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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$110K - $130K *

Elevate IT systems and SIGINT platforms by integrating advanced communications technologies, ensuring robust system architecture, and enhancing network administration across diverse environments...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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

$112K - $179K *

Architect resilient geospatial intelligence solutions, guiding engineering teams through the systems engineering lifecycle. Ensure alignment with Federal mission needs and drive integration efforts ac...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Champion systems engineering efforts for a Navigation and Positioning project, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with DO-278 guidelines while enhancing system integrity an...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$113K - $136K *

Unlock potential by leading the development and enhancement of manufacturing processes for high-reliability satellite production, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure quality and efficiency thro...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$165K *

Innovate solutions by planning and testing system integrations, ensuring all components meet specifications and performance standards through comprehensive test plans while collaborating effectively w...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$113K - $237K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading a talented team in managing complex IT projects, delivering innovative solutions, and ensuring seamless integration of technology while maintaining effective co...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing software configuration management processes. Oversee version control, build, release, and deployment activities while collaborating with development teams to...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Shape the future of IT infrastructure by joining an Agile team focused on systems administration, networking, and hardware. Contribute to mission-critical projects while enhancing your skills in a dyn...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $230K *

Analyze and develop missile warning and tracking models, employing M&S tools and techniques. Collaborate with internal and external teams, recommending improvements to systems while ensuring effective...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$126K - $170K *

Drive innovation by leading DevSecOps initiatives for critical space missions, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance software delivery, security, and operational readiness across multiple enviro...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$137K - $302K *

Drive innovative mission solutions by leading complex technical proposals and strategies for defense and intelligence sectors, mentoring teams, and influencing key business decisions to enhance operat...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$137K - $302K *

Transform your career by leading complex technical solutions for national security missions. Collaborate with experts to shape innovative strategies and drive impactful outcomes while influencing seni...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$137K - $302K *

Drive innovative technical solutions for complex federal missions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate mission needs into actionable strategies, ensuring quality and operational exc...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Partner with us to deliver innovative automation solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing processes. Leverage your expertise in IT and operational technology to dr...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $163K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of Java-based software for missile defense systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance performance and functionality while supporting cri...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive systems engineering leadership across complex light rail transit projects, ensuring integration, verification, and validation of systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet operati...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $234K *

Join our dynamic Integrated Intelligence team to develop and implement acquisition strategies that enhance national security through cutting-edge technologies and collaboration with government partner...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $110K *

Lead the analysis and evaluation of complex Missile Defense Systems, utilizing model-based engineering approaches to assess performance and support data reviews. Collaborate with a distributed team to...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead the development and management of security protocols in secure environments, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation through advanced evaluations and continuous exposure management. Collaborate w...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $190K *

Transform wireless communications as you develop algorithms for satellite connectivity. Engage in system design, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and lead projects in a dynamic environment foc...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$98K - $147K *

Shape your future as a Principal Software Engineer, driving innovation in secure messaging and cross-domain solutions. Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team, utilizing Agile and DevSecOps methodo...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform complex operational needs into innovative engineering solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, integrate, and test systems in a fast-paced R&D environment, ensuring eff...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $144K *

Champion systems engineering excellence by managing software configurations, defining user needs, and collaborating across teams to enhance radar technology solutions. Drive improvements in interfaces...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by partnering with us to develop and verify safety-critical systems for our commercial Seaglider program. Lead requirements management and support certification compliance while co...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.