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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$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

$67K - $124K *

Empower teams by applying interdisciplinary approaches to develop and validate Cyber solutions, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance throughout the lifecycle of cybersecurity initiativ...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $250K *

Shape the future of technology by joining our Agile team to develop and integrate innovative software solutions. Leverage your expertise to enhance our PaaS platform while driving collaborative effort...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in project engineering for cutting-edge satellite development, managing budgets, schedules, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution from concept to production...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$156K - $234K *

Lead the charge in managing SIPRNet Lab operations, ensuring compliance and security while supporting program managers. Collaborate across teams to maintain accreditation and optimize budget managemen...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform aviation systems by leading architectural strategies and technical execution for PLM programs, supervising multi-disciplinary teams, and ensuring alignment with modern engineering practices...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$92K - $138K *

Manage design efforts for Nacelle components in commercial aircraft, ensuring compliance with standards and requirements. Collaborate across functions to enhance product quality and efficiency while l...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $138K *

Architect design solutions for Nacelle components, ensuring compliance with standards. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and efficiency while driving engineering changes and techn...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $220K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space and ground systems by providing critical Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory services to the Government Intelligence Community, ensuring successfu...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space and ground systems through innovative acquisition strategies, providing critical support to government programs and ensuring successful execution of miss...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to maintaining and enhancing enterprise network infrastructure. Support multi-site operations, implement cloud solutions, and ensure security best practices while collabor...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Transform complex software integration and testing processes by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless collaboration, and driving best practices in a dynamic environment. Elevate system per...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$171K - $222K *

Pioneer systems engineering solutions by guiding design and integration activities, analyzing requirements, and delivering comprehensive documentation and technical leadership within a dynamic team en...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $220K *

Champion innovative solutions in systems engineering, driving technical integrity and quality across critical national security programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance performance and deli...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$247K - $276K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Systems Engineering team, driving technical excellence and innovation while establishing best practices for developing complex systems from concept to deployme...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Yesterday

  •   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...

2 days ago

  •   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...

2 days ago

  •   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

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.