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.
Chief Engineer Development Manager (L5) | Grand Prairie, TX | 14572
$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...
4 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer 3 (QKS - 083)
$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
$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...
2 days ago
Senior Systems Architect, USCG C5I
$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...
Yesterday
Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer
$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
$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...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer 2 (FST - 143)
$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...
1 week ago
Systems Engineer 2 (FST - 143)
$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...
1 week ago
Sr Systems Engineer (AI/ML Integration)
$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
Senior Embedded Software Engineer
$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
Senior Embedded Software Engineer
$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...
2 days ago
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Field Engineering, Network Implementation SME
$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
Systems Engineer - Space Superiority Missions
$91K - $137K *
Join a team that's tackling complex challenges in space systems engineering. You'll collaborate across disciplines to develop, integrate, and test advanced spacecraft for national security missions, e...
2 weeks ago
$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
Systems Engineering SME - WHCA
$225K - $270K *
Execute high-level systems engineering and cybersecurity strategies, directly supporting mission-critical communications for senior government leaders, leveraging advanced technological solutions and...
Reposted today
Systems Engineering SME - WHCA
$225K - $270K *
Champion technical leadership in systems, network, and cybersecurity engineering, driving architecture decisions that enhance the WHCA IT enterprise. Collaborate with senior leadership to modernize op...
Reposted today
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
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.