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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$229K - $258K *

Lead the charge in shaping product security strategy, driving cross-functional initiatives, and embedding security by design into engineering workflows. Collaborate with teams to enhance vulnerability...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining product security by leading cross-functional initiatives, embedding security into engineering workflows, and shaping strategies that enhance risk management across major...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $214K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing enterprise Finance solutions, optimizing processes, and driving global transformation initiatives through innovative technology and collaboration with sta...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$92K - $166K *

Lead the charge in optimizing global supply chain strategies, managing high-value subcontracts, and ensuring compliance in a dynamic defense environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to dri...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$74K - $99K *

Accelerate progress at our Service Excellence Team by supporting Incident, Problem, and Change Management processes. This role offers hands-on experience and growth opportunities in IT Service Managem...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Champion our commissioning efforts by leading a dynamic team, managing project workflows, and driving innovative solutions in Life Science and Advanced Manufacturing. Collaborate across disciplines to...

North Carolina, USRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Transform business development in C4ISR systems by driving growth strategies, fostering customer relationships, and identifying new opportunities to enhance mission capabilities for warfighters across...

San Diego, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$175K - $240K *

Transform customer engagement by deploying innovative AI solutions, guiding installations, and crafting tailored integrations while enhancing product tools based on real-world usage and feedback for s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$215K - $230K *

Transform compliance into actionable insights by bridging technical teams and auditors. Own your area of responsibility, enhance security measures, and drive automation in a multi-cloud environment wh...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $130K *

Champion quality and commissioning excellence across diverse construction projects, ensuring compliance and safety while fostering collaboration among teams and stakeholders to drive impactful results...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$91K - $152K *

Join a team that's dedicated to managing customer relationships and driving project success in the power generation sector. You'll oversee operations, ensure customer satisfaction, and contribute to s...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $100K *

Join a dynamic team to manage complex projects, ensuring quality control and timely deliverables while coordinating with engineers and stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement and provide analytical...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Unlock your leadership potential by guiding product engineers in creating exceptional developer experiences. This role blends technical expertise and product vision, enabling you to drive impactful in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Solve security challenges by owning and enhancing our security program. Lead CorpSec, SecOps, and compliance efforts while building a robust security culture in a fast-paced, remote environment...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $246K *

Lead cross-functional teams to deliver innovative CSP offerings, focusing on compute, storage, and GPU products. Utilize senior project management skills to ensure timely and budget-compliant executio...

Morrisville, NCRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$122K - $142K *

Shape the future of networking by leading the design and maintenance of enterprise infrastructure, optimizing solutions, and enhancing team operations for a seamless connectivity experience across the...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Champion strategic acquisition management and analysis, developing comprehensive strategies and documentation for DoD medical programs while ensuring compliance with established processes and framewor...

Bethesda, MDRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$114K - $190K *

Join a team that's driving the successful execution of complex Power Conversion projects, overseeing all phases from planning to closure. Ensure financial performance, quality, and customer satisfacti...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$134K - $241K *

Champion project success by managing complex construction portfolios through all phases, from planning and execution to closeout, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and facilitating stak...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$159K - $164K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of enterprise applications by designing and maintaining robust web solutions in Azure Government Cloud, leveraging full-stack technologies to enhance user experie...

Arlington, VARemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$104K *

Analyze and support security programs, ensuring compliance with regulations while enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with management to prioritize projects and improve administrative proces...

Arlington, VARemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$230K - $275K *

Lead the charge in vulnerability research and exploitation techniques, transforming real-world threats into automated solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance security measures and validate defens...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$144K - $170K *

Lead the charge in delivering complex federal programs for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. Drive mission-critical IT, cybersecurity, and telecommunications initiatives while ensuring stakeholder s...

Colorado, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$74K - $139K *

Unlock potential by sourcing and negotiating procurement of essential materials and services. Analyze market trends, manage supplier performance, and ensure quality and cost-effectiveness to support o...

New Jersey, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Empower clinical research by leading studies in infectious diseases, ensuring scientific integrity and collaboration with stakeholders. Drive trial design, monitor data, and support medical activities...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.