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.
Software Engineer SME (TS/SCI with Poly Required)
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career by developing cutting-edge applications using Core Java and powerful web technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative software solutions that enhan...
3 weeks ago
Security Control Assessor Representative (SCA-R)
$100K - $120K *
Support comprehensive cybersecurity assessments, risk management, and system authorizations by collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure compliance and security throughout the system lifecycle...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer II - Processing, Guidance, & Controls Engineers
$68K - $131K *
Join a team that's developing advanced control and navigation algorithms for autonomous systems. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to enhance system performance and drive innovation in cuttin...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$114K - $171K *
Elevate your career by defining and managing requirements for spacecraft ground systems. Drive program maturity through analysis, integration, and documentation while collaborating in a model-based sy...
Yesterday
$88K - $163K *
Lead strategic systems engineering initiatives for hardware platforms, ensuring effective integration, verification, and validation across the full system lifecycle while adhering to customer requirem...
Reposted 3 days ago
$70K - $130K *
Advance your career by performing technical planning and system integration analyses. Collaborate on translating customer requirements into effective total systems solutions while ensuring adherence t...
6 days ago
$79K - $147K *
Innovate with us to develop and refine advanced systems solutions that meet strategic defense needs. You'll support requirements specifications and modeling while collaborating with experts in a dynam...
Reposted 1 week ago
$70K - $130K *
Join us to drive the integration and testing of advanced F-35 sensor systems. You'll plan and execute technical tests, enhance engineering processes, and collaborate with agile teams to ensure mission...
1 week ago
$79K - $147K *
Discover innovative solutions as a Systems Engineer, Integration Lab, driving hardware integration and testing for advanced aircraft concepts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure rapid s...
1 week ago
$70K - $130K *
Collaborate with our Flight Test Planning team to develop and manage system-level requirements, ensuring precise data collection for missile flight tests. Your expertise will bridge technical document...
1 week ago
$63K - $117K *
Engage in rigorous testing and validation as a Test Engineer, ensuring military solutions meet operational needs. Collaborate across disciplines, develop test plans, and present results to stakeholder...
2 weeks ago
$70K - $130K *
Contribute to innovative systems engineering solutions for advanced defense systems. Collaborate on design, analysis, and verification processes to ensure effective integration and performance of crit...
2 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Support operational excellence by providing real-time maintenance and troubleshooting for Ground and Space systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure system functionality and performance in a dynamic...
2 weeks ago
$70K - $130K *
Support system integration and testing for advanced radar programs. Engage in technical planning, verification, and validation, ensuring customer requirements are met through effective collaboration a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$70K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing security-focused system architectures, integrating security requirements into designs, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance mission-critical software...
2 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of strategic defense by developing innovative systems engineering solutions. Collaborate across disciplines to create integrated models and ensure the success of...
2 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Unlock innovative solutions as a Systems Engineer, collaborating across disciplines to develop and integrate complex systems. Drive requirements documentation, modeling, and verification to support st...
2 weeks ago
$70K - $130K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering by developing requirements, analyzing architectures, and ensuring effective integration and testing of Automated Test Equipment solutions. Collaborate with teams...
2 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Advance operational excellence by providing real-time support for ground and space systems, ensuring functionality, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating across teams to maintain critical performa...
3 weeks ago
$70K - $130K *
Drive robust solutions to combat obsolescence threats while collaborating across engineering disciplines, enhancing program readiness through data analysis and strategic integrations, ensuring the sus...
3 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Empower the Fleet Ballistic Missile Program by integrating advanced systems engineering solutions. Collaborate across functional teams to design, verify and enhance component requirements, ensuring th...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineering Manager 1
$133K - $199K *
Lead a dynamic team of engineers to drive mission planning excellence, fostering growth and collaboration while ensuring program success and employee development in a supportive environment...
Today
$175K - $200K *
Lead advanced systems engineering initiatives to enhance defense capabilities, overseeing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), requirements management, and integration efforts. Drive technical lead...
4 weeks ago
Systems Engineer Sr - E3 (Level 3 Junior Release Train Engineer)
$85K - $158K *
Join a dynamic team as you support senior Release Train Engineers in enhancing collaboration and coordination across the F-35 program, while developing your skills in release management and Agile meth...
1 week ago
$79K - $147K *
Explore a pivotal role in mission-system integration and validation, collaborating with engineers and pilots to ensure optimal performance across various testing environments. Leverage your technical...
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.