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.
Program-Level Software Systems Engineer (IFMC)
$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
$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
$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...
Today
Space Network Systems Engineer
$110K - $165K *
Innovate advanced space network systems by designing and analyzing architectures, supporting integration, and optimizing communication technologies for ground and satellite networks. Collaborate with...
Today
Chief Technical Architect (Sr Staff Systems Architect)
$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
$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
Space Network Systems Architect
$129K - $193K *
Champion innovative network architectures for space systems, leading multi-disciplinary teams to develop and analyze advanced communication technologies, ensuring mission success through cutting-edge...
Today
Mission Planning Systems Engineer
$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
AEGIS DEVELOPMENT LEAD ENGINEER
$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
AEGIS DEVELOPMENT LEAD ENGINEER
$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
Lead Cyber Systems Engineer - Level 4
$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
$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
Systems Engineer (Lead or Senior)
$136K - $223K *
Lead cross-functional teams to enhance system capabilities, manage requirements, and drive technology assessments, ensuring optimal mission performance and cost efficiency in a dynamic engineering env...
Reposted today
Principal Systems Engineer - Processing, Guidance, & Controls Engineers t
$107K - $204K *
Lead the development and evaluation of advanced control and navigation algorithms for autonomous systems, collaborating across engineering teams to enhance system performance and reliability in comple...
2 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Manage the development and integration of advanced Submarine combat systems, ensuring seamless operation of hybrid software, web, and hardware products. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative so...
2 weeks ago
Staff Systems Engineer (Level 5)
$169K - $253K *
Drive innovation in maritime systems engineering, supporting complex programs of national importance. Collaborate with multi-disciplined teams to develop cutting-edge oceanic technologies, ensuring su...
6 days ago
Senior Electrical Systems Engineer
$116K - $194K *
Support our mission by providing technical leadership in electrical systems for naval ship design. Collaborate with multiple teams to assess risks, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with specifica...
5 days ago
Senior Electrical Systems Engineer
$116K - $194K *
Shape the future of electrical systems engineering by leading technical assessments, collaborating with diverse teams, and driving innovative solutions for naval ship modernization efforts in a dynami...
5 days ago
Director 3 - Senior Director of Systems Engineering
$200K - $352K *
Shape the future of engineering by leading a dynamic team of 500 professionals in System Concept Development, Digital Engineering, and Continuous Integration, driving innovation and performance across...
1 week ago
Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE)
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of cybersecurity by engineering innovative solutions for cloud-hosted systems. Collaborate with experts to protect national interests while implementing robust se...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower systems engineering excellence by designing, integrating, and sustaining mission systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational capabilities while providing lifecycle support and condu...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Shape the future of space systems by leading integration efforts for advanced satellite and ground systems, ensuring seamless development and operational success across the entire lifecycle...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Engage in comprehensive systems engineering for advanced space systems, supporting integration and lifecycle management of cutting-edge satellite and ground systems. Collaborate with contractors and g...
1 week ago
Engineering Director, Systems Engineering, Integration & Test (SEIT) Chief Engineer (ONSITE)
$186K - $353K *
Optimize systems engineering and integration as the SEIT Chief Engineer, leading technical strategy and ensuring alignment across disciplines. Drive program success through disciplined execution, risk...
3 weeks ago
SE&V Lead System Engineer - Regional C2BMC
$129K - $239K *
Elevate your career by leading a multidisciplinary engineering team, driving system architecture development, and applying Model-Based Systems Engineering principles to create innovative solutions for...
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.