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.
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of missile defense by engaging in C3BM systems engineering, integrating advanced technologies, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance Command, Control, Communications, and Bat...
Yesterday
$108K - $130K *
Pioneer high-fidelity combat system simulations, delivering system design, analysis, and logistics support to enhance decision-making for naval warfare applications, collaborating with multidisciplina...
3 weeks ago
Director Systems Engineering 1
$193K - $321K *
Lead and inspire a diverse engineering team across multiple sites, driving innovation and excellence in naval systems development. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful project execution...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director Systems Engineering 1
$193K - $321K *
Lead and innovate within a dynamic engineering organization, overseeing a diverse team to deliver advanced solutions for naval systems. Drive strategy, enhance processes, and ensure technical excellen...
Reposted 1 week ago
$128K - $214K *
Join a dynamic team as a Lead Systems Engineer, providing Tier III IT support across diverse technologies. Lead and mentor engineers, resolve complex issues, and enhance operational efficiency while e...
5 days ago
Systems Director - Systems Engineering & Integration
$168K - $252K *
Take ownership of system architecture and integration for a critical space program. Lead a talented team, manage complex requirements, and ensure mission success under tight timelines while shaping th...
Yesterday
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of power electronics systems. Lead technical authority and design efforts, ensuring compliance with customer specifications while managing risks and guiding multi...
4 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Optimize technical solutions to enhance government missions, leveraging your expertise in systems engineering, troubleshooting, and automation. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing cybersecurity...
Today
$175K - $195K *
Join a team that's innovating technical solutions to enhance government missions. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering to protect national cyber interests and drive modernization efforts in...
4 days ago
$108K - $227K *
Innovate cutting-edge SATCOM solutions as a systems engineer, tackling diverse technical challenges. Collaborate with a top-tier team to enhance signal intelligence capabilities through engineering, i...
Today
Principal Systems Architect - C5ISR
$125K - $150K *
Architect innovative C4ISR/C5ISR systems, leading integration and testing efforts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate mission needs into scalable architectures, ensuring operational...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer / Systems Integrator
$120K - $145K *
Drive the integration of advanced AI and machine learning technologies into satellite ground systems, collaborating with teams to identify gaps and enhance operational capabilities while ensuring seam...
Today
Senior Model-Based Systems Engineer
$140K - $200K *
Transform mission-critical defense initiatives by applying MBSE methodologies to develop system models, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and enhance digital engineering practices for DoD cust...
3 weeks ago
Director of Systems Engineering, Integration & Testing (SEIT)
$150K - $180K *
Transform the future of integrated systems engineering as you lead multidisciplinary teams, ensuring excellence in system architecture, verification, and testing across programs while driving innovati...
4 weeks ago
$69K - $141K *
Drive impactful solutions as a Systems Engineer, adeptly integrating systems and addressing complex challenges to enhance mission outcomes in a dynamic environment...
Reposted 5 days ago
$145K - $269K *
Lead the charge in providing strategic technical leadership and guidance across critical Systems Engineering domains, ensuring effective collaboration and execution of portfolio-level processes to dri...
4 days ago
$117K - $234K *
Lead the charge in designing advanced chiller systems, optimizing HVAC solutions. Collaborate with engineering and marketing teams to ensure product reliability and performance while transitioning tec...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$98K - $171K *
Lead the charge in integrating data science with product support engineering to enhance system readiness and drive efficiencies. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate insights into actionable re...
2 days ago
$98K - $171K *
Elevate your career by bridging data science and product support engineering to enhance system readiness and drive efficiencies. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate insights into actionable re...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform emerging technologies into enhanced software and hardware solutions. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design, prototype, and document capabilities while ensuring compliance with...
4 days ago
Flight Systems Engineer - Systems Development SME
$160K - $210K *
Join a dynamic team as a senior systems engineer, leading integration and verification for advanced flight systems. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects, ensuring safe operations and compliance with i...
1 week ago
$100K - $140K *
Lead the charge in integrating advanced digital engineering practices to enhance mission-oriented capabilities, fostering collaboration and innovation across systems for defense initiatives and ensuri...
4 days ago
$141K - $204K *
Lead the charge in advancing next-gen technologies as a Systems Engineering Manager. Oversee a multi-disciplinary team, drive modernization efforts, and ensure best practices in a dynamic environment...
3 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in enhancing complex ISR systems through expert integration, rigorous validation, and strategic risk management. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions that exceed cust...
Reposted 4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's leading innovative ISR and aviation solutions! As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll manage critical projects, mentor engineers, and ensure excellence in systems integration and v...
Reposted 4 days 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.