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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$210K - $222K *

Engineer robust enterprise infrastructure solutions, ensuring seamless integration and operational excellence across cloud and on-premises environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams...

Today

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$122K - $227K *

Unlock your potential by developing and integrating high-fidelity missile simulations. Collaborate with a skilled engineering team to enhance performance and optimize real-time execution across comple...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$122K - $227K *

Develop and optimize high-fidelity missile simulation frameworks, integrating legacy models and ensuring accurate threat modeling. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance performance and validat...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Drive innovation as a Digital Engineering Manager, leading a team of engineers to enhance digital solutions for advanced communication systems. Foster a collaborative environment while ensuring progra...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Drive your career with a dynamic role in systems engineering, focusing on complex aerospace systems. Collaborate on architecture, safety analysis, and compliance while leading projects and optimizing...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Develop secure, scalable applications while collaborating across teams. Drive innovation and ensure software quality by integrating security into CI/CD workflows. Your expertise in full stack developm...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Engage in designing and integrating cutting-edge avionics computing products. Collaborate across systems, hardware, software, and FPGA development to translate requirements into architecture, ensuring...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$148K - $275K *

Lead the charge in engineering excellence for missile production programs. Oversee cross-functional teams, ensure technical compliance, resolve issues swiftly, and drive mission success while mentorin...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Drive technical leadership in complex aerospace programs, overseeing requirements development, system design, integration, and testing. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful project execu...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join our dynamic team to champion system engineering and administration, focusing on security compliance and networking. Collaborate on cutting-edge technologies while ensuring robust network security...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's redefining communication systems for lunar and deep-space missions. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to test and validate cutting-edge RF architectures and ensure seamless...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $141K *

Help us lead the development and management of enterprise architectures, ensuring alignment with mission objectives while guiding best practices and compliance within a dynamic technical environment...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$133K - $160K *

Transform complex engineering challenges into innovative solutions by developing, integrating, and validating spacecraft systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance performance and drive contin...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing innovative eLearning solutions for defense training. Lead the development process, collaborate with experts, and ensure high-quality training materials that m...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of system engineering with your expertise. Leverage your extensive experience to drive complex programs and contracts, ensuring innovative solutions and operation...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative solutions by leveraging 14 years of systems engineering expertise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive complex projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes and adherence t...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$105K - $157K *

Unlock potential by leading AI/ML integration in unmanned aviation systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance operational effectiveness through innovative engineering solutions while ensuring m...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$114K - $252K *

Champion innovative software solutions that enhance operational workflows, integrating closely with intelligence analysts to optimize mission capabilities and address unmet needs in real-time, ensurin...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $252K *

Transform mission capabilities by collaborating with analysts to develop innovative software solutions that enhance workflows and drive operational success in a dynamic, intelligence-driven environmen...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in automation excellence, guiding technical teams to develop robust programming standards and procedures while leveraging your semiconductor expertise and proficiency in Aveva and Siem...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$92K - $110K *

Lead impactful engineering projects that support critical defense missions. Collaborate across disciplines to transform complex requirements into executable plans, ensuring reliable systems are delive...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $102K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in hardware/electronics programs. As a Project Engineer, you'll lead cross-functional teams, manage technical scope, and ensure project success through effective...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $199K *

Champion innovative engineering projects by leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective execution from design to delivery. Drive technical excellence while engaging with customers and stakehol...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Support software testing initiatives by analyzing requirements, executing automated test scripts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and compliance in a dynamic environmen...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Empower the Field Engineering team by defining and enhancing enterprise networking standards, ensuring quality delivery, and supporting complex implementations across North America. Collaborate with s...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.