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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$96K - $120K *

Drive the execution of comprehensive safety programs for advanced aircraft, ensuring compliance with military standards. Conduct risk assessments, technical evaluations, and support safety certificati...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Accelerate your career by leading the Systems Engineering CM Team to ensure precise configuration management for the F-22 program, driving production and sustainment while adhering to DoD standards th...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Transform the systems engineering landscape by overseeing the full lifecycle of IT solutions, ensuring secure integration and alignment with cybersecurity standards while mentoring junior team members...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $236K *

Transform mission-critical cyber capabilities by leading advanced Computer Network Operations (CNO) development. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design innovative solutions that enhance national se...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $236K *

Lead the charge in developing mission-critical cyber capabilities, focusing on advanced Computer Network Operations (CNO). Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, implement, and enhance solutions t...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $236K *

Lead the charge in developing mission-critical cyber capabilities, driving technical excellence in Computer Network Operations (CNO) while collaborating with a dynamic team to safeguard national secur...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead development and coordination of advanced PNT systems, mentoring staff and establishing standardized testing processes while managing high-visibility projects to enhance capabilities under the Lon...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead development and coordination of advanced PNT systems, mentoring staff and establishing standardized testing processes while managing high-visibility projects under the LRKC initiative to enhance...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$82K - $150K *

Lead engineering initiatives by designing, developing, and verifying end-to-end systems. Collaborate across teams to translate strategic product goals into actionable system specifications, ensuring c...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Advance cybersecurity initiatives by leading assessments, documentation, and compliance for naval warfare systems, while ensuring adherence to DoD policies and facilitating risk management efforts acr...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead a team that drives innovative cyberspace defense solutions, ensuring the effective management and sustainment of advanced cybersecurity systems within the Air Force's unique operational environme...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $168K *

Advance your career by leading the technical architecture and integration of innovative avionics display systems, ensuring safety and compliance throughout the full lifecycle of aerospace subsystems...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Join our team to lead the development of advanced processing systems, guiding engineers from requirements to product integration while ensuring technical integrity, managing risk, and collaborating wi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Manage and lead complex projects supporting USSF activities, ensuring financial and technical objectives are met. Collaborate with teams, develop strategies, and foster client relationships while driv...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive project success by leading a team of experts in managing complex government programs. Ensure financial, technical, and schedule objectives are met while fostering strong client relationships and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $180K *

Lead the charge in executing complex technical projects, managing system requirements, and ensuring compliance through rigorous testing and documentation. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to dr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by designing and managing Kubernetes clusters on bare metal. Own the platform lifecycle, collaborate with teams, and ensure security compliance while delivering mission-critical so...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $213K *

Lead the charge in developing and supporting advanced propulsion systems for the US Navy. Collaborate with a dynamic team to integrate, validate, and optimize system solutions while ensuring adherence...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $160K *

The Sr. Operations Engineer - Space Control will provide technical advice and assistance throughout the acquisition life cycle for space systems. This role involves supporting program acquisition effo...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$104K - $194K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing F-16 avionics systems through troubleshooting, software integration, and customer support. Collaborate with military and engineering teams to ensure optimal p...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leveraging your Systems Engineering expertise to support critical national security programs. Collaborate with teams, provide technical feedback, and ensure operational objectives...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$91K - $169K *

Drive the development and integration of cutting-edge software systems, collaborate with engineering teams, and ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions for complex missions in an Agile environme...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $160K *

Develop your career by engaging in critical system engineering tasks, working collaboratively with teams and users to ensure effective solutions, performance evaluation, and requirements management in...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in C5ISR technology. Lead engineering efforts to develop advanced surveillance and counter-drone systems, ensuring effective solutions for diverse environments wh...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform the system lifecycle with high-level design and oversight, ensuring compliance and seamless integration across platforms while mentoring teams and driving world-class solutions for national...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.