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.
$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
Principal Account Manager - Navy and Marine Corps Aviation
$140K - $180K *
Elevate your career by leading strategic customer engagements in the Naval Aviation sector. Drive business growth and operational excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet cus...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Drive operational excellence by designing and maintaining secure, scalable infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance deployment processes and system observability, ensuring re...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Join us to drive strategic growth by managing key accounts, building executive relationships, and leading complex deals. Shape multi-year strategies and collaborate with a virtual team to deliver impa...
1 week ago
$150K - $160K *
Champion cloud and application security by enhancing AWS practices, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement to ensure secure and compliant environments...
3 weeks ago
AI Governance Platform and Automations Engineer
$107K - $204K *
Partner with us to shape AI governance as a Responsible AI Engineer, driving the implementation of enterprise-wide Responsible AI practices and configurations while collaborating across RTX businesses...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Commissioning Specialist 2 - Construction Management
$134K - $205K *
Drive the commissioning process for power plants, ensuring peak performance and safety. Lead on-site activities, collaborate with teams, and implement protocols for mechanical equipment testing and op...
3 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Champion modernization initiatives by designing and overseeing transformation solutions, integrating cutting-edge GenAI technology, and ensuring alignment with business objectives to drive impactful m...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Platform Engineer -AI / Platform Lead
$135K - $160K *
Transform your career by leading platform engineering initiatives that enhance developer experience and operational excellence. Drive technical ownership across the software lifecycle, shaping the pla...
1 week ago
Senior DevOps Engineer - Remote
$120K - $145K *
Elevate security and efficiency in cloud environments by designing and automating secure CI/CD pipelines, ensuring compliance and reliability for regulated applications in a FedRAMP High setting, whil...
1 week ago
Deputy Director, Partnerships & Technical Integration
$196K - $210K *
Partner with us to shape the future of semiconductor workforce development by aligning industry needs with educational strategies, fostering partnerships, and leading initiatives that ensure technical...
1 week ago
Cogito Certified Project Manager
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that drives impactful project outcomes by managing stakeholder engagement and aligning reporting needs with strategic goals. Collaborate with cross-functional teams while utilizing your ex...
4 weeks ago
Member of Strategic Staff, Model Ecosystem
$125K - $150K *
Engage with model partners to drive integration and launch of generative AI solutions. Own relationships end-to-end, negotiate terms, and collaborate across teams to scale partnerships and enhance our...
3 days ago
$144K - $195K *
Innovate and lead the design of identity management solutions, ensuring security and integration across platforms. Collaborate with teams to enhance user experience and manage critical issues in a dyn...
1 week ago
Sr. Director - Advanced Technical Solutions (ATS)
$184K - $276K *
Elevate the execution of large-scale technology initiatives, leading cross-functional teams to translate business goals into effective technical solutions. Drive delivery accountability while connecti...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Acquisition Program Manager - Military Health (MILDEP) - Telework
$110K - $130K *
Transform acquisition program management by leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with DoD processes, and driving operational excellence in a dynamic environment. Play a key role in ris...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Lead the design and development of complex software systems, ensuring architectural consistency and best practices. Collaborate with teams to deliver scalable solutions while mentoring engineers and d...
Today
Engineering Technical Lead - I&C Embedded Software
$113K - $188K *
Contribute to the development of embedded software for nuclear systems. Lead a team ensuring design compliance, execute project plans, and enhance operational efficiency. Drive collaboration across di...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Quality Control Manager (Advanced Manufacturing)
$110K - $130K *
Elevate project quality by ensuring compliance with specifications and codes. Collaborate with teams to implement quality control plans, manage inspections, and exceed stakeholder expectations through...
1 week ago
Principal Product Manager, Platform and Shared Capabilities
$120K - $145K *
Transform product capabilities by leading strategy and execution for shared workflows, ensuring seamless integration and user experience across platforms. Drive measurable outcomes through customer in...
3 days ago
Senior Director Analyst - Digital Workplace - Enterprise Application Architecture and Operations
$172K - $202K *
Innovate within identity and access management by providing expert insights and strategies to clients on best practices in identity governance, privileged access, and AI tools, enhancing cybersecurity...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to design innovative HVAC systems for data centers, ensuring efficiency and reliability. Collaborate globally on high-profile projects while enjoying remote flexibility and opportu...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative HVAC designs for data centers. Collaborate globally on high-impact projects, ensuring energy efficiency and system reliability while advancing your career in a d...
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.