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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$155K - $233K *

Lead the charge in advancing critical space capabilities through technical expertise and strategic collaboration, ensuring successful program execution and innovation in a dynamic environment...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in mission execution and engineering integration, ensuring alignment of science objectives with operational plans. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize mission performan...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform mission objectives into engineering solutions by leading planning, integration, and execution of extended mission activities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure operational su...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $230K *

Empower a team of SEIT engineers, balancing management duties with program support. Drive technical excellence and innovation in systems engineering practices, ensuring adherence to quality standards...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$179K - $311K *

Unlock potential by leading a technical team to architect and integrate advanced Space Warfighting Systems. Collaborate with senior leaders to define engineering processes, manage requirements, and en...

Yesterday

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $130K *

Champion the development of submarine communication models using Model-Based Systems Engineering. Collaborate with engineers to enhance digital engineering practices, ensuring accurate and maintainabl...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $175K *

Optimize complex operational and engineering challenges by applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) throughout the systems lifecycle, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams on criti...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$176K - $285K *

Lead engineering initiatives across multi-disciplinary teams to ensure the successful design, development, and delivery of advanced Space Mission Systems. Drive quality and innovation while managing t...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Optimize interdisciplinary design and integration of complex aerospace systems. Serve as a key technical advisor, ensuring sound solutions and schedules while balancing technical needs with business c...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Champion the technical execution of UCS Re-architecture IR&D, managing cost, schedule, and performance while aligning investments with strategic goals. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative ground software for satellite command and control systems. Collaborate with a skilled team to design, implement, and troubleshoot software solutions in a dynam...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Optimize system solutions by translating customer requirements into effective designs. Engage in technical planning, integration, and validation across engineering disciplines, ensuring alignment with...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of engineering projects, leading system design, implementation, and problem resolution initiatives. Bring your expertise to mentoring engineers while ensuring cust...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Lead multidisciplinary systems engineering efforts by enforcing best practices, guiding team development, and managing requirements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and del...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovative solutions as a Principal Systems Engineer, leading cross-functional teams to develop advanced aerospace products. Utilize systems engineering expertise to ensure successful program ex...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $175K *

Transform your career as a Lead Systems Engineer, defining architectures and managing requirements across complex military communication systems, ensuring alignment with program commitments while guid...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Grow your career with a leadership role overseeing multi-disciplinary teams in the design and development of advanced Space Vehicles, ensuring mission success through effective communication and techn...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Champion the advancement of Digital and Systems Engineering by leading complex MBSE and DE projects. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance space and defense systems, driving innovation and best pr...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Drive the development and management of complex MBSE and DE project portfolios, leveraging extensive systems engineering expertise to enhance space and defense systems throughout their lifecycle in a...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Accelerate your career by leading complex MBSE and DE projects, driving innovation in systems engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance space and defense systems through advanced...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as you provide systems engineering expertise for international THAAD initiatives, ensuring seamless communication and technical support for critical defense operations while coll...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $269K *

Transform the future of defense by leading a team of Systems Engineers in managing the FBM Ground Test Program, ensuring successful pre-production and deployment system testing while collaborating acr...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Oversee a team of Systems Engineers, guiding project development and performance in a high-stakes environment. Drive collaborative efforts and foster engineering excellence across multiple aerospace p...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$154K - $278K *

Transform IT infrastructure services by ensuring operational excellence, risk management, and compliance with SLAs. Leverage your expertise to enhance system performance and continuity, driving innova...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$154K - $278K *

Optimize IT infrastructure services by managing operations, evaluating metrics, and ensuring compliance with SLAs. Lead risk assessments and maintain system performance while supporting disaster recov...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.