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.
$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
Systems Engineering Mgr (Configuration Manager) - L5
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Lead Systems Engineer
$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
Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Lead Systems Engineer
$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
$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
Senior Security Systems Engineer
$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
Principal Cyberspace Defense Analysis Systems Solutions
$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
$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
Hardware Systems Engineering Lead - E4
$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
$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
$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...
Reposted today
$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
$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
$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
Sr. Operations Engineer - Space Control
$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
$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
$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
Software Systems Engineer - Level 2
$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
$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
Director of Engineering / Counter Drones and Border Surveillance
$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
$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
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.