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.
$107K - $204K *
Join a dynamic team as a Radar Cross Section Engineer, focusing on testing, analysis, and signature-reduction for advanced aerospace systems. Leverage your expertise in RCS chamber operations and rada...
Reposted yesterday
$142K - $237K *
Lead multidisciplinary teams to design and execute complex aircraft entertainment and connectivity projects, ensuring alignment with technical, quality, and budgetary requirements while mentoring engi...
2 weeks ago
$92K - $138K *
Shape the future of engineering leadership by managing Nacelle and Engine programs, enhancing designs, and orchestrating cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation across...
3 weeks ago
$92K - $138K *
Lead engineering programs, manage teams, and drive innovative solutions in Nacelle and Engine Build Up projects while collaborating with cross-functional groups and overseeing deliverables to meet tec...
3 weeks ago
System Engineer - Flight Software
$117K - $195K *
Drive advanced systems engineering for complex spacecraft, focusing on Flight Software integration, verification, and validation. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure compliance and support on...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Engineer Systems
$142K - $213K *
Partner with us to drive innovative systems engineering solutions, ensuring effective integration and validation across all project phases. Leverage your expertise to transform customer requirements i...
5 days ago
Systems Engineer 6 (AI-focused)
$130K - $155K *
Drive innovation in systems engineering by applying expertise across the full system life cycle, focusing on AI, cloud engineering, and security. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure technical inte...
1 week ago
$80K - $120K *
Drive operational excellence by managing complex systems engineering projects for critical radar systems, ensuring effective solutions that meet technical, schedule, and cost constraints while support...
Reposted today
$80K - $120K *
Engage in the development of next-gen ICBM systems, collaborating with teams to ensure compliance and performance. This role offers early-career engineers a chance to enhance skills while contributing...
Today
$80K - $120K *
Join a team that's transforming military systems through innovative engineering solutions. Lead cross-functional teams in the design, development, and testing of embedded systems, ensuring compliance...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative systems engineering solutions for a high-priority nuclear modernization program, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to schedule and cost constraints w...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in systems engineering for a high-priority defense program. You'll engage in comprehensive engineering activities, ensuring mission success through effective desi...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by providing expert Systems Engineering support for advanced Intelligence Architecture, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to troubleshoot and enhance mission-critical syst...
1 week ago
$108K - $130K *
Lead a dynamic team to deliver innovative solutions for military systems, overseeing the entire program lifecycle from design to execution. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure compliance with cus...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of defense by leading systems engineering efforts for critical radar systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure operational excellence and deliver innovative solutions that enhance...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Join us to drive innovative solutions in systems engineering for major acquisitions. Leverage your expertise in DoD and IC processes to ensure timely transitions and effective risk management while co...
2 weeks ago
$112K - $135K *
Shape the future of defense systems by providing expert systems engineering services, driving acquisition strategies, and ensuring timely transitions to operational use while managing risks and costs...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Empower national security by leading systems engineering for nuclear detection systems. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of critical capabilities, focusing on requiremen...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion systems integration and testing for advanced electronic warfare solutions. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance Navy ships' defenses against unmanned aerial threats through rigorous...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team dedicated to enhancing naval operations through advanced systems integration and testing of innovative electronic warfare solutions. Collaborate in dynamic environments while implementing...
3 weeks ago
$86K - $198K *
Lead the design and development of complex systems, translating customer needs into technical specifications. Collaborate with teams to enhance system performance and support national security mission...
4 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Join a dynamic team as the primary technical interface for launch vehicle integration. Oversee spacecraft processing and ensure mission success through effective collaboration with providers and inter...
Today
Principal Cyber Security Engineer
$141K - $236K *
Elevate cybersecurity operations by designing and maintaining secure data solutions. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues, implement access controls, and ensure reliable data ingestion for in...
6 days ago
Systems Integration & Missions Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in integrating and modernizing advanced weapon control systems, providing strategic technical oversight and program management across military platforms while collaborating with divers...
Today
Systems Integration & Missions Engineer
$108K - $130K *
Advance your career by leading the integration and modernization of advanced weapon control systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to provide strategic guidance and technical oversight, ensuring seam...
Today
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.