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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$95K - $115K *

Unlock insights for leadership by facilitating seamless collaboration across systems engineering disciplines, ensuring comprehensive support for organizational initiatives and high-quality communicati...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead high-impact systems engineering efforts, overseeing critical projects while coordinating modernization initiatives for advanced defense communication systems, and engaging cross-functi...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$164K - $305K *

Contribute to systems engineering ownership for launch systems, driving technical integration, establishing processes, and ensuring balanced solutions against performance, schedule, cost, and risk whi...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$164K - $305K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Systems Engineering Leader, driving technical integration and fostering collaboration across departments to ensure robust systems engineering practices, risk management...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of TechSIGINT systems engineering by providing enterprise-focused support, integrating capabilities, and ensuring compliance with policies while collaborating with stakeholders and ma...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $226K *

Lead the charge in advancing space vehicle systems engineering to support innovative defense projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure mission success and contribute to the evolving landscape...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in systems engineering and cybersecurity. Lead complex technical programs, manage Agile processes, and collaborate with diverse teams to enhance defense initiativ...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join us in enhancing systems integration for military aircraft, ensuring operational safety and effectiveness. Leverage your engineering expertise to support lifecycle management and compliance with a...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Join our team to lead technical planning and system integration efforts, ensuring effective solutions that meet customer requirements while managing a skilled workforce in a dynamic environment...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation in ground system architectures, ensuring alignment across major acquisitions. Collaborate with government teams to deliver technical solutions and strategic insights that enhance miss...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Shape advanced ground system architectures to enhance mission capabilities. Collaborate with government teams to ensure alignment across acquisitions and engineering activities, delivering technical i...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $135K *

Shape complex systems engineering solutions in support of NAVAIR programs. Lead requirements development, system architecture, and integration across technical disciplines, ensuring successful project...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $204K *

Elevate your career by leading interdisciplinary teams to design and implement innovative Cyber solutions. Collaborate on risk assessments, develop security strategies, and ensure compliance throughou...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $204K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative Cyber solutions through collaboration and expertise. Engage in risk assessments, design evaluations, and ensure compliance while working with cros...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead and inspire engineering initiatives in air traffic management systems, translating operational needs into actionable requirements while ensuring system performance and safety through effective in...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of Army Air and Missile Defense systems by leading system engineering efforts, collaborating with diverse teams, and ensuring software meets operational needs through Agile methodolog...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$93K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Transform Navy mission readiness by leveraging advanced modeling and simulation techniques for combat systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-fidelity testing and evaluation, directly impacting...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$166K - $249K *

Unlock potential by leading technology initiatives that drive innovation and new market opportunities. Collaborate across teams to manage IRAD efforts, enhance technical solutions, and deliver strateg...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $167K *

Lead systems engineering teams to optimize resources and drive innovative solutions. Utilize advanced analytical skills to influence decision-making and ensure alignment with business goals while mana...

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$183K - $261K *

Lead cutting-edge mission planning systems engineering, guiding integration and sustainment to enhance satellite communications for national security. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and mentor...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Reimagine your career by leading a team of engineers in the development and integration of cutting-edge AEGIS Combat Systems, ensuring quality and alignment with key stakeholders while navigating comp...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team supporting AEGIS Development projects. Oversee a team of engineers, manage budget planning, and drive collaboration across various stakeholders to enhance the AEGIS Integrated Comb...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$149K - $223K *

Join a dynamic team to lead the development of cyber technical products, ensuring a secure environment through collaboration with cross-functional teams. Drive innovation and technical excellence in a...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Pioneer innovative solutions as a Systems Engineer, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and deliver advanced software systems. Drive integration and testing efforts while managing requ...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.