, ensuring compliance and safety for mission-critical power and cooling products. Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate systems, manage changes, and execute...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate client success by managing complex projects, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining budget integrity. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive engagement and optimize project outcomes from i...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $186K *

Pioneer a data-driven culture by designing scalable ELT pipelines and analytics models. Collaborate across teams to ensure product data integrity and empower stakeholders with self-service insights, d...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $90K *

Elevate the future of U.S. Coast Guard acquisitions by managing configuration processes for the Waterways Commerce Cutter. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and accuracy in documentation and...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $164K *

Lead our cybersecurity and governance initiatives, enhancing security operations and risk management while driving compliance with CMMC 2.0 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards. Collaborate across teams to imp...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $120K *

Lead the charge in administering and supporting Microsoft cloud and on-premises environments, ensuring seamless operations and project coordination for Microsoft 365 implementations while enhancing us...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$107K - $204K *

Join us to develop and maintain advanced HR data architecture in Snowflake. Lead data governance and ensure high-quality data through optimized ETL/ELT processes while collaborating with cross-functio...

Farmington, CTRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Grow your career with a leading AI inference platform, optimizing GPU performance and collaborating with teams to enhance execution. Drive innovation in low-level coding and hardware integration for c...

Austin, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Innovate the future of digital experiences by leading architectural strategies and solving complex technical challenges across multiple teams. Drive impactful solutions that enhance customer engagemen...

Las Vegas, NVRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

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.