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.
$159K - $263K *
Transform engineering leadership by managing diverse teams and driving program success in Cyber and Intelligence Solutions. Engage in strategic planning, talent development, and technical execution to...
1 week ago
$150K - $200K *
Drive innovation by owning the system model for autonomous aircraft, translating mission needs into clear requirements, and ensuring design decisions are data-driven. Collaborate across teams to enhan...
1 week ago
Enterprise - Senior System Engineer - JCIDS, DoDAF, CCB
$225K - $250K *
Unlock potential by leading system engineering efforts to analyze requirements, develop specifications, and ensure technical integrity across complex systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive de...
1 week ago
Principal Cognitive Systems Engineer IV
$145K - $175K *
Shape the future of cognitive systems by leading the design and deployment of advanced AI architectures. Drive innovation in human-machine collaboration and multi-agent systems while mentoring a talen...
1 week ago
Principal Cognitive Systems Engineer IV
$145K - $175K *
Lead the charge in designing and deploying advanced cognitive systems, integrating AI and human processes. Drive innovation in multi-agent orchestration and ensure secure, scalable solutions while men...
1 week ago
Systems Engineer - Responsible Systems Engineer
$92K - $110K *
Lead cross-functional teams in developing system-level solutions for missile defense. Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering to analyze architecture impacts and coordinate technical specifications, e...
1 week ago
Manager Systems Engineering 2 - RFEW SEIT
$153K - $230K *
Lead the charge in guiding a Systems Engineering team, balancing functional management with hands-on program execution, driving technical excellence across multiple initiatives in the Electronic Warfa...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Systems Engineer (NSGS)
$120K - $145K *
Engineer critical systems for mission success, ensuring operational readiness and performance. Collaborate with teams to maintain and optimize infrastructure while providing hands-on support at remote...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of Naval aviation systems. Lead technical direction for high-visibility projects, mentor engineers, and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance Fleet readiness a...
Yesterday
$82K - $172K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of software systems through model-based engineering. Collaborate with experts to develop, integrate, and manage complex systems in an Agile environment, ensuring...
Reposted 5 days ago
Systems Engineer for GNC Requirements and Interfaces
$75K - $156K *
Champion the development and management of GN&C system requirements & interfaces, focusing on strategic defense and autonomous systems within a robust model-based engineering framework to drive innova...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer Senior Principal
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence by guiding technical evaluations, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance for critical Navy electronic attack systems, directly influencing pr...
Yesterday
Principal Systems Engineer (Secret Clearance)
$114K - $171K *
Help us transform mission planning solutions as a Principal Systems Engineer, driving Agile development and engineering analysis to create innovative capabilities and ensure compliance with standards...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Lead a team of engineers to drive innovative projects, engage in hands-on technical work, and ensure seamless operations while managing personnel development and performance appraisals in a dynamic en...
Today
$180K - $220K *
Join us to drive innovation in space systems engineering, collaborating with government partners to enhance spacecraft designs and ensure mission success through expert guidance and strategic planning...
4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advancing innovative space programs by collaborating with government stakeholders, enhancing spacecraft subsystems, and mitigating technical risks to ensure mission success and stra...
4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive engineering excellence by providing technical support for aircraft and vessel systems. Collaborate on design, testing, and compliance to enhance operational capabilities while ensuring adherence...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Grow your career with a lead role in systems engineering, driving innovative solutions and supervising project teams while applying ISO/IEC 15288 standards to deliver high-quality work products across...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Innovate engineering solutions as a lead in systems engineering, overseeing projects, analyzing alternatives, and ensuring compliance with robust ISO/IEC 15288 processes. Guide teams in developing hig...
3 weeks ago
Principal Systems Engineer, Aircraft Simulation and Design Integration
$180K - $250K *
Drive the development and validation of integrated aircraft simulations, guiding design decisions through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Leverage strong technical expertise to optimize ai...
1 week ago
Space Systems Integration Engineer
$190K - $220K *
Lead critical integration efforts in advanced space systems, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance capabilities and ensure seamless operations across ground and mission segments while managing r...
Today
Principal Systems Engineer - Model-Based Systems Engineer (MBSE)
$113K - $170K *
Engineer innovative cybersecurity solutions while guiding a team in model-based systems engineering within a secure, multi-level environment to deliver high-quality defense systems. Join us in advanci...
2 weeks ago
Chief Systems Engineer Architect Lead
$135K - $160K *
Transform enterprise systems engineering with innovative cloud solutions. Lead technical initiatives for large-scale government networks, guiding multidisciplinary teams in optimizing cybersecurity an...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape system engineering initiatives by managing requirements, leading technical documentation, and enhancing system architecture through agile methodologies, ensuring successful compliance with defen...
Reposted 2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Manage engineering activities for complex information systems, guiding teams in requirements and solutions engineering. Oversee system integration and ensure timely delivery of geospatial intelligence...
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.