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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$100K - $170K *

Unlock potential by providing architectural engineering support for DOJ/BOP facilities. Collaborate on technical analyses, document reviews, and design recommendations to enhance decision-making and p...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $130K *

Drive the design and deployment of secure AI applications in cloud environments, integrating advanced technologies like machine learning and ServiceNow solutions to enhance operational efficiency and...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Drive cybersecurity solutions by managing security platforms, improving detection logic, and leading incident response efforts while ensuring operational health and compliance across diverse client en...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovation by leading the design and implementation of complex systems, ensuring reliability and scalability while aligning engineering solutions with business objectives in federal IT moderniza...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$142K - $195K *

Transform security outcomes by leading cross-functional initiatives and implementing robust web application security solutions. Leverage your expertise to influence stakeholders and drive enterprise-w...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$111K - $206K *

Join a team that's driving mission success through innovative program planning. Collaborate across functions to develop and maintain schedules, ensuring on-time, in-budget delivery of complex projects...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $140K *

Unlock your potential as a Program Manager, leading complex cybersecurity initiatives. Drive project success by coordinating resources, managing timelines, and ensuring the protection of sensitive dat...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development of software systems for autonomous aviation, managing architecture, integration, and performance across airborne, ground, and cloud environments to enhance operation and reliabili...

Mountain View, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $160K *

Optimize customer service management and AI capabilities by leading ServiceNow implementations, enhancing workflows, and ensuring compliance with governance standards to elevate customer experience an...

South Carolina, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $193K *

Empower your career by leading complex IT initiatives, ensuring disciplined execution and governance across cross-functional projects. Drive operational readiness and enhance delivery rigor while coll...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $145K *

Strategize initiatives to enhance workforce alignment and Agile practices, driving high performance in IT services for federal clients while fostering a collaborative culture and supporting strategic...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform customer engagement by providing expert pre-sales technical support, leading complex solution development, and delivering impactful presentations to ensure tailored solutions meet client nee...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Drive innovation by deploying and troubleshooting advanced IP networks in diverse environments. Collaborate with teams to integrate cutting-edge security technologies while ensuring seamless connectiv...

Devault, PARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Drive the development and integration of advanced nuclear energy systems by applying systems engineering methods to translate objectives into clear, verifiable requirements and solutions, while collab...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$68K - $131K *

Shape program success by developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules, ensuring compliance with requirements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance goals and enha...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $252K *

Shape the future of national security by ensuring high performance and reliability of AI and data analytics platforms. Leverage your SRE expertise to optimize mission-critical systems within secure Az...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Champion advanced IT infrastructure solutions by providing Tier 3 engineering and support. Leverage your expertise in Microsoft technologies to resolve complex issues, enhance system performance, and...

Washington DC, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $210K *

Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer, driving technical risk analysis and supporting mission-critical systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, develop, and maintain secure, scalable...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $216K *

Lead the charge in managing a software engineering team, driving the design and delivery of secure satellite ground communication services while fostering best practices and ensuring alignment with mi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of 3D modeling and virtual simulation. Lead daily operations, provide technical direction, and ensure project success while collaborating with Government stakehol...

Leavenworth, KSRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Empower cross-functional collaboration by aligning technology with business priorities. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance cybersecurity compliance, and foster trusted relationships to optimize ente...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Unlock potential by serving as a strategic liaison between Finance, Facilities, and Supply Chain functions and IT, ensuring alignment of technology capabilities with business priorities and driving su...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $202K *

Transform the enterprise landscape by guiding technology strategies that align business goals with IT capabilities, ensuring efficient operational performance and supporting growth through best practi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $135K *

Drive project success by managing all phases from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Lead cross-functional teams, maintain client communication, and uphold qualit...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $140K *

Deliver impactful project leadership in a multi-phase AI integration program, ensuring timely execution and alignment with strategic goals while fostering collaboration across technical and leadership...

Virginia, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.