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.
$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...
2 days 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
$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
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
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 *
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
Technical Manager- Virtual Platform Team
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Technical Support Engineer
$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...
3 weeks ago
Business Development Manager - Space and Satellite
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Lead Commercial Proposals Manager-1
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Staff Software Engineer, Content Intelligence
$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...
1 week ago
Enterprise Service and Configuration Management Analyst
$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...
2 weeks ago
Solutions Engineer, Wireless - Fort Washington, PA
$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...
Reposted today
Solutions Engineer, Wireless - NJ, Remote
$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...
Reposted today
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
Reposted 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.