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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$113K - $170K *

Engineer innovative cybersecurity solutions while guiding a team in model-based systems engineering within a secure, multi-level environment to deliver high-quality defense systems. Join us in advanci...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Transform enterprise systems engineering with innovative cloud solutions. Lead technical initiatives for large-scale government networks, guiding multidisciplinary teams in optimizing cybersecurity an...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape system engineering initiatives by managing requirements, leading technical documentation, and enhancing system architecture through agile methodologies, ensuring successful compliance with defen...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Manage engineering activities for complex information systems, guiding teams in requirements and solutions engineering. Oversee system integration and ensure timely delivery of geospatial intelligence...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$185K - $225K *

Lead the charge in architecting innovative enterprise solutions for complex IT systems, providing senior technical guidance, and driving modernization efforts across cloud services, networks, and data...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing and maintaining mission models that drive system architecture and integration efforts, ensuring effective interoperability and execution across operational scenarios in s...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $269K *

Shape the future of strategic defense by managing test programs and leading a team of Systems Engineers. Drive innovation in missile assessment and ensure compliance with technical requirements while...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$200K - $240K *

Lead complex systems integration for advanced space capabilities, driving program planning and risk mitigation while collaborating with government and contractor teams to deliver innovative solutions...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in advancing space systems integration, applying your expertise to enhance U.S. Space Force capabilities. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive program execution, risk management, an...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $220K *

Empower your career by leading innovative space programs as a Ground Systems Engineer. Collaborate with government and contractors to integrate satellite ground systems, ensuring mission success throu...

5 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Elevate space program success by providing expert guidance on ground systems integration, ensuring seamless collaboration between government and contractors while overseeing critical satellite infrast...

6 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$185K - $238K *

Shape mission systems by providing senior technical leadership on a PRIME contract. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex needs into practical solutions, spanning requirements development...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $238K *

Unlock potential by providing senior technical leadership on a PRIME contract, guiding mission systems from requirements to operational support. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex need...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Deliver exceptional technical leadership in managing complex network systems, ensuring alignment with security standards and customer objectives. Oversee operations, guide teams, and enhance network p...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $190K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of mission-critical applications by building and maintaining robust systems integration solutions. Leverage your expertise to enhance performance and ensure compl...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$116K - $142K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of signal processing and geolocation systems. Lead requirements development, system architecture, and risk mitigation in a dynamic R&D environment, collaborating...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advanced systems engineering for unmanned surface vessels, managing full life cycle design, integration, and collaborative project execution to enhance technologies and operational...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Reimagine collaboration by leading Microsoft Teams Room projects, ensuring seamless integration and compliance within cloud environments. Drive innovation and enhance operational efficiency through ex...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $224K *

Empower your career by leading modernization and certification efforts for military communication devices. Drive technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams and shape robust systems that enhan...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$162K - $243K *

Pioneer innovative test and evaluation strategies, collaborating with government stakeholders to enhance systems engineering practices. Lead multidisciplinary teams to develop actionable solutions tha...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$162K - $243K *

Empower your career by leading advanced systems engineering initiatives. Drive digital transformation through model-based architecting and architecture analysis, collaborating with stakeholders to enh...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive integration of complex systems for lunar exploration, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and customer needs. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to execute verification activities...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Collaborate across teams to drive the development and integration of advanced airborne systems. Lead requirements management and design efforts to ensure technical performance and mission readiness th...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $220K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space technology by developing innovative ground systems and solutions. Collaborate with diverse engineering disciplines to tackle complex challenges and ensur...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $233K *

Lead the charge in advancing critical space capabilities through technical expertise and strategic collaboration, ensuring successful program execution and innovation in a dynamic environment...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 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.