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.
Senior Product Analytics Engineer
$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...
2 weeks ago
Configuration Management Specialist
$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...
Today
Service Delivery Manager - Security & Governance
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Data Architect (Remote)
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
System Engineer (Token Factory)
$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...
3 days ago
$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...
1 week ago
Quality Engineer - MRB, RCCA & Composite Manufacturing
$73K - $102K *
Grow as a quality consultant driving non-conformance management and continuous improvement initiatives in aerospace manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality an...
Reposted 3 days ago
Backend Software Engineer - AI/ML Integration
$87K - $157K *
Transform healthcare data processing by designing and developing robust backend services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI and machine learning, ensuring reliable, standards-bas...
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$186K - $232K *
Contribute to enterprise sales success by delivering tailored technical solutions, supporting complex customer engagements, and driving new opportunities with a focus on data security and management t...
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$171K - $202K *
Drive the creation and oversight of a risk framework that balances growth with security. Partner with cross-functional teams to implement risk strategies operationally, while conveying insights to exe...
3 weeks ago
Senior Business Analyst/Scrum Master
$100K - $110K *
Join a team that's advancing project success through Agile leadership and stakeholder engagement. As a vital contributor, you'll manage requirements and optimize workflows while collaborating with cro...
3 weeks ago
$210K - $225K *
Transform engineering culture by empowering teams to excel, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. Leverage your technical acumen to lead strategic initiatives and elevate team performance w...
3 weeks ago
Frontend Engineer - Design Systems
$140K - $158K *
Partner with us to enhance design systems by building shared components and patterns. Collaborate with designers and engineers to create accessible, user-friendly interfaces that elevate product exper...
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Senior Business Development Leader - Wright Patterson AFB
$135K - $160K *
Champion growth strategies across defense IT and ISR systems, building senior relationships and managing opportunities at Wright-Patterson AFB. Drive innovation in C2 modernization and lead proposal d...
4 days ago
$135K - $176K *
Empower loan officers by ensuring a seamless user experience across multiple platforms. As a key player in product management, gather insights, drive development, and strategize for future growth in a...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform PCB design processes in a dynamic environment, collaborating with engineers and contractors to ensure high-quality, high-speed digital and mixed signal PCB layouts that meet stringent requir...
2 weeks ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Agentic Systems (Active Secret Clearance)
$185K - $230K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, driving innovative AI solutions and enhancing performance across complex workflows. Collaborate with diverse teams to shape the future of A...
2 weeks ago
$89K - $120K *
Optimize system stability and usability by managing configuration changes in the PATH EHR environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable operations and support clinical users...
2 weeks ago
Manager of Security and Compliance
$130K - $150K *
Elevate your career by leading security and compliance initiatives in a dynamic healthcare SaaS environment. Drive key programs, manage audits, and partner with cross-functional teams to ensure regula...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, GTM Systems Architecture
$135K - $160K *
Lead the evolution of our GTM Systems Architecture, enhancing Salesforce and its tech stack for AI-native workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build a trusted data foundation and driv...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, OTA Services
$229K - $260K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing a robust OTA update system, ensuring seamless deployment across diverse environments while mentoring engineers and driving technical excellence in distrib...
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Cybersecurity Operations Supervisor 3rd Shift
$110K - $130K *
Drive cybersecurity excellence by leading a dedicated team in 24/7 operations, overseeing investigations, enhancing team performance, and fostering continuous improvement in security processes and inc...
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Senior Product Manager (Remote)
$140K - $160K *
Manage the delivery strategy for a critical telehealth product, ensuring alignment with VA goals. Collaborate with stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams to enhance virtual care for Veterans, dr...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of procurement by optimizing MRO and consumables management. Lead strategic sourcing and supplier relationships across multiple sites while driving cost savings, compliance, and opera...
3 weeks 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.