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 - $105K *

Lead the charge in innovative mechanical design for mobile equipment, managing complex projects and guiding engineers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe delivery of high-quality solutions. Co...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in software systems integration, driving development and deployment efforts in complex environments. Collaborate with senior leaders and technical teams to deliver scalable software so...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $150K *

Innovate and lead as a Senior Electrical Engineer, driving design and integration for advanced Battle Management Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and deliver cut...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$139K - $197K *

Pioneer the future of defense acquisition by leading mission execution strategies, optimizing budgets, and ensuring operational delivery for critical warfighter capabilities across a multidisciplinary...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Transform mission support through advanced expertise in AWACS systems. Engage in technical training and instructional design, leveraging strong operational knowledge to enhance learning outcomes for m...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Analyze and optimize production processes while integrating new technologies. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance efficiency and quality in high-performance electronics manufacturing, ensuring c...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $160K *

Lead the charge in developing and deploying innovative software and hardware systems for transportation clients, ensuring seamless integration and successful implementation while maintaining comprehen...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead high-impact geospatial navigation solutions, bridging advanced technology with commercial goals. Collaborate with enterprise and defense clients, driving PoCs and mentoring teams to deliver excep...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $141K *

Help us shape the future of advanced systems engineering by leading complex projects, ensuring quality and performance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions o...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $245K *

Champion the future of advanced aerospace systems by leading a diverse team in logistics, integration, and test execution. Ensure seamless transitions to low-rate production through strategic oversigh...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in designing and integrating advanced aerospace systems, driving innovation and ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams on cutting-e...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$118K - $219K *

Empower a multidisciplinary team to drive test infrastructure and system integration, ensuring technical excellence and project success through collaboration, risk management, and innovative solutions...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead and develop a project engineering team to ensure successful delivery of aircraft connectivity projects, overseeing operations, budgets, and compliance while fostering team growth and cross-functi...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Lead the integration and operational readiness of avionics systems, driving seamless collaboration across design, testing, and field operations to ensure mission-critical system effectiveness in advan...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in designing secure AWS IL5 cloud architecture, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness while coordinating with cross-functional teams to support mission growth and modernization e...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $193K *

Empower secure cloud operations by serving as the key liaison between DoD security officials and industry partners, ensuring compliance and effective onboarding for classified cloud environments...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$132K - $251K *

Lead the charge in advancing carbon-carbon manufacturing through strategic analysis and innovative inspection methods. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and drive tran...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Analyze and execute systems engineering functions for missile defense systems, ensuring effective integration, validation, and supportability. Collaborate within an Agile framework to deliver innovati...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$121K - $177K *

Transform the future of space sensing by integrating digital models and systems engineering expertise to support critical defense capabilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver inno...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$111K - $167K *

Empower your career by leading safety initiatives and ensuring compliance in EHS, Sustainability, and Security. Drive strategic goals across programs while collaborating with diverse teams to achieve...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Lead the charge in developing and maintaining system-level qualification requirements, ensuring effective communication among stakeholders and supporting qualification strategies for subsystems in a c...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Engage in cutting-edge systems engineering to translate complex requirements into effective solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful qualification and integration of sub...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Elevate your career by contributing to critical systems engineering projects for the U.S. Air Force. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, analyze, and document software systems, ensuring high-qu...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $142K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of Command, Control, and Communications systems. Leverage your engineering expertise to design, analyze, and enhance critical systems that ensure operational exce...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Join a dynamic team as you leverage your expertise in systems integration and testing to support critical defense programs. Collaborate on software engineering tasks, enhance operational capabilities...

2 weeks 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.