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.
$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
$108K - $130K *
Elevate your career as you drive solid rocket motor technology forward, managing complex projects in the defense sector. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering and quality assurance to enhance...
1 month ago
$108K - $130K *
Engage as a Technology Project Officer to advance solid rocket motor projects and support sustainment planning. Leverage your expertise in propellants and systems engineering to drive successful progr...
1 month 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
$89K - $148K *
Unlock potential by leading complex engineering initiatives, driving system optimizations, and collaborating on corrective actions to enhance turbine performance and safety. Influence design decisions...
Yesterday
Staff Systems Engineer - Level 5
$177K - $265K *
Lead the development and execution of system/software integration strategies, coordinating across teams and environments to ensure successful integration and testing for advanced aerospace and defense...
Today
Principal Systems Engineer, Product Owner - AN/TPY-2 Team SIM2
$118K - $224K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in radar simulation tools, leading Agile practices and ensuring technical excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance missile defense systems a...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior Principal Guidance Section (GS) Technical Lead
$132K - $251K *
Lead the charge in driving innovation as you oversee cross-functional teams, manage complex engineering projects, and ensure technical integrity for cutting-edge electronic systems across various doma...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$148K - $164K *
Shape the future of naval defense systems by providing expert engineering solutions for precision weapons programs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance operational capabilities and ens...
3 weeks ago
MBSE Systems Engineer Architect (3/4)
$114K - $171K *
Unlock potential by applying Model-Based Systems Engineering to design and enhance complex aerospace and defense systems, collaborating across teams to drive innovation in advanced concept development...
Reposted 1 week ago
MBSE Systems Engineer Architect (3/4)
$114K - $213K *
Transform advanced aerospace concepts into structured, model-based solutions. Leverage MBSE to define architecture, behaviors, and interfaces, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join our team to model systems that support critical missions. Lead and mentor junior engineers while collaborating on innovative solutions. Leverage your expertise to shape system analysis and contri...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $178K *
Drive innovative systems engineering solutions by developing requirements and models, collaborating with stakeholders, and supporting verification activities to enhance strategic defense capabilities...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $178K *
Join us to lead critical safety engineering efforts in support of advanced Nuclear Weapons Programs, leveraging your expertise to develop solutions that meet stringent DoD requirements and ensure miss...
2 weeks ago
$158K - $294K *
Drive the integration of advanced missile defense systems by leading a multidisciplinary engineering team. Ensure effective systems engineering practices while managing requirements, risks, and custom...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of physical security systems by designing and overseeing technical implementations while ensuring alignment with customer needs and operational efficiency across teams. Be a key playe...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform your career by designing and implementing cutting-edge physical security systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure solutions meet customer needs while leading technical execution with conf...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of C5ISR programs by leading strategic execution, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with government standards while driving financial performance and risk m...
1 week ago
Chief Systems Architect - TS/SCI w/Poly
$214K - $290K *
Lead the transformation of mission-critical systems, driving modernization of legacy applications into cloud-native platforms. Inspire high-performing teams and shape technical strategy for a signific...
Reposted 1 week ago
$194K - $292K *
Unlock your potential as a Cyber Systems Engineer, leading innovative projects in a dynamic environment. Collaborate across teams to develop secure solutions and drive technical excellence in cyber op...
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.