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.
Principal System Concepts Engineer
$95K - $245K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative solutions for complex systems, driving mission engineering and architecture design. Collaborate with teams to analyze performance and mitigate risks, while men...
2 weeks ago
Principal System Concepts Engineer
$95K - $245K *
Lead the charge in harnessing advanced systems engineering to drive mission success, integrate complex hardware and software systems, and develop innovative solutions that meet evolving customer requi...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineering Project Lead
$120K - $145K *
Champion the development of innovative aerospace and defense technologies, leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget while ensuring alignment with customer expectati...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Cyber Systems / Network Engineer
$156K - $234K *
Transform mission-critical networks by providing Tier-2 and Tier-3 support, analyzing systems, and implementing innovative solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance security and efficiency...
Today
$110K - $204K *
Transform software development by leading the design and integration of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for hypersonic missile programs, ensuring robust and secure solutions in a hi...
2 days ago
Cyber Systems Engineer/ Principal Cyber Systems Engineer
$101K - $187K *
Transform cybersecurity execution by supporting systems engineering activities. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance system security, manage vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance while driving i...
4 weeks ago
Systems Engineer I - Guidance, Navigation, and Control (Onsite)
$62K - $119K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, where you'll evaluate, design, and integrate cutting-edge software algorithms for missile programs, collaborating closely with enginee...
Yesterday
Systems Engineer I - Guidance, Navigation, and Control (Onsite)
$57K - $108K *
Empower your career as you collaborate with engineers on missile program systems. Engage in design and integration of software algorithms, testing, and simulations to achieve mission goals for guidanc...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)
$150K - $218K *
Drive compliance and security excellence as you lead the Information Systems Security Program, ensuring robust protection for classified systems while collaborating with stakeholders to maintain opera...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $180K *
Drive impactful investigations by applying your expertise in human factors and safety consulting. Engage with diverse industries, utilizing your skills to enhance safety standards, conduct thorough re...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer II - Lifecycle Engineering- Onsite
$68K - $131K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in missile defense technologies. As a Systems Engineer II, you'll plan and execute complex integration and verification tests, contributing to cutting-edge projec...
2 weeks ago
Software Systems Integration SME
$150K - $200K *
Shape the future of software integration by leading critical development and deployment efforts. Collaborate with senior leaders and technical teams to deliver scalable software solutions in complex o...
2 days ago
Senior Systems Engineer, On-Orbit Test Coordinator
$115K - $155K *
Join our dynamic team to enhance satellite operations through effective systems engineering and integration support, improving efficiency in a fast-paced, multi-satellite environment while collaborati...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer, On-Orbit Test Coordinator
$115K - $155K *
Shape the future of satellite operations by leading complex on-orbit testing and integration processes. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance operational efficiency and deliver reliable...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engineer and deliver network security and connectivity solutions for SIGINT systems. Engage in design, integration, testing, and maintenance of critical network infrastructures, ensuring optimal perfo...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Engineer (TRMC/ CAM Lead)
$129K - $193K *
Champion quality lifecycle development and logistics for RQ-4 programs. Collaborate with teams to meet budget, schedule, and quality objectives while leading project performance and ensuring complianc...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Principal Engineer (TRMC/ CAM Lead)
$129K - $193K *
Take ownership of product support integration for RQ-4 programs, ensuring quality lifecycle development and logistics services are delivered on time and within budget while collaborating with diverse...
2 weeks ago
Cyber System Security Engineer (CSSE)
$150K - $185K *
Engineer robust cybersecurity solutions across multiple systems, ensuring compliance and risk management in defense-critical environments. Lead integration activities from design through deployment, f...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by providing expert guidance on enterprise platforms, ensuring seamless integration and modernization across cloud and on-premises environments. Collaborate with diverse teams to e...
1 week ago
$101K - $151K *
Innovate as a Senior Cybersecurity Systems Engineer, driving mission-critical solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards while enhancing syste...
Today
$94K - $120K *
Drive innovation and integration across endpoint, identity, and security platforms in a dynamic federal IT environment, balancing enterprise standards with operational needs to enhance system interope...
2 days ago
Avionics Embedded Systems Engineering Manager
$145K - $269K *
Drive innovation in avionics systems as you lead a dynamic engineering team, ensuring strategic defense capabilities through advanced technologies and effective project management in a collaborative e...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative engineering solutions by integrating model-based systems engineering to enhance national security and healthcare access. Collaborate with clients to translate needs into technical spe...
2 weeks ago
Senior Wireless Systems Engineer, R&D
$128K - $286K *
Innovate cutting-edge satellite location systems by enhancing accuracy and exploring downlink beacon technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform research into production-ready sol...
4 weeks ago
$240K - $280K *
Lead the charge in defining and developing GNC architecture for autonomous aircraft. Drive technical decisions, mentor teams, and ensure robust performance from design through flight test, tackling co...
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.