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.
$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
Senior Subcontracts Specialist
$73K - $132K *
Lead the charge in managing complex subcontract activities, ensuring compliance with regulations and company policies while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support business objectives and...
Today
Senior Subcontracts Specialist
$73K - $132K *
Lead the procurement cycle, negotiate contracts, and collaborate across functions to ensure successful management of federal subcontracts while driving innovation, compliance, and cost-effective solut...
Reposted yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation in scalable distributed systems by designing and building a reliability platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service health and observability while mentoring f...
Today
$100K - $130K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative software solutions using cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate closely with teams to create high-quality applications while adapting to new tools and process...
4 days ago
$90K - $168K *
Drive your career with a role focused on sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing essential materials and services. Analyze supplier performance and market trends to optimize procurement strategies and e...
1 week ago
Senior ServiceNow Developer (Remote)
$150K - $160K *
Optimize your career by designing and deploying a scalable integration between ServiceNow and Jira. Leverage your expertise to enhance technical processes and innovate solutions within a dynamic suppo...
3 weeks ago
$98K - $206K *
Join a team that architects Oracle Fusion PPM solutions to enable precise project management and financial accountability for Marine Corps initiatives. Leverage your expertise to lead configurations a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager, Solutions Architecture
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading architecture in sales and implementations. Collaborate with clients and teams to drive technical excellence, enhance projects, and innovate solutions across multiple platfo...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Distinguished Hardware Security Engineer Hybrid/Remote
$252K - $321K *
Drive hardware security strategy across Cisco's extensive product portfolio, establishing secure-by-design standards and collaborating with industry leaders to shape the future of embedded security in...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by designing and implementing enterprise identity solutions, ensuring secure access across cloud and hybrid environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance IAM...
Today
Forward Deployed Engineer - AI Security
$138K - $207K *
Elevate customer success by leading technical onboarding and implementation efforts. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive adoption and ensure timely value delivery in a fast-paced AI security envir...
1 week ago
Forward Deployed Engineer - AI Security
$138K - $207K *
Help us drive customer success by leading technical onboarding and implementation efforts, ensuring seamless post-sales support, and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance the customer journey in...
1 week ago
Forward Deployed Engineer - AI Security
$152K - $228K *
Help us drive customer success by leading technical onboarding and implementation efforts. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless post-sales support and foster long-term partnerships in a f...
1 week ago
$185K - $260K *
Champion security excellence by designing and implementing robust software solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance security practices, conduct code reviews, and respond to incidents, ensuring a s...
4 days ago
Lead Technical Program Manager - Remote
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's driving complex, cross-functional programs that enhance client engineering requests and ensure timely delivery. You'll shape processes, manage dependencies, and support Tier 1 clien...
2 days ago
Senior Mechanical Designer 2 - Nuclear Power
$85K - $130K *
Tackle diverse mechanical design challenges; lead multi-discipline project teams in creating precise 3D layout drawings and innovative mechanical systems for power plants, while mentoring junior desig...
4 weeks ago
Principal Enterprise Security Architect
$150K - $180K *
Transform enterprise security by bridging technical and strategic initiatives, ensuring robust cyber defense across hybrid environments. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance security posture and d...
2 days ago
Senior Contract Manager - Suppliers & Third Parties
$120K - $150K *
Empower stakeholders by leading the complete contracting lifecycle for strategic suppliers and partners. Collaborate cross-functionally to negotiate complex agreements, manage risks, and optimize cont...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Contract Support Specialist
$88K - $105K *
Elevate procurement efficiency by supporting contract operations, developing documentation, and liaising with stakeholders. Play a key role in ensuring compliance with regulations while managing compl...
4 days ago
Security Engineer, Infrastructure Security
$120K - $145K *
Join us to enhance the security posture of our production platform. As an Infrastructure Security Engineer, you'll drive remediation efforts, build security frameworks, and collaborate with teams to p...
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$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI solutions by deploying and integrating cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with customers and engineers to enhance system performance and drive innovatio...
1 week ago
$120K - $165K *
Unlock potential by leading hydro turbine design and engineering projects, optimizing asset performance, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enh...
2 weeks ago
Principal, AI Transformation Lead
$154K - $193K *
Drive AI transformation by building client relationships, leading engagements, and delivering results. Own the sales process from prospecting to execution, ensuring successful integration of AI soluti...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal, AI Transformation Lead
$132K - $165K *
Lead the charge in AI transformation by building client trust, driving business development, and delivering impactful solutions. Own the entire engagement process from sales to execution, guiding team...
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.