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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$125K - $175K *

Elevate project outcomes by leading diverse teams, ensuring safety, and driving effective communication. Leverage your expertise in construction management to enhance processes and foster strong clien...

Dallas, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$114K - $252K *

Transform the enterprise AI landscape by architecting innovative cloud solutions, enabling optimized workflows across government services, and driving team excellence in AI development and integration...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join us to develop and enhance algorithms for cutting-edge AI solutions. Collaborate with engineers and architects to transform innovative ideas into production-ready code, ensuring high-quality stand...

Cary, NCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join our team to enhance security and automation in delivery pipelines, driving consistent deployments and compliance through modern DevSecOps practices alongside skilled professionals...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $165K *

Lead the charge in enhancing supplier performance through hands-on diagnostics, assessments, and corrective actions. Collaborate with international suppliers to ensure quality and efficiency in manufa...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$133K - $210K *

Lead the charge in shaping security operations by architecting SIEM, driving automation, and mentoring a dedicated team. Your expertise will enhance threat detection and incident response, ensuring ro...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $130K *

Lead the charge in overseeing field installation activities, ensuring safety and quality while coordinating with project managers and stakeholders to drive successful project execution and adherence t...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Analyze and evaluate network anomalies in a 24/7 SOC environment. Collaborate with analysts on cyber threats, develop incident reports, and enhance SOC processes. Build test labs for research and prov...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$157K - $184K *

Empower secure software delivery by designing and maintaining robust CI/CD pipelines, enhancing cloud-native product security, and implementing best practices in software supply chain security. Collab...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $165K *

Advance financial strategies within the Benefits Finance team, overseeing forecasting, reporting, and compliance for diverse benefit programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance proces...

Massachusetts, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$138K - $173K *

Lead high-impact programs to optimize customer experience support, focusing on BPO partnerships and evolving service delivery models. Collaborate across teams to ensure smooth transitions and enhance...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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

6 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

6 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

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.