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.
$165K - $250K *
Lead the charge in advancing product safety by developing robust safety frameworks and engaging with partners and regulators. Leverage a multi-disciplinary team to manage the path towards safe and com...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Security Engineer, Nation State
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of security by leading cross-functional initiatives to enhance incident detection and response capabilities. Collaborate with diverse teams to identify risks, develop automation, and...
2 weeks ago
$145K - $175K *
Deliver innovative datacenter, cloud, and network solutions by leading architecture design, client engagement, and technical governance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape complex infras...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in accurate cost estimation for construction projects, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence. Collaborate with teams to analyze specifications and maintain high-quality stand...
Today
Senior Administrator, Systems Management
$110K - $130K *
Transform endpoint management by designing and deploying solutions across a vast device estate. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure security, compliance, and reliability while leveraging...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $200K *
Partner with us to develop groundbreaking simulation products, focusing on AI and robotics. Engage with customers to shape product roadmaps, create prototypes, and enhance integration within the simul...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize CI/CD pipelines and improve Azure infrastructure to enhance deployment and observability. Collaborate with teams, addressing performance issues while deploying critical products that elevate...
1 month ago
Principal Technical Product Manager
$138K - $165K *
Elevate your career by leading complex product initiatives across technical domains. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic direction into actionable plans, ensuring measurable out...
3 days ago
Senior Manager, AI Transformation, Quality Engineering & Delivery Excellence
$142K - $180K *
Lead AI transformation and quality engineering initiatives across enterprise environments. Drive multimillion-dollar portfolio management, enhance operational excellence, and coach high-performing tea...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Champion the coordination of a dynamic Field Engineering team, driving technical support and project management to enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency in gaming applications...
1 month ago
$100K - $110K *
Unlock potential by creating clear, accessible documentation for federal programs. Collaborate with experts to transform complex regulations into user-friendly materials, ensuring compliance and accur...
2 weeks ago
$200K - $245K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leading the design and implementation of scalable systems and APIs. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences while mentoring engineers and driving...
4 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Product Facing
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by architecting innovative financial solutions. As a software engineer, collaborate with diverse teams to build reliable applications that transform customer experiences and streamlin...
4 weeks ago
Top-Level Deck Mariner Subject Matter Expert (Remote)
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by providing expert maritime guidance to the U.S. Coast Guard, evaluating training programs, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. Leverage extensive experience as a seni...
2 weeks ago
Hardware Integration Project Manager (Facilities & Equipment) - EV Construction Management
$140K - $160K *
Unlock potential by leading hardware integration projects from prototype to deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product viability in real-world environments while managing ri...
2 days ago
Lead Information Security Engineer
$139K - $250K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by designing secure architectures and leading initiatives to protect systems and infrastructure. Drive improvements in security posture while collaborating with teams...
2 weeks ago
Google Cloud Platform Engineer
$86K - $138K *
Join us to support the onboarding and configuration of Google Cloud Platform for our Federal Government client, ensuring seamless infrastructure operations and automation while providing expert cloud...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Program Analyst, supporting program management and governance for a key initiative. Collaborate with stakeholders to analyze data, develop reports, and ensure documenta...
2 days ago
Senior Director - Delivery Management
$160K - $200K *
Engage in strategic leadership to drive operational excellence and service delivery for global Digital Workplace Solutions. Lead teams, enhance client relationships, and optimize performance in a fast...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Object Storage
$150K - $180K *
Lead a talented team in crafting a high-quality, scalable object storage product that enhances the developer experience, balancing technical execution with product thinking to drive meaningful improve...
Reposted today
Senior Owners Engineer - Civil Structural
$110K - $130K *
Lead a team to design and oversee civil structural projects, ensuring quality and technical excellence across all phases. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior engineers while managing diverse pr...
3 days ago
$145K - $170K *
Shape the future of infrared sensing technology by conducting advanced analysis, developing algorithms, and collaborating with key stakeholders to enhance missile warning systems and sensor capabiliti...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by designing advanced PLL circuits for high-speed interconnects, contributing to next-gen AI technologies. Collaborate on innovative solutions in a dynamic environment, ensuring perfo...
4 days ago
$200K - $300K *
Elevate your career by designing cutting-edge PLLs for next-gen AI technologies. Collaborate with a dynamic team to innovate high-speed interconnect solutions, ensuring optimal performance in advanced...
4 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Remote)
$167K - $245K *
Unlock the potential of software agents by driving innovative design, development, and deployment across diverse environments. Collaborate in an agile setting to enhance capabilities that enforce netw...
4 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.