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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$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Victoria, BCIn-Person

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.