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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$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

$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

$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

$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

$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 - $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

$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

$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

$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

$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

$95K - $115K *

Drive innovation as a Software Systems Engineer, providing specialized expertise in systems software analysis, design, and support. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

$124K - $206K *

Drive innovation in embedded flight software by designing, implementing, and verifying software on real-time operating systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high standards in soft...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $238K *

Shape the future of embedded flight software by designing robust solutions for real-time operating systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, document, and maintain critical systems...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $155K *

Unlock your potential as a Secure Access Enablement Engineer, ensuring secure provisioning on classified cloud platforms. Collaborate with DoD security authorities and industry partners to enhance fun...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $182K *

Transform aerospace technology by designing and implementing advanced algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control systems in aircraft and spacecraft, ensuring precision during all flight phases a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive precision in aerospace analysis by leading telemetry data processing for mission-critical programs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure accurate trajectory and performance insight...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the analysis of telemetry data for the MACH-TB program, ensuring accurate trajectory and performance assessments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver timely insights and manage co...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive telemetry data processing for aerospace missions, ensuring accurate trajectory analysis and timely delivery of results. Lead a multidisciplinary team in generating navigation solutions and manag...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $238K *

Transform the future of aerospace technology by designing and implementing embedded flight software systems while ensuring robust performance through meticulous development and verification processes...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $133K *

Transform advanced fluid dynamics simulations to enhance Navy missions, leveraging expertise in aerodynamics and simulation-based design. Collaborate on high-impact projects that shape the future of a...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 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.