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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$90K - $175K *

Empower mission success by managing COMSEC lifecycle functions, ensuring the security and integrity of communication systems through expert oversight and compliance with national standards...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $225K *

Lead the charge in multidisciplinary engineering and design management for a large-scale industrial infrastructure project, ensuring compliance with technical standards and client expectations through...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

$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...

Springfield, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

Maryland, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$228K - $423K *

Shape the future of advanced missile programs by leading cross-functional teams, driving strategic R&D initiatives, and ensuring alignment with customer needs. Your efforts will pave the way for gener...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $140K *

Lead the charge in transforming healthcare through cloud solutions, driving modernization and interoperability initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design secure, scalable Azure arc...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Contribute to cloud migration efforts by designing secure, scalable Azure architectures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for mission-critical healthcare applica...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $126K *

Lead and optimize subcontract management by negotiating agreements, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive successful federal contracting outcomes while mentoring junior sta...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$59K - $106K *

Lead the charge in optimizing CAD workflows and standards, supporting engineering teams to enhance project delivery efficiency through effective management of CAD systems, templates, and technical doc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $100K *

Manage and execute complex LIMS implementations for public health and environmental labs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success, stakeholder alignment, and high-quality out...

Tucson, AZRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$112K - $125K *

Unlock your potential as a software engineer, driving innovation in AI solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop and deploy cutting-edge software that enhances productivity and automates w...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $147K *

Optimize manufacturing processes in heavy equipment production by leveraging Lean principles and advanced technologies; ensure efficiency and safety throughout the product lifecycle while collaboratin...

Minnesota, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$82K - $172K *

Accelerate progress at the intersection of security and cloud infrastructure, leading a team to optimize AWS environments, implement DevSecOps practices, and enhance automation for secure software del...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $154K *

Drive security excellence by managing vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and maintaining system integrity. Collaborate with teams to remediate findings and uphold NIST standards in a hands-on techn...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$70K - $130K *

Join our dynamic team as we drive AI adoption forward! You'll coordinate training engagements, manage events, and enhance team communications, all while supporting our mission to innovate and improve...

New Jersey, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $243K *

Join a team that's reshaping operations by supporting the Hyperion system and Oracle Planning tool conversion. Play a crucial role in data integration and foster cross-functional collaboration to meet...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Lead the modernization of a data platform, ensuring reliability and security while managing engineering teams across legacy and new technologies. Drive AI-native practices and uphold quality standards...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

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.