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.
Software Engineer, Core Software Engineering (International Remote Hire)
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation by developing and supporting our trading system software, focusing on low latency and high throughput solutions during US evening hours in a dynamic remote environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$140K - $180K *
Innovate with us as you lead technical delivery for enterprise data integration and migration projects, focusing on Higher Education and Salesforce ecosystems. Drive solution architecture, manage team...
1 week ago
Field Application Engineer - Aerospace and Defense
$117K - $146K *
Join us to drive growth in the Aerospace and Defense sector by developing sales strategies, providing technical expertise, and building strong customer relationships that enhance profitability and mar...
2 weeks ago
Windows, Azure, Virtualization Engineer
$122K *
Transform enterprise Windows infrastructure and cloud environments by designing, implementing, and securing systems. Collaborate with IT teams to optimize performance, automate processes, and ensure c...
1 week ago
Senior Data & AI Platform Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to design and build a robust data platform that enhances product performance and supports AI initiatives, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for internal and customer-facing...
2 weeks ago
Senior Specialist Sales Engineer, Data Security
$170K - $243K *
Elevate your career by partnering with sales teams to deliver innovative data security solutions. Lead technical evaluations, translate customer needs into compelling offerings, and drive successful o...
3 weeks ago
$75K - $90K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive integrated AV system projects, ensuring effective communication and support between business units and development teams while managing on-site testing...
1 week ago
Technical Director-Train Control/ATS
$157K - $283K *
Transform transit operations by leading complex Automatic Train Supervision initiatives. Drive collaboration across technical and operational teams, ensuring system performance and reliability for maj...
6 days ago
Federal Human Capital Business Analyst
$110K - $115K *
Transform federal human capital management by leveraging your HR expertise. Collaborate with a high-performing team to enhance service delivery and drive continuous improvement in HR processes and sys...
2 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing security design processes, ensuring high-quality project delivery, and collaborating with designers and project managers to drive efficiency in mission-critic...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team as you drive growth by designing tailored software solutions for schools. Leverage your technical expertise to engage clients, deliver impactful demos, and collaborate with cross-f...
Reposted 1 week ago
Systems Engineering Specialist (Active Directory/Azure AD/Identity)
$120K - $145K *
Lead the design and implementation of Active Directory and Azure AD solutions, ensuring seamless integration and security across platforms. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance identity manage...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$184K - $230K *
Shape the future of product security by leading architecture reviews and risk mitigation strategies. Collaborate with engineering and compliance teams to embed security throughout the development life...
3 days ago
Senior SI/PI Engineer - AI and Compute Server Design
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to optimize high-speed interconnect performance through SI/PI simulation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance design quality and resolve signal issues across various a...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $200K *
Transform your career by leading innovative software solutions, guiding AI-driven development, and ensuring high-quality deliverables. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape the technical la...
2 days ago
$185K - $225K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of innovative project management, collaborating with scientists and engineers to drive complex client engagements. Your expertise will ensure successful delivery an...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive application reliability by improving codebase performance and support systems integration. Collaborate across teams to ensure robust observability, facilitate incident response, and automate ope...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate by developing scalable applications and data pipelines, leveraging Python and cloud platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize enterprise systems and enhance backend serv...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team to lead complex civil engineering projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to design and implement innovative transportation solutions that en...
2 weeks ago
Senior CI Engineer Transportation
$90K - $105K *
Unlock potential by driving continuous improvement initiatives across operations. Leverage data analytics and engineering methodologies to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost, while collaborat...
4 days ago
$92K - $166K *
Transform supply chain efficiency by managing purchase orders, resolving delays, and driving supplier accountability. Collaborate with teams to mitigate risks and ensure timely delivery, contributing...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Engineer innovative power system solutions by conducting EMT studies and developing models. Collaborate with leadership to enhance team expertise and deliver quality advisory support to clients in the...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Executive Briefing Strategist
$133K - $200K *
Elevate client relationships by leading strategic executive engagements, transforming account priorities into impactful conversations that drive growth and strengthen partnerships. Collaborate with sa...
2 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Optimize user experience by managing Salesforce administration, enhancing platform functionality, and driving user adoption. Collaborate with teams to support business needs and ensure seamless integr...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $110K *
Advance your career by crafting high-level communications for federal oversight entities. Collaborate with a team to ensure clarity and consistency in executive correspondence, while managing tight de...
3 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.