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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$150K - $180K *

Join a high-growth infrastructure team to operate and scale Kubernetes platforms across multiple cloud providers, ensuring efficient GPU resource allocation and robust monitoring systems to support ma...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at a high-growth infrastructure team managing Kubernetes platforms across multiple clouds. You'll enhance GPU resource efficiency and ensure system reliability while collaborating...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic infrastructure team managing Kubernetes platforms across multiple clouds. You'll develop systems that safeguard GPU resources, ensuring optimal performance and...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $175K *

Unlock your potential as a leader in training development, overseeing curriculum design and delivery. Drive continuous improvement and ensure high-quality training programs that align with operational...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$220K - $291K *

Lead the charge in shaping data infrastructure and strategy, managing a high-performing engineering team to drive robust, scalable solutions that optimize insights and empower data-intensive initiativ...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$108K - $149K *

Lead project management initiatives within the MSSP business, driving product transitions and strategic programs. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely delivery and quality outcomes while fo...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform the future of renewable energy by leading 3D design for utility-scale battery and solar projects. Collaborate with engineers, mentor designers, and ensure project success through innovative...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$96K - $124K *

Join a team that's committed to resolving complex technical issues for customers. You'll drive personalized support, streamline problem resolution, and improve service processes, all in a fast-paced...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$107K - $204K *

Pioneer innovative contracting solutions in a dynamic environment. Leverage your expertise in U.S. Government and commercial contracts to drive success within integrated project teams while ensuring c...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing AI product quality through rigorous testing and requirements management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets user needs and indus...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join our team to ensure high-quality AI product releases by developing test plans, executing tests, and managing requirements. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance product functionality and drive...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $265K *

Unlock potential by leading a transformative data engineering team focused on building robust, high-performance data platforms. Drive innovation, foster a culture of learning, and ensure impactful out...

Nashville, TNRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$100K - $135K *

Lead the charge in optimizing virtualization systems by leveraging KVM expertise, ensuring seamless installations, upgrades, and maintenance of Windows servers in a VMware environment while delivering...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$220K - $330K *

Unlock potential by leading high-performing solution engineering teams in Financial Services. Drive pre-sales strategies, mentor talent, and enhance customer experiences through innovative AI solution...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining IT infrastructure by leading innovative solutions in systems engineering, cloud migration, and automation. Drive operational excellence while collaborating across teams t...

Bentonville, ARRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$112K - $179K *

Champion the Agentic AI platform by owning its end-to-end operations, ensuring secure, reliable, and scalable delivery through advanced CI/CD practices, AWS infrastructure, and Kubernetes management...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $179K *

Lead complex engagements and establish strategic relationships while mentoring teams and driving solutions in high-stakes Public Sector environments. Shape account strategy and deliver measurable impa...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $165K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of large-scale construction programs. Leverage your expertise in scheduling and project management to drive successful delivery across diverse sectors, ensuring p...

Eunice, NMRemote

Today

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

$120K - $165K *

Lead the charge in managing complex construction schedules, ensuring timely delivery across diverse sectors. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement best practices and maintain project i...

Seattle, WARemote

Today

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

$210K - $263K *

Join a team that's redefining indirect sales strategies by building and scaling reseller and embedded partner programs. Drive significant revenue growth through strategic alliances and cross-functiona...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$164K - $246K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate cloud requirements into actionable product strategies, ensuring technical excellence and successful implementations in complex environments...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $179K *

Take ownership of a diverse portfolio of GSA/GWAC contracts, ensuring compliance and operational excellence through strategic management, collaboration with stakeholders, and training initiatives for...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $179K *

Lead the charge in managing a diverse portfolio of government contracts, ensuring compliance and performance excellence while advising program teams and building strong relationships for mission succe...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $179K *

Join a team that's pivotal in managing complex government contracts. You will advise and collaborate with program teams to ensure contract compliance and success from start to finish, while fostering...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in managing complex containerized data center projects, ensuring alignment with customer needs and organizational goals from inception to completion while balancing scope, budget, and...

Alexandria, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.