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 *

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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Ottawa, ONHybrid

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 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.