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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$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading technical security assessments and shaping cybersecurity architecture. Collaborate with engineering teams to design secure environments, enforce policies, and mitigate thre...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Serve as an expert evaluator in maritime training, ensuring compliance with federal standards. Play a key role in assessing course curricula, sites, and instructors while maintaining a high approval v...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $285K *

Shape the future of national security communications by leading complex sustainment and modernization efforts for advanced RF antenna systems. Drive technical excellence and ensure mission success acr...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $160K *

Champion system integration and modernization efforts for space launch ranges, ensuring mission success through advanced engineering practices and stakeholder collaboration. Drive digital transformati...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Optimize integration processes by leveraging engineering expertise to modernize space launch systems, ensuring mission success and enhancing operational capabilities for future spaceport initiatives...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$184K - $225K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in satellite assembly and testing, leveraging your expertise to enhance integration and operations. Collaborate with engineers to ensure cutting-edge outcomes in...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$80K - $95K *

Engineer innovative GNC solutions by designing, developing, and testing high-quality software and simulations for aerospace systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance performance and...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$135K - $203K *

Transform complex maritime systems through innovative engineering solutions, collaborating with multi-disciplined teams to develop cutting-edge technologies for national security. Engage in all phases...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $169K *

Lead the testing and integration of complex hardware and software systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful operation of Flatsat testbeds, while crafting clear documentatio...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $230K *

Advance mission-critical MILSATCOM capabilities by solving complex engineering challenges. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance system interoperability and reliability, ensuring operational succes...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of embedded systems engineering by leading design, integration, and lifecycle management for military and aerospace products. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative solu...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of Army Special Operations aviation through advanced test and evaluation engineering. Contribute your expertise to critical aviation systems, ensuring operational...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Empower your engineering skills by leading cross-functional teams in enhancing launch systems and advancing our technology capabilities while influencing decisions and solving complex problems indepen...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Drive innovative development of the Vulcan Centaur launch system, collaborating with cross-functional teams to tackle technical challenges, oversee requirement integration, and lead influential design...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Shape the future of launch systems as a Level 3 Systems Engineer, driving technical solutions and leading cross-functional teams to enhance ULA's Vulcan Centaur capabilities with minimal oversight and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Champion the development of advanced launch systems by integrating cross-functional teams, driving requirements, and conducting technical analyses to enhance ULA's future capabilities with minimal ove...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Lead the charge in integrating complex mission systems as a Systems Engineer. Collaborate with diverse teams, manage customer interactions, and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic aerospace envi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $204K *

Deliver expert system administration and Tier-3 support for advanced SIGINT systems, ensuring optimal performance and integration with enterprise infrastructures. Engage in troubleshooting, documentat...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Unlock potential by integrating mission systems engineering to ensure successful interfaces for spacecraft launches. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage technical decisions, and mentor jun...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $225K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced electro-optical systems for aerospace applications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation from concept through deployment, ensuring high r...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of airborne sensor development, leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for the US Navy. Drive system-level design, integration, and verific...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$153K - $265K *

Lead the development of innovative software solutions for National Security, focusing on complex algorithms, system integration, and mentoring. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational capabiliti...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape advanced airborne command and control capabilities through expert systems engineering. Collaborate on modernization efforts to enhance system performance, ensure compliance, and support vital mi...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive the integration of complex defense systems by supporting design, requirements development, and testing. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure the successful deployment of hardware...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Lead systems engineering activities for complex programs. Oversee requirements development, architecture, and cross-functional coordination to ensure system solutions meet operational and technical go...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.