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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$75K - $140K *

Drive the design and implementation of advanced algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control systems in aerospace applications, ensuring precision during all flight phases and enhancing vehicle pe...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$67K - $124K *

Develop and implement advanced algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control of aerospace vehicles, ensuring optimal performance during all flight phases. Collaborate on complex simulations and enh...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Lead project execution for C5ISR systems, ensuring compliance and customer satisfaction through effective planning, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration. Drive project lifecycle from in...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Drive technical leadership in product development for advanced EO/IR systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, oversee design, and ensure successful integration and test...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Provide engineering support for multiple departments, focusing on Test and Evaluation, Unmanned Systems, and Undersea Weapons. Ensure operational readiness, and lead lifecycle support for complex mili...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by supporting the design and development of power electronics systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure cost-effective solutions, verify performance, and contribute to technical docum...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Innovate the future of aircraft systems engineering by developing designs, technical documentation, and compliance strategies. Collaborate with teams to ensure system performance and certification to...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Lead innovative RF communication solutions by guiding a skilled team in systems engineering projects that enhance national security. Collaborate across disciplines to optimize system architecture and...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Optimize systems engineering processes by leveraging extensive experience in STEM disciplines, ensuring compliance with security clearances, and driving technical excellence in a collaborative environ...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Lead the charge in systems engineering by managing requirements, developing test cases, and ensuring verification and validation. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver innovative solutions that me...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Elevate your career as a Systems Engineer, leading technical solutions and managing requirements for complex systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful project delivery and customer...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $203K *

Lead the charge in engineering execution across the program lifecycle, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive program success and deliver...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to advance small UAS capabilities, ensuring integration and performance across complex systems. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering and contribute to critical defense in...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$134K - $241K *

Lead the charge in providing technical guidance for missile defense integration, collaborating with stakeholders, and managing system design and integration activities to ensure mission success and op...

1 week ago

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

$134K - $241K *

Join a dynamic team to provide technical guidance for missile defense site integration, ensuring effective collaboration across agencies and stakeholders while identifying and mitigating design gaps t...

1 week ago

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

$134K - $241K *

Lead the charge in providing technical guidance and support for missile defense integration, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure effective system design and performance while addressing gaps an...

1 week ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on monitoring mission systems. As part of a 24/7 operation, you will ensure system health and performance, supporting critical issues while collaborating a...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Business Services

$135K - $203K *

Join a dedicated team to shape the future of maritime systems engineering, supporting advanced technologies and complex programs critical to national security. Collaborate across disciplines to innova...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Reimagine systems engineering by leading the technical foundation of a major UAS program. Drive acquisition documentation, manage risk, and spearhead cross-functional coordination, contributing to hig...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $200K *

Lead the technical direction for complex Naval aviation systems, ensuring Fleet readiness and safety. Drive architecture, requirements, and integration while mentoring engineers and collaborating with...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead engineering teams to develop, integrate, and optimize systems, ensuring mission success through innovative technical solutions while utilizing Agile methodologies and continuous improvement pract...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $285K *

Transform complex spacecraft systems through leadership in integration, architecture, and verification, ensuring mission success. Collaborate across disciplines to define strategic requirements and fo...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$104K - $158K *

Empower mission success by leading advanced engineering and technical support for critical ISR systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure operational readiness and security in a high-tempo envir...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$138K - $165K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and integration of secure API ecosystems, enhancing national security capabilities through cloud-native solutions and enterprise architectures in a collaborative...

2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $170K *

Accelerate progress at naval aviation by integrating advanced warfare systems. Contribute to the development, testing, and deployment of mission-critical technologies, ensuring operational readiness a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information 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.