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.
$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
Systems Test Engineer - Strategic SATCOM
$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
$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
$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 yesterday
$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
$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...
6 days ago
Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Space Missions
$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
Staff Principal Systems Engineer 5
$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
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring network stability and operational efficiency. Oversee Tier 1 NOC technicians, manage incident response, and maintain high service standards in a 24/7 environme...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, GNC 300 Product Line
$163K - $271K *
Lead a dynamic team in the design and implementation of GNC algorithms, driving innovation and technical strategy for the 300 product line while ensuring high performance and quality in spacecraft sys...
2 weeks ago
Senior User Terminal System Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Support the development and integration of advanced User Terminal solutions, collaborating with suppliers and engineering teams to ensure compliance and performance across satellite communications app...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Systems Engineer - Processing, Guidance, & Controls Engineers
$86K - $165K *
Drive the development of advanced control and navigation algorithms for autonomous systems, collaborating across engineering teams to enhance system performance and reliability in complex environments...
2 weeks ago
Senior Network Integration Engineer, Top Secret Clearance
$160K - $200K *
Drive the integration of advanced ground systems, ensuring seamless connectivity between diverse space constellations and ground networks. Collaborate with engineering teams to deliver scalable, secur...
2 days ago
$71K - $107K *
Innovate in telecommunications by supporting NextGen 9-1-1 systems, troubleshooting service impairments, and collaborating on system design and implementation in a dynamic environment. Drive excellenc...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Innovate systems modeling efforts by ensuring adherence to engineering standards and leading projects that deliver effective solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to craft comprehensive architectu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Transform program management by leading a diverse portfolio of C5ISR initiatives, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and quality standards while driving business growth and fostering strong c...
2 weeks ago
$89K - $116K *
Transform systems engineering processes to support innovative space missions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams through the full lifecycle, ensuring mission success from design and integration...
Reposted 5 days ago
$102K - $160K *
Champion high-performing Systems Engineering teams to drive innovation and operational excellence. Lead recruitment, talent development, and resource planning to ensure technical capabilities align wi...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Systems - AHT
$108K - $163K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing systems requirements using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver technical solutions and suppo...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $100K *
Empower the future of naval operations by ensuring accurate AutoCAD drawings for shore installations. Collaborate with experts to enhance C4I capabilities, supporting seamless communication between ta...
1 week ago
Software Systems Engineer Architect SME (SW)
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in shaping advanced software architectures that drive secure, scalable solutions across the full system lifecycle, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment with mission objectives a...
1 week ago
Senior Network/Systems Engineer
$145K - $150K *
Drive the development and maintenance of network systems, ensuring robust cyber security and enterprise applications. Collaborate with engineering teams to translate high-level strategies into actiona...
2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer, Mission Platforms
$201K - $220K *
Advance the holistic mission platform integration, ensuring seamless alignment of hardware, software, and operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and deliver high-perfo...
Reposted 6 days ago
Ground Systems MBSE Advanced Systems Engineer (TS/SCI Clearance Required)
$118K - $131K *
Champion the development and enhancement of systems for Restricted Ground Programs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with security specifications and effective system int...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Deliver innovative engineering solutions for Navy nuclear submarines, focusing on Ship Control Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission readiness through advanced design, in...
Reposted 2 weeks 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.