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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$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of enterprise architecture by leading modernization initiatives, aligning technology with business strategies, and ensuring robust governance across applications, infrastructure, and...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $181K *

Engineer innovative solutions as a Senior Systems Engineer, focusing on design, integration, and testing for advanced defense technologies. Collaborate on the Aegis Combat System, ensuring high-qualit...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Elevate training excellence by developing and maintaining system-level training materials, conducting classes, and enhancing operational procedures for vehicle engineers in a dynamic, onsite environme...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $180K *

Join a dynamic project management team driving successful engineering contract execution. Lead customer relations, manage schedules and budgets, and ensure timely delivery while mitigating risks. Shap...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$71K - $120K *

Explore innovative solutions by analyzing user requirements and leading design efforts. Provide technical guidance, ensure system integration, and develop key documentation, all while upholding the in...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$71K - $120K *

Elevate your career by guiding system development and integration, analyzing requirements, and ensuring technical integrity across projects. Collaborate with stakeholders and lead design activities to...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$171K - $225K *

Optimize system requirements and design through technical leadership, ensuring the integration of user needs and technology. Guide projects from conception to implementation while fostering communicat...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform innovative electrical engineering solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams, driving compliance, and enhancing system performance while ensuring customer needs are met in a dyna...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive the development of high-fidelity simulation software for missile guidance, navigation, and control. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system architecture and ensure mission succ...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $219K *

Drive Configuration Management excellence by leading processes, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate across functions to enhance product lifecycle management a...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$88K - $105K *

Champion the development of Next Generation Missile Defense systems by defining, analyzing, and managing requirements throughout the system life cycle, ensuring alignment with strategic defense goals...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$121K - $194K *

Lead the design and optimization of terrestrial transport networks, ensuring reliable connectivity for critical communications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage vendor relationships a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of lunar exploration by leading GNC algorithm modernization and innovation. Drive high-fidelity simulations, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to ensure mission success a...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$178K - $331K *

Lead the charge in system design for advanced satellite missions, establishing architecture, developing requirements, and ensuring compliance through integration and testing, while driving performance...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Elevate your career by supporting the integration of space vehicles with launch systems. Collaborate with key stakeholders throughout the launch lifecycle, ensuring successful operations and safety co...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Drive the integration of space vehicles with launch systems, coordinating operations and ensuring safety compliance throughout the launch lifecycle. Collaborate with stakeholders to support mission su...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading multidisciplinary teams in the development of advanced aerospace power systems. Drive technical excellence from concept through prototype qualification, ensuring integrated...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$120K - $140K *

Lead and inspire a diverse team of software professionals, driving embedded software development strategies and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve development objectives and enhance team...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential by managing complex integrated master schedules for satellite programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution and compliance throughout the project l...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by applying senior systems engineering expertise across the full system life cycle, focusing on AI-driven cloud and platform engineering. Ensure technical integrity and quality whi...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $169K *

Drive the development and management of model-based systems architecture while leading a team of engineers. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure traceable requirements and effective communication t...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced spacecraft and mission systems, tackling complex challenges across the full lifecycle from design to on-orbit execution, while collaborating with cross-disciplin...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Unlock potential by leading spacecraft and mission design, integrating advanced systems, and solving complex challenges in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver r...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$111K - $170K *

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to manage system requirements, support verification and validation, and drive product goals. Lead systems engineering efforts to ensure successful execution an...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $238K *

Create innovative flight software for embedded systems, ensuring quality through documentation and testing. Design, implement, and oversee software lifecycles while collaborating with cross-functional...

3 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.