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.
$120K - $145K *
Join a collaborative team to enhance applications on the Pega Platform, driving automation and modernization. Engage in Agile development, partner with cross-functional teams, and ensure system reliab...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $163K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing ground systems engineering for aerospace missions. Support design, integration, and testing of critical infrastructure, ensuring reliable communication betwee...
Today
$88K - $163K *
Drive technical planning and system integration for comprehensive solutions, ensuring effective analysis across all system levels. Collaborate with teams to translate customer requirements into action...
6 days ago
Principal Flight Software Engineer
$146K - $280K *
Contribute to cutting-edge projects by designing embedded flight software, ensuring compliance and efficiency in real-time systems for advanced aerospace applications while collaborating with diverse...
4 weeks ago
Principal Flight Software Engineer
$168K - $280K *
Elevate your career by developing cutting-edge embedded flight software for critical aerospace projects, including NASA's Artemis program. Collaborate with experts and leverage your skills to drive in...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $173K *
Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts, integrating and validating complex systems while managing performance metrics and ensuring supportability. Collaborate with cross-functional te...
1 week ago
Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Systems Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Drive the implementation of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to enhance submarine design processes. Collaborate with stakeholders, assess best practices, and develop innovative solutions to meet...
1 week ago
Systems Engineer Level 4 – COAST Ground SEIT
$142K - $213K *
Shape the future of systems engineering by leading integration and testing efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring operational excellence in system development and maintenance...
1 week ago
Acquisitions Program Systems Engineer, Senior
$110K - $130K *
Shape your career with a pivotal role in systems engineering, overseeing the full lifecycle of air armament and munitions systems. Collaborate on requirements, design, and integration while ensuring c...
1 week ago
Sr Engineer (Systems Engineer)
$90K - $122K *
Innovate your career by leading complex systems engineering projects, integrating advanced technologies for military platforms. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance product lifecycle activities a...
2 weeks ago
Systems / Principal Systems Engineer
$91K - $137K *
Join a dynamic team to design, integrate, and enhance cutting-edge systems solutions. Collaborate with engineers and clients to ensure successful hardware and software integration while conducting tes...
Reposted 1 week ago
Cyber Systems Security Engineering Asc Mgr - L4
$120K - $224K *
Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity for missile systems, guiding teams in security architecture and anti-tamper design. Mentor talent and ensure compliance with regulations while integrating se...
6 days ago
Principal Systems Engineer - Configuration Management (17837)
$98K - $147K *
Shape the future of defense systems by ensuring configuration integrity and compliance through effective management. Collaborate with technical teams to develop and implement processes while conductin...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $170K *
Transform the future of aerospace by leading systems engineering for spacecraft, ensuring seamless integration and performance across multiple disciplines while managing technical risks and program re...
1 week ago
$140K - $170K *
Shape the future of aerospace by leading systems engineering for spacecraft. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integrated system performance from design to launch, balancing technical...
1 week ago
$140K - $170K *
Lead the charge in developing integrated spacecraft systems, ensuring seamless collaboration across engineering disciplines. Drive technical execution from architecture to mission operations, balancin...
1 week ago
Systems Engineer 3 (AWF - 082)
$95K - $115K *
Advance systems engineering initiatives by supporting PMO with critical documentation, data gathering, and analysis. Collaborate on requirements verification and lifecycle planning to enhance project...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $210K *
Lead the charge in architecting robust flight software for aerospace applications, ensuring safety-critical standards are met while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, r...
2 weeks ago
Space Vehicle Systems Engineer
$99K - $225K *
Lead the charge in space vehicle systems engineering, driving design, development, and integration efforts. Collaborate with clients and teams to innovate and enhance advanced technology solutions for...
5 days ago
Chief Systems of Systems Integrator
$160K - $190K *
Champion the future of space defense by leading systems engineering efforts for the U.S. Space Force. Collaborate with senior leaders to architect and integrate advanced capabilities, ensuring mission...
5 days ago
$85K - $158K *
Lead the planning and execution of F-35 testing processes, ensuring integration across engineering teams. Collaborate on test plans, oversee lab readiness, and generate reports to assess product quali...
4 days ago
$95K - $178K *
Innovate total systems solutions through technical planning, integration, and analysis. Collaborate across design, test, and logistics to ensure reliability and maintainability while adhering to cost...
6 days ago
$85K - $158K *
Unlock potential by leading the integration and testing of advanced F-35 sensor systems. Drive technical test planning, execution, and continuous improvement in a collaborative environment, ensuring m...
1 week ago
$85K - $158K *
Engineer innovative hardware solutions to enhance system verification and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and troubleshoot complex systems, ensuring operational readiness...
1 week ago
Director, System Engineering, Integration and Test (SEIT)
$200K - $260K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in space technology as a leader in Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test. Oversee a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the successful execution of strategic ob...
1 week 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.