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.
Principal Product Security Engineer
$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...
Today
Principal Product Security Engineer
$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...
Today
Principal Software Development Engineer
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
Today
Senior Analyst, Service Excellence
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Program Manager, Quality & Commissioning, NA
$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...
2 days ago
Lead Services Specialist - Contract Performance Mgmt
$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...
Today
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$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...
3 days ago
Sr. Project Manager, CSP - Remote
$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...
6 days ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
Senior DoD Acquisition Specialist - Telework
$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...
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$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...
1 week ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer
$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...
3 days ago
$104K *
Analyze and support security programs, ensuring compliance with regulations while enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with management to prioritize projects and improve administrative proces...
4 days ago
Senior/Staff Attack Engineer, Rapid Response
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
4 days 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.