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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$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

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Falls Church, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of manufacturing by leading strategic procurement for facilities and utilities, overseeing lifecycle management, and ensuring optimum support for production while adhering to stringen...

Falls Church, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$163K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of flight operations by leading the product vision for a premier EFB navigation solution. Utilize your aviation expertise to enhance user experiences and drive pr...

Austin, TXRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of field engineering by leading technical support, training, and quality assurance efforts. Drive continuous improvement while ensuring top-tier service and communication with clients...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

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

$115K - $138K *

Manage complex data center deployment projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment among stakeholders. Oversee planning, execution, and closeout while maintaining budget and risk controls in fast...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$108K - $167K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing patient care through clinical leadership and operational excellence. Drive quality improvement initiatives and support compliance across multiple bases while...

New York, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Champion cybersecurity excellence by leading governance, risk management, and compliance efforts. Drive remediation activities and ensure the protection of critical systems while translating complex f...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$212K - $265K *

Drive transformative software engineering across EPM products, lead modernization, build innovative SaaS capabilities, and enhance operational excellence in a high-impact role overseeing global teams...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $200K *

Transform complex engineering projects by leading a team of specialists in BAS and EPMS designs for critical data center sectors, ensuring high quality and timely deliverables while mentoring talent a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Champion enterprise communications and change initiatives, enhancing employee engagement and understanding. Collaborate across departments to ensure clear, consistent messaging and drive organizationa...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $152K *

Drive innovative electrical designs within nuclear power projects, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance system reliability and performance. Address complex engineering challenges while ensuring...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.