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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$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Quanah, TXRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

Tulsa, OKRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Tampa, FLRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 days ago

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

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

West Virginia, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

Dayton, OHRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Vancouver, BCRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Irvine, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

San Jose, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

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.