Chief Systems Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Chief Systems Engineer Do?

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.

Industries Hiring Chief Systems Engineers

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Explore CSE Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Dallas, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Bethesda, MDRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Wilmington, NCRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

South Carolina, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

Arlington, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$195K - $315K *

Drive innovation by architecting next-gen virtual-platform solutions for AI SOCs. Lead a technical team to deliver high-quality simulation models, enabling early software development and ensuring firs...

Santa Clara, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$112K - $195K *

Accelerate progress at digital modernization initiatives by leading human-centered product design. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance workflows, automate processes, and create AI-enabled experi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $137K *

Empower customers as a Senior Technical Support Engineer, solving complex technical issues with modern tools while enhancing user experience, collaborating with engineering, and shaping innovative sup...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $250K *

Explore exciting opportunities in the aerospace and defense space industry. Own the development of testing solutions, drive business growth, and collaborate with teams to enhance our brand. Join us to...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Elevate project management effectiveness by providing advanced administrative support, ensuring adherence to policies, and enhancing team performance through training and reporting. Drive project succ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$92K - $154K *

Shape the future of energy by leading commercial strategies for Nuclear projects. Drive proposal development, manage risks, and ensure compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to del...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$144K - $241K *

Lead the charge in architecting and enhancing AI systems that empower global journalism. Drive technical direction, ensure system scalability, and mentor engineers while shaping the future of content...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$66K - $106K *

Optimize IT service delivery by managing configuration items, analyzing operational data, and ensuring effective incident resolution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service perform...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$78K - $142K *

Explore opportunities to enhance customer engagement by providing technical expertise in wireless solutions. Collaborate with sales teams to analyze network coverage and deliver tailored solutions tha...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$78K - $142K *

Drive business growth by providing technical expertise in wireless solutions. Collaborate with sales teams to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction through tailored consultations and innovative...

New Jersey, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$298K - $377K *

Champion the future of connectivity by leading a high-impact Solutions Engineering team. Drive strategic initiatives, mentor talent, and bridge technology with business goals for Service Provider cust...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$130K - $160K *

Design robust distributed systems with zero-knowledge proofs. Contribute to building Rust-based rollup nodes and sequencers. Ensure security while enabling rapid development to scale smart contract ap...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Chief Systems Engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Browse Chief Systems Engineer listings on Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.