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.
$85K - $102K *
Elevate your career by providing hands-on IT support and systems administration in a dynamic, client-facing role. Collaborate with technical teams to enhance user experiences and maintain robust clien...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $142K *
Transform enterprise systems through innovative engineering solutions, leveraging modern methodologies and tools to analyze and enhance mission capabilities for federal agencies, while fostering colla...
3 days ago
Senior Principal Systems Engineer
$150K - $225K *
Shape the future of advanced weapon systems by providing critical technical advisory support, enhancing interoperability, and defining requirements for multi-system architectures within a dynamic, fas...
3 weeks ago
Senior Principal Systems Engineer
$150K - $225K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Principal Systems Engineer, advising on advanced weapon systems and technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive integration and enhance mission eff...
3 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Drive innovation by leveraging your Systems Engineering expertise to design, integrate, and validate advanced satellite communication systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamles...
2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer/Project Technical Manager
$115K - $125K *
Lead the charge in supporting the USAF's next-gen ICBM program by managing requirements, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring alignment with stakeholders while fostering a productive team environ...
1 week ago
Senior Principal Project Engineer, Deputy Program Chief (DPC) - Future Systems Product Line (ONSITE)
$132K - $251K *
Champion the future of avionics by leading product line execution, driving project success, and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure technical excellence and timely delivery o...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining space systems engineering by leading innovative technical solutions. As a Chief Engineer, you'll ensure system viability and customer satisfaction while driving architect...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team of Cloud Engineers supporting critical infrastructure for the Intelligence Community. Contribute to network and enterprise computing solutions, enhancing national security through...
Yesterday
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in managing a specialized engineering team focused on RF & Digital Signal Processing. Drive R&D initiatives while mentoring talent and ensuring alignment with business goals to exceed...
4 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Join a dynamic team to design and enhance global video engineering networks. Leverage your expertise in network architecture and systems support to drive innovation and ensure optimal performance for...
1 week ago
$79K - $147K *
Transform your career by leading systems engineering efforts for advanced satellite communications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, integrate, and validate cutting-edge ground segme...
2 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Transform satellite communications by leading systems engineering efforts, ensuring seamless integration and functionality of advanced ground segment systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams t...
2 weeks ago
Lead Program Integrator - CT Systems
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to drive next-gen CT systems from concept to launch. Lead cross-functional collaboration, ensuring product development aligns with quality and timeline objectives while enhancing p...
3 weeks ago
$94K - $129K *
Manage the alignment and integration of advanced system solutions, guiding the technical team through all phases of development. Drive project success by ensuring proper system architecture and verifi...
3 weeks ago
$94K - $129K *
Drive advanced system solutions by connecting technical teams through the development lifecycle, ensuring integrated approaches for compliance and performance, while mitigating technical risks to crea...
3 weeks ago
$93K - $136K *
Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer II, driving innovative power subsystem solutions through all mission phases. Collaborate on hardware delivery, operations, and integration to ensure project s...
1 week ago
Principal System Architect / SME
$150K - $180K *
Lead a team of senior architects in shaping and executing a federal PQC program, ensuring a smooth transition to quantum-resistant cryptography while collaborating with stakeholders to enhance enterpr...
2 weeks ago
Principal Systems Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and integrate advanced systems for dismounted Warfighter applications, ensuring seamless operation and compliance with technical performance standard...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower your career by leading systems engineering efforts for training simulations, focusing on integration, verification, and process management within U.S. Navy projects to enhance operational effe...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's pivotal in developing and sustaining mission-critical ground systems for space operations. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure system readiness and operational exce...
2 weeks ago
Controls Engineer- Technical Lead
$95K - $115K *
Drive technical leadership in process automation for Water/Wastewater projects, overseeing control system design, programming, and project execution while ensuring adherence to industry standards and...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$154K - $247K *
Engineer innovative software solutions by leading a skilled team in developing high-reliability systems for uncrewed technologies. Drive project success through mentorship, collaboration, and adherenc...
6 days ago
Chief Engineer, Critical Emerging Technology Division (CETD)
$214K - $321K *
Lead technical excellence in critical emerging technologies, shaping strategy and fostering innovation. Collaborate across disciplines to address national security challenges and develop future capabi...
2 days ago
Systems Integration/Test Engineer Senior
$90K - $110K *
Drive the integration and testing of Submarine Combat Systems, ensuring functionality and performance through rigorous testing procedures. Collaborate with engineers to log deficiencies and support va...
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.