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.
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 2 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...
2 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...
5 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
CDAO - War Data Platform - Chief of Mission Execution
$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
Software Systems Integration SME
$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
AWACS Ground Support Mission Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME)
$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
$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...
6 days ago
Group Leader-Production Test Development and Execution
$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
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Yesterday
Senior Advanced Systems Engineer
$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
Systems Integration & Test Engineer, Staff -E4
$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...
Yesterday
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.