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.
Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (19982)
$108K - $163K *
Lead the charge in supporting the SLCM-N program by providing technical expertise in design, proposal development, and technology maturation, ensuring efficient and effective systems for U.S. deterren...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Architect and manage the technical aspects of defense programs, ensuring integration across disciplines, compliance with requirements, and alignment of overall product solutions throughout the program...
4 weeks ago
Senior Principal Systems Engineer (Systems Architect) (Hybrid)
$132K - $251K *
Champion the evolution of complex aerospace systems by leading technical direction and systems engineering efforts, establishing strategies that ensure successful implementation and collaboration acro...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $158K *
Unlock potential by leading network systems engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and developing critical documentation for complex systems. Enhance your career while support...
3 weeks ago
Space Systems Engineer - Orbital Analysis
$160K - $200K *
Unlock potential by providing advanced orbital analysis and engineering support for Space Domain Awareness operations, enhancing national security space missions through data integration and analytica...
2 weeks ago
Space Systems Engineer - Orbital Analysis
$110K - $130K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role supporting Space Domain Awareness operations through advanced orbital analysis, enhancing national security space operations with engineering rigor and innovative...
2 weeks ago
Embedded Integration & Test Systems Engineer Sr
$95K - $178K *
Empower your career by driving technical planning and system integration. Collaborate across teams to transform customer requirements into effective solutions while managing cost, schedule, and risk f...
1 week ago
$79K - $147K *
Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer, collaborating on innovative solutions for strategic defense. Drive requirements development, model-based engineering, and verification activities to enhanc...
1 week ago
GEOINT Lead Systems Integrator
$150K - $180K *
Help us advance GEOINT enterprise transformation by leading systems integration and architecture initiatives. In this pivotal role, you'll guide technical efforts, collaborate across organizations, an...
2 weeks ago
GEOINT Lead Systems Integrator
$150K - $180K *
Lead enterprise-wide systems integration efforts, guiding technical initiatives and modernization strategies across the GEOINT landscape. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance architecture and ensu...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Agile Release Train Engineer (HYBRID)
$132K - $251K *
Optimize multi-team Agile delivery as a Senior Principal Engineer, leading roadmaps, synchronizing efforts, and driving continuous improvement for mission-critical defense solutions. Champion digital...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive impactful intelligence analysis by leveraging advanced imagery science techniques. Collaborate with teams to enhance situational awareness and support critical military operations through expert...
1 week ago
$87K - $157K *
Grow your career with a pivotal Systems Engineer Lead role, overseeing the lifecycle of technical documentation and work instructions. Collaborate across teams to enhance airspace modernization throug...
3 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Unlock innovative solutions by leading technical planning, system integration, and validation efforts. Collaborate across all system phases, ensuring effective design and support of IT solutions while...
4 weeks ago
Lead Systems Architect/Engineer
$174K - $193K *
Join a dynamic team as a technical lead architect, overseeing the development of innovative communication solutions. You'll define architecture, integrate systems, and mentor engineers while ensuring...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive your career with a pivotal role in designing and integrating complex hybrid systems, overseeing the full development lifecycle while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovati...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape your career by leading engineering teams in hybrid cloud architecture and DevSecOps. Drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance in complex federal environments while fostering collaborat...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Lead engineering initiatives in hybrid cloud architecture and data center operations. Drive continuous improvement and compliance in federal environments while managing high-performing teams and techn...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Systems Engineer, providing critical support to the Air Force's Cryptologic and Cyber Systems Division. Collaborate on complex systems integration, ensuring complianc...
Today
$170K - $195K *
Empower innovation by designing and coding containerized applications, ensuring compliance and performance across diverse environments. Collaborate with developers to enhance software solutions and ma...
1 week ago
$170K - $195K *
Transform your career by joining a dynamic team focused on secure software development and artifact management. Leverage your expertise to enhance NCIS systems while ensuring compliance with industry...
1 week ago
Staff Engineer Mission Assurance
$177K - $265K *
Elevate mission assurance initiatives by leading structured problem-solving, driving compliance, and mentoring teams. Collaborate across functions to enhance quality management systems and ensure effe...
1 week ago
Software Engineering - Software Engineer - P2
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by driving the design, development, and maintenance of software modules while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions through the ful...
4 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer (Systems)
$122K - $153K *
Build advanced digital compute and power electronics architectures, driving system-level design, trades, and collaborations across diverse teams to develop reliable, scalable products that excel in pe...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Help us drive innovation by leading a diverse engineering team to successfully deliver complex projects while aligning technical strategies with organizational goals and fostering a collaborative envi...
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.