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.
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by serving as a strategic liaison between Finance, Facilities, and Supply Chain functions and IT, ensuring alignment of technology capabilities with business priorities and driving su...
3 days ago
$115K - $202K *
Transform the enterprise landscape by guiding technology strategies that align business goals with IT capabilities, ensuring efficient operational performance and supporting growth through best practi...
Reposted 1 week ago
$130K - $135K *
Drive project success by managing all phases from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Lead cross-functional teams, maintain client communication, and uphold qualit...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $140K *
Deliver impactful project leadership in a multi-phase AI integration program, ensuring timely execution and alignment with strategic goals while fostering collaboration across technical and leadership...
Yesterday
$108K - $130K *
Shape the future of Precision Guided Munitions by leading capture strategies, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with program objectives. Drive innovation and enhance program per...
3 days ago
Senior Cybersecurity Pre-Sales Technical Architect
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Cybersecurity Pre-Sales Technical Architect, driving strategic security solutions and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to enhance business development in...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Back-End (Security Controls)
$199K - $270K *
Tackle the complexities of backend engineering by developing robust API integrations, building ETL pipelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performanc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive your career with impactful identity and access management solutions. Collaborate with teams and clients to enhance security and efficiency through innovative technology implementations and opera...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Business Development and Capture, National Security Space
$164K - $314K *
Lead strategic initiatives to capture new business opportunities in National Security Space, leveraging technical expertise and stakeholder collaboration to drive growth and deliver innovative solutio...
2 days ago
$120K - $170K *
Shape the future of enterprise infrastructure by leading design, implementation, and optimization of systems. Drive automation, enhance security, and mentor junior staff while collaborating on strateg...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Lead a team of technical professionals to support mainframe and enterprise technology operations. Oversee workload coordination, issue resolution, and resource planning in a dynamic environment requir...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's focused on delivering mission-critical solutions. Contribute as a systems integrator, managing projects and advising leadership while ensuring technical excellence and effective com...
3 weeks ago
Remote Aviation Design Manager
$110K - $130K *
Optimize design processes and lead a team of Design Leads to ensure high-quality project deliverables. Collaborate with project managers to balance resources, enforce design standards, and drive conti...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Deliver seamless integration and Tier 3 support for secure mobile infrastructure. Collaborate with enterprise stakeholders to ensure compliance, performance, and customer satisfaction while managing c...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Engineer, Project Engineering
$100K - $130K *
Partner with us to design and implement secure, scalable network solutions. Leverage your expertise in networking technologies to enhance performance and reliability while collaborating with cross-fun...
1 week ago
$131K - $237K *
Lead the charge in managing complex IT programs, ensuring product development and lifecycle management while coordinating multiple vendors and teams to meet customer needs and deliver on strategic obj...
Yesterday
$160K - $200K *
Elevate client success by leading high-stakes projects and cultivating strong relationships while driving innovative solutions and business growth in a dynamic consulting environment...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Drive strategic contract management and proposal development within the Defense and Civil Space Market, leveraging extensive federal contracting expertise to foster relationships and navigate complex...
3 days ago
Principal AI Security Engineer
$172K - $240K *
Join a team that's redefining AI security! As a Principal AI Security Engineer, you'll lead assessments, design controls, and partner with teams to ensure safe AI adoption across the enterprise, drivi...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $180K *
Engage with key stakeholders to manage contracts and proposals, leveraging extensive federal contracting expertise to drive strategic outcomes in the Defense and Civil Space Market while fostering col...
2 days ago
$144K - $170K *
Transform critical business applications by developing robust software solutions. Collaborate with clients and government leads to gather requirements, ensuring high-quality delivery in a dynamic, Agi...
2 weeks ago
$133K - $146K *
Analyze and enhance quality processes in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating cross-functionally to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in...
Yesterday
Distinguished Engineer, Frontier Agentic AI (Remote)
$235K - $350K *
Empower the future of cybersecurity AI by leading innovative research and development. Collaborate with experts to create advanced systems that enhance defense capabilities and transform security oper...
1 week ago
$165K - $190K *
Shape innovative IT solutions by leading technical strategies for federal proposals. Collaborate with teams to design enterprise architectures, ensuring alignment with business goals while serving as...
1 week ago
Mechanical Commissioning Engineer/Specialist
$110K - $140K *
Advance your career by leading commissioning activities for critical facilities. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure project success through effective communication, strong problem-solving sk...
Reposted 4 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.