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.
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance GEOINT capabilities through systems engineering, collaborating with government and contractors to drive mission success and optimize processes across the acquisition lif...
Today
Principal Aerospace Engineer - Autonomous System
$115K - $160K *
Transform autonomous systems development by integrating advanced technologies and optimizing performance for unmanned aerial platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance capabilities...
5 days ago
Principal/Sr Principal Satellite Systems Engineer (AHT)
$103K - $155K *
Champion satellite communication operations by providing expert technical support for AEHF/Milstar payloads. Collaborate with teams to resolve issues, enhance system performance, and ensure mission su...
2 weeks ago
C5ISR and Acquisition Strategist
$120K - $175K *
Shape the future of defense solutions by leveraging C5ISR expertise to develop mission-focused strategies for the U.S. Army and Department of War, ensuring alignment with customer priorities and acqui...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $190K *
Analyze and support systems engineering activities for Government training systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate documentation and verification planning under senior en...
1 week ago
Manager, Systems Integration & Test Engineering - Military Data Links
$152K - $171K *
Drive excellence by leading a multidisciplinary team in the verification and validation of complex aerospace and defense systems, ensuring compliance with customer and regulatory requirements across d...
2 weeks ago
$200K - $240K *
Take ownership of complex software systems design and integration, leading cross-disciplinary teams to ensure seamless interoperability and compliance while mentoring engineers and aligning technical...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Support a dynamic team in designing complex software systems and infrastructures, ensuring seamless integration and interoperability. Collaborate with stakeholders to align technical objectives with o...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the development of complex software systems while driving collaboration and ensuring robust integration with cloud infrastructure and cross-disciplinary teams to meet organizational objectives an...
2 weeks ago
Senior Model Based Systems Engineer
$89K - $148K *
Lead innovative model development and systems integration remotely while guiding a team of engineers. Collaborate directly with clients to define optimal solutions and ensure project success in a dyna...
4 weeks ago
Integration and Test Engineering Specialist
$90K - $110K *
Lead the charge in developing and validating the Telesat LEO constellation communication system. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute testing activities, ensuring compliance with technic...
Today
Systems Engineer 3 (AI-focused)
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative AI-focused cloud engineering initiatives by applying systems engineering expertise to design, integration, and documentation, ensuring seamless operations and technical leadership in...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in shaping advanced systems engineering solutions, driving cybersecurity assessments, and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to enhance mission success and technica...
4 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Drive the future of complex systems engineering by leading cybersecurity assessments, enhancing system resiliency, and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to exceed mission objectiv...
4 days ago
Aerospace Vehicle Equipment Lead Systems Engineer (T3/4) - 19883
$122K - $184K *
Empower the future of aerospace by managing environmental requirements for the Aerospace Vehicle Equipment segment. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and performance, while supporting critic...
Reposted 1 week ago
$74K - $130K *
Explore your career as a Systems Engineer, supporting modernization efforts through Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software archit...
1 week ago
Cyber Systems Security Engineering Sr - E3
$110K - $204K *
Unlock potential by delivering expert system administration and support for advanced SIGINT systems. Engage in troubleshooting, integration, and optimization while ensuring operational readiness and c...
2 weeks ago
Acquisitions Space Systems Engineer
$180K - $220K *
Contribute to innovative space acquisition efforts by providing expert Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory services, guiding mission-critical programs through their lifecycle and ensuring compl...
Yesterday
Acquisitions Space Systems Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space systems engineering by providing critical advisory services to government programs, ensuring successful acquisition and execution of mission-critical spa...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in defining and architecting SysOps software solutions for a critical program, ensuring alignment with operational requirements and security standards while fostering collaboration acr...
Today
Cyber Systems Engineer/ Information System Security Engineer (ISSE)
$180K - $220K *
Lead critical cybersecurity initiatives by ensuring compliance with DoD standards. Collaborate with technical teams to protect sensitive information systems, effectively mitigate risks, and support na...
2 weeks ago
Space/Satellite Applications Systems and Software Engineers
$110K - $130K *
Develop innovative software solutions for space and satellite applications, leveraging your expertise in embedded systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful system integrati...
Today
Senior Systems Engineer (Active Clearance)
$95K - $181K *
Lead the design and development of secure communication solutions for military applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver system solutions, ensuring safety and efficacy in comple...
Reposted 1 week ago
Department Manager- Systems Engineering M3
$193K - $289K *
Transform a high-performing engineering department by leading talent development, operational excellence, and technical oversight. This role requires strategic alignment and effective execution to mee...
Reposted 1 week ago
Systems Engineer Senior - Clearance Required
$85K - $158K *
Collaborate with us to drive innovative solutions in Systems Engineering for missile defense. Engage in requirements decomposition, system design, and integration while utilizing Agile methodologies t...
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.