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.
$130K - $155K *
Build and automate security solutions within the software development lifecycle, enhancing application and cloud security through hands-on collaboration and systemic risk evaluation. Lead initiatives...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$98K - $206K *
Join us to provide technical direction and drive software operations with a skilled team. You'll manage requirements, perform testing, and support mission capabilities in a fast-paced, collaborative e...
Reposted 5 days ago
$98K - $206K *
Shape the future of software systems by providing technical leadership and ensuring operational excellence in complex software applications, while collaborating with distributed teams to create effici...
Reposted 5 days ago
$98K - $206K *
Lead the technical direction of software systems engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to streamline development, verification, and operational support of software application...
Reposted 5 days ago
Principal/Senior Principal Systems Engineer
$108K - $171K *
Engineer innovative systems solutions that enhance product lines and support advanced tactical missions. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless integration and validation of requirements, driving...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $170K *
Elevate innovation by collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and integrate complex autonomous systems, addressing customer needs through a structured lifecycle from requirements to valid...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $170K *
Join our Innovation team to drive the development of autonomous systems and LC4ISR solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet customer needs and enhance military communications and o...
3 weeks ago
Enterprise Architecture Mission Engineer
$128K - $170K *
Shape the future of national security space systems by developing enterprise architectures and providing technical expertise to enhance U.S. Space Force capabilities. Collaborate with leadership to mo...
2 weeks ago
System Engineer Level 2 - Mission Operations Engineer
$91K - $137K *
Unlock your potential as you contribute to mission operations, collaborating with engineers to develop operational concepts and procedures, enhance tools, and support simulations for complex space mis...
Reposted 1 week ago
Guidance, Navigation, and Mission Design Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Contribute to advanced spacecraft GN&C and mission design by modeling, simulating, and analyzing trajectories to enhance NASA’s Deep Space Logistics missions. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure...
3 weeks ago
Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer
$108K - $163K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of mission-critical systems engineering. You'll design, develop, and sustain advanced architectures for tactical operations, collaborating with diverse teams to e...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer
$108K - $163K *
Lead the charge in developing and executing software test plans for advanced defense systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality and compliance while integrating hardware and s...
2 weeks ago
$81K - $136K *
Empower your career by supporting the Vulcan Development team in enhancing launch systems. Collaborate across disciplines, apply systems engineering principles, and contribute to innovative solutions...
1 week ago
$81K - $136K *
Transform the future of launch systems by supporting Vulcan Development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance capabilities, perform systems engineering tasks, and contribute to innovati...
1 week ago
Senior Principal Mission Engineer
$153K - $190K *
Join a team that's empowering the U.S. Air Force's Big Safari mission by providing expert mission engineering support for advanced Electromagnetic Battle Management systems and enhancing cross-platfor...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$130K - $144K *
Lead the charge in engineering solutions for advanced precision strike systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance the Navy's air-to-ground missile capabilities while ensuring complia...
Today
$105K *
Design, specification and installation of uniquely individually tailored, easy-to-use, fully integrated electronic systems for audio-video, lighting control, communications, specialty security, home a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Technical Program Integration Lead
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in integrated planning and execution, driving technical alignment across diverse teams to deliver cohesive, measurable program outcomes. Ensure effective risk management and execution...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer (Defense)
$110K - $191K *
Lead the charge in ensuring the success of national intelligence systems through strategic engineering, integration, and innovative solutions for enterprise resiliency and defense acquisitions, enabli...
4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Systems - AHT IBCS Poland (NAREW)
$108K - $163K *
Lead the charge in advancing missile defense systems through innovative engineering solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance integrated command and control capabilities for inte...
1 week ago
Communication Systems Engineer Modeling & Simulation II
$113K - $136K *
Shape the future of communications systems by collaborating on design, integration, and testing. Utilize engineering principles to enhance performance and solve challenges across the product lifecycle...
2 weeks ago
Communication Systems Engineer Modeling & Simulation II
$118K - $142K *
Unlock your potential by collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and test innovative communication systems. Leverage systems engineering practices to enhance system performance and lead pr...
2 weeks ago
Communication Systems Engineer Modeling & Simulation II
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of communications systems engineering. You will assist in designing, developing, and testing advanced solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enha...
3 weeks ago
$142K - $213K *
Champion the systems engineering lifecycle, from concept to delivery, ensuring robust requirements management and verification strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop architectu...
Reposted 1 week ago
$142K - $213K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the full systems engineering lifecycle, from concept to delivery. Engage with customers and stakeholders, ensuring robust system architecture and effective verification str...
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.