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.
Windows / KVM Virtualization Systems Engineer
$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...
5 days ago
Senior Manager, Solutions Engineer (FSI)
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Systems and Infrastructure Engineering
$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...
1 week ago
Senior DevSecOps / Platform Engineer
$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...
1 week ago
Sr. Engagement Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering - Public Sector
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Program Scheduler (Construction)
$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...
Yesterday
Senior Program Scheduler (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...
Yesterday
Head of Reseller & Embedded Solutions
$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...
2 weeks ago
Cloud Architect, Product Management
$164K - $246K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate cloud requirements into actionable product strategies, ensuring technical excellence and successful implementations in complex environments...
Today
Contracts Administration, Senior Advisor
$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...
3 weeks ago
Contracts Administration, Senior Advisor
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Contracts Administration, Senior Advisor
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Project / Product Manager - Containerized Data Centers - Remote
$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...
3 weeks ago
$105K - $149K *
Lead the charge in safeguarding our IT environment by managing security incidents, collaborating across teams, and enhancing our incident response capabilities to ensure compliance and protection agai...
2 days ago
Senior Solutions IT Architect supporting Capacity Growth-Remote, Domestic US Locations
$132K - $251K *
Unlock potential by leading technical design for resilient architectures that enhance classified system capabilities, aligning IT solutions with business objectives while collaborating with senior eng...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Shape the future of quality assurance by ensuring our products meet high standards. Collaborate with engineering teams to test APIs, SDKs, and real-time integrations, while building automation for fas...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Architect comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for strategic customers, driving technology adoption and ensuring successful project outcomes through technical leadership and collaboration across vari...
Reposted 3 days ago
$135K - $159K *
Advance your career by serving as a trusted technical advisor, designing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for strategic customers across key industry verticals, and driving successful business ou...
6 days ago
$135K - $159K *
Lead the design and implementation of advanced cybersecurity solutions for strategic customers across various sectors. Collaborate with sales and technical teams to drive successful project outcomes a...
6 days ago
$135K - $159K *
Join as a trusted technical advisor, designing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for strategic customers across key industries. Drive technology adoption, support large-scale initiatives, and ensu...
6 days ago
$135K - $159K *
Elevate your career by serving as a trusted technical advisor, designing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for strategic customers across key industry verticals, and driving successful business ou...
6 days ago
Sr. Software Engineer (Frontend) - Access Management
$120K - $145K *
Redefine the future of SaaS applications by building scalable, high-performance solutions. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation, prioritize security, and enhance user experience while embracin...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Business Development / Capture Manager
$110K - $130K *
Drive business growth by leading end-to-end capture efforts in cybersecurity and intelligence sectors. Engage customers, shape strategies, and close deals while owning the full lifecycle of opportunit...
Today
Organizational Change Management Senior Analyst
$95K - $115K *
Explore innovative strategies for organizational change management, driving successful project transitions and integrating emerging technologies while ensuring effective communication and collaboratio...
3 weeks ago
$145K - $152K *
Champion program excellence by leading complex federal initiatives, managing multidisciplinary teams, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships to ensure successful delivery and client satisfacti...
1 week 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.