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.
Security Engineering Team Lead
$150K - $225K *
Lead the charge in security engineering by guiding a team to build robust platforms, set technical direction, and enhance cloud security architecture while collaborating closely with operations to ens...
3 days ago
Security Engineering Team Lead
$150K - $225K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Security Engineering team. Drive technical direction, own security architecture, and collaborate closely with operations to build robust security platforms and...
3 days ago
Sr Principal Systems Engineer Architect
$122K - $184K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing system architectures and requirements for complex aerospace systems, utilizing model-based systems engineering to ensure mission effectiveness and design int...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - Emerging Simulation and Integration Section
$134K - $201K *
Lead a dynamic team in developing innovative simulation technologies, enhancing modeling and analysis capabilities for aerospace applications. Collaborate with government clients to deliver high-perfo...
Today
Engineering Manager - Emerging Simulation and Integration Section
$134K - $201K *
Champion innovative modeling and simulation solutions by leading diverse teams, enhancing cloud-native architectures, and driving strategic customer engagement to support critical aerospace initiative...
Today
Engineering Manager - Emerging Simulation and Integration Section
$134K - $201K *
Lead a dynamic team in developing innovative simulation solutions, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance modeling and analysis for aerospace applications, while fostering collaboration and...
Today
Sr Principal Engineer Systems-3217-3
$122K - $184K *
Champion hardware security by assessing threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring robust program protection and supply chain security. Collaborate with teams to enhance system integrity and compliance for...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead a multi-disciplinary team to architect and integrate advanced space systems, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs and technical requirements throughout the program lifecycle. Drive innovatio...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Architect advanced space systems by leading multi-disciplinary teams through design, integration, and validation phases. Ensure alignment of stakeholder needs with system architecture while managing t...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Transform national security initiatives by leading model-based systems engineering efforts. Collaborate across teams to integrate complex systems, enhance digital processes, and mentor peers, driving...
1 week ago
Senior Training Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of Air Force training systems by providing expert systems engineering support across the entire lifecycle, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness while collaborating with d...
1 week ago
Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE)
$120K - $130K *
Drive comprehensive information security initiatives while ensuring compliance, architecture integrity, and risk management. Collaborate with cross-agency teams to enhance network security and conduct...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Oversee the application of systems engineering principles throughout the lifecycle of complex technical programs, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs and program objectives while leading cross-f...
2 days ago
Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) - Skill Level 2
$108K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of cybersecurity by validating and implementing robust security solutions across dynamic environments. Leverage your skills to identify vulnerabilities, ensure co...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) - Skill Level 2
$108K - $130K *
Deliver comprehensive technical security assessments and system designs, ensuring compliance with Cybersecurity standards while validating requirements and mitigating risks across various computing en...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Cyber Systems Engineer/ Sr Principal Cyber Systems Engineer
$125K - $187K *
Champion cybersecurity defense by leading cross-functional efforts to develop and sustain secure systems while guiding a diverse team in executing remediation strategies to identify and mitigate risks...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $140K *
Transform complex systems engineering challenges into innovative solutions. Leverage your expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering to drive technical excellence and collaboration across teams, ens...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advancing Digital Engineering and MBSE adoption for mission-critical national security systems, collaborating with government and industry partners to shape future capabilities and...
Yesterday
Systems Engineer Integration Lead - Level 5
$169K - $253K *
Shape the future of aerospace systems by leading software integration strategies, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure seamless execution and alignment with mission objectives while driving inno...
2 days ago
Sr Manager, Systems Engineering
$177K - $280K *
Drive integration excellence as a Lead Systems Engineer, overseeing cloud, network, and security subsystems. Lead hands-on engineering efforts, mentor teams, and ensure compliance while shaping techni...
6 days ago
Principal Computer Systems Engineer - Onsite
$107K - $204K *
Join a dynamic team as you design and integrate cutting-edge avionics computing systems. Collaborate across disciplines to translate requirements into architecture, ensuring performance and compliance...
Reposted 5 days ago
System Engineer Level 5 - Mission Operations SME
$177K - $265K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing complex mission operations, developing CONOPS, and driving tools and processes for successful outcomes. Mentor teams and collaborate with stakeholders to ensu...
Reposted 1 week ago
System Engineer - Pre-Production & Deployment
$79K - $147K *
Advance the future of strategic defense by leading developmental test planning and execution for the Fleet Ballistic Missile program. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful integration and test...
4 days ago
$108K - $239K *
Lead the charge in technical excellence as the Chief Engineer, guiding multidisciplinary teams to ensure superior ground system capabilities and mission readiness. Drive engineering processes and stra...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Space Systems Engineer - Space Superiority
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space security by developing resilient spacecraft and mission systems. Leverage your expertise in spacecraft engineering and mission design to tackle complex c...
2 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.