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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Staff Systems Engineer - Safety & Reliability
$156K - $195K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing safety and reliability in propulsion systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop robust safety strategies and ensure mission success while managing cri...
1 week ago
Senior Principal Systems Engineer
$183K - $193K *
Innovate systems engineering solutions for Free-Space Optical communications, leading design, integration, and verification efforts. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure successful deployment and...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Systems Engineer
$183K - $193K *
Lead the technical definition and integration of advanced Free-Space Optical communications systems. Oversee system design, verification, and sustainment while collaborating across multiple engineerin...
2 weeks ago
Engineer, Satellite Platform Engineering
$75K - $110K *
Drive satellite operations excellence by analyzing telemetry data, optimizing performance, and collaborating with engineering teams to ensure seamless satellite lifecycle management from procurement t...
5 days ago
Senior Modeling and Simulation Systems Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading advanced modeling and simulation initiatives for underground facility assessments, integrating high-fidelity simulations to safeguard defense operations and enhance joint f...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer II - TS/SCI Clearance
$81K - $85K *
Support the engineering and documentation of secure/non-secure communication systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure effective design, installation, and testing of network solutions, while maintaini...
2 days ago
Engineering Manager, Wireless and Digital Design
$169K - $266K *
Engage in the development of advanced wireless algorithms enabling seamless connectivity between Bluetooth® devices and satellites. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on system design, analysis...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join our dynamic Professional Services team to enhance client systems through hands-on technical solutions, project delivery, and automation. Collaborate with senior engineers and play a key role in m...
3 weeks ago
Senior Model-Based Systems Engineer
$110K - $125K *
Transform engineering data into authoritative digital models. Collaborate in a model-centric environment to support advanced helicopter systems, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout the lifecy...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Engineering Functional Lead
$120K - $145K *
Lead and transform software engineering teams to deliver high-quality avionics systems. Drive collaboration across functions, mentor talent, and incorporate AI tools to enhance processes and outcomes...
3 weeks ago
Sr Principal Systems Engineer (TS/SCI Required)
$183K - $203K *
Lead mission-critical RF and SATCOM systems, ensuring reliable operations through hands-on troubleshooting, maintenance, and collaboration with technical teams to support seamless mission execution ac...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineering Technical Leader
$214K - $309K *
Join a dynamic team to develop diagnostic test suites for Cisco switches, enhancing hardware performance and collaborating across multi-functional teams to solve complex challenges in a fast-paced env...
Today
Surveillance Systems Engineering, Advisor
$112K - $179K *
Drive innovation in air traffic management by leading systems engineering efforts for the National Airspace System, shaping complex architectures, and ensuring compliance while collaborating with top...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$132K - $251K *
Drive enterprise-wide DMSMS management by establishing standardized processes and frameworks to mitigate supplier risks and enhance operational stability, ensuring compliance with government standards...
Yesterday
$114K - $252K *
Execute comprehensive modernization strategies as a key technical leader, assessing architecture, applications, and security to enhance systems for emergency management capabilities. Drive decision-ma...
Reposted 6 days ago
Cyber Systems Security Engineering Sr Mgr - L6
$182K - $338K *
Lead the charge in innovative cybersecurity solutions by overseeing collaborative efforts to design, validate, and enhance risk management processes. Drive continuous improvement across teams to ensur...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Systems/Sr Principal Engineer Systems AHT - INF/MBSE
$108K - $163K *
Drive the development and integration of embedded computing platforms, collaborating across teams to ensure robust system performance and applying Model-Based Systems Engineering principles throughout...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Champion the development of system models to enhance future engineering efforts, collaborating across teams and utilizing advanced MBSE tools to support Missile Defense Agency initiatives...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$95K - $119K *
Transform systems engineering by developing innovative solutions for complex systems, integrating diverse technologies and methodologies to enhance national security and operational effectiveness acro...
1 month ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Unlock potential by leading complex mechanical design projects for mobile equipment. Collaborate with engineers and project managers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe project completion whil...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Lead the charge in mechanical design for mobile equipment, managing complex projects and guiding engineers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe project completion while collaborating across tea...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Advance your career by leading complex mechanical design projects for mobile equipment. Collaborate with engineers and project managers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe project completion w...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
6 days ago
385 - Systems Integration Engineer
$128K - $143K *
Innovate solutions in systems integration, contributing to the development and deployment of cutting-edge applications in a dynamic lab environment while providing critical support to government clien...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
What does a Chief Systems Engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Browse Chief Systems Engineer listings on Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.