Chief Systems Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Chief Systems Engineer Do?

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.

Industries Hiring Chief Systems Engineers

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Explore CSE Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$110K - $130K *

Transform complex systems into effective solutions for national defense. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, integrate, and maintain systems, ensuring compliance and performance through...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$128K - $185K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software supply chain security through in-depth analysis and risk evaluation. Leverage your expertise to assess vulnerabilities and ensure compliance within s...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Deliver expert systems engineering and interoperability support for THAAD, collaborating with international partners to enhance missile defense capabilities and ensure effective communication integrat...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Develop and manage Integrated Master Schedules for complex satellite programs, ensuring alignment across teams and compliance with government requirements. Collaborate with engineering, finance, and o...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $135K *

Champion complex transit projects by leading systems engineering efforts, ensuring seamless integration and operational readiness of advanced communication and control systems across multiple domains...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$85K - $135K *

Deliver innovative transit solutions by leading systems engineering teams, managing complex projects, and ensuring seamless integration of advanced communication and control systems for enhanced opera...

Kingston, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$153K - $200K *

Lead a dynamic team in the technical execution of innovative gravity sensing solutions. Drive system design, mentor engineers, and ensure alignment with mission objectives while fostering a high-perfo...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$193K - $289K *

Empower a dynamic team of over 100 engineers in digital electronics, driving innovation and technical excellence in space systems. Lead strategic planning, talent development, and program execution to...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Grow expertise by supporting combat system simulations and large-scale testing. Collaborate with engineers to enhance system performance and ensure interoperability using advanced data analysis during...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$91K - $137K *

Drive innovation as a Systems Engineer, collaborating across teams to transform national defense capabilities through advanced engineering practices and model-based solutions, ensuring integration and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Partner with us to design and integrate electroextraction systems, engaging in hands-on testing and troubleshooting while collaborating across disciplines to advance critical minerals recovery technol...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $203K *

Lead an engineering team to transition designs to production, interfacing with various departments on high-visibility projects in a fast-paced environment. Drive collaboration and meet high expectatio...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Unlock your potential as an engineer supporting the development and deployment of critical Ship Control Systems for U.S. Navy submarines, ensuring mission readiness through collaboration and innovatio...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $210K *

Lead the charge in deploying and enhancing autonomous defense systems. This hands-on role combines engineering, operations, and customer engagement to ensure successful fielding and maintenance of com...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Engineer cutting-edge systems through all phases from inception to deployment. Collaborate within a mission-focused team, driving user interaction and ensuring seamless integration of hardware and sof...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$238K - $365K *

Join a team that's redefining lidar technology for autonomy products. Lead the technical strategy, collaborate with experts, and drive innovations from concept to production, ensuring performance and...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$238K - $365K *

Unlock your potential as a principal systems engineer, leading lidar technology development and integration for advanced autonomy systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation a...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$75K - $112K *

Oversee coordination with engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions, manage technical baselines, and ensure project milestones are met while navigating technical, schedule, and cost constraint...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of strategic satellite communications. Lead testing and validation efforts, ensuring advanced technology solutions meet rigorous requirements while collaborating...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $188K *

Join a team that's redefining systems engineering by leading complex projects, defining requirements, and driving innovative solutions while collaborating with customers and guiding junior engineers t...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $160K *

Serve as a technical advisor for the Air Force's next-gen ICBM project. Lead major engineering initiatives, enhance systems compliance, and guide teams through critical project milestones, ensuring mi...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $238K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by developing cutting-edge flight software for embedded systems. Collaborate on high-impact projects, ensuring robust software solutions for NASA's A...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $180K *

Lead the design and delivery of cutting-edge satellite electronics, ensuring projects meet schedule, cost, and quality standards. Collaborate with teams and customers to drive innovation and accountab...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K - $213K *

Drive innovation in space systems engineering by developing, integrating, and testing advanced spacecraft for national security missions. Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team to tackle complex c...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$152K - $229K *

Inspire innovative solutions as a Staff Principal Systems Engineer, leading the development of advanced launcher hardware for Navy platforms. Collaborate with a diverse team to ensure system integrati...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Chief Systems Engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Browse Chief Systems Engineer listings on Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.