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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$88K - $163K *

Innovate solutions as a Systems Engineer, integrating and supporting satellite communications systems throughout their lifecycle while managing risks and ensuring effective system performance with a t...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $142K *

Innovate in the design and testing of Command, Control, and Communications systems, applying engineering principles and data analysis to enhance system performance while ensuring compliance with secur...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in developing system architectures and requirements management for the HOPE 2.0 initiative, facilitating Agile projects across Space, Intelligence, and Cyber domains to deliver mission...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining industrial control systems by leading the design, planning, and implementation of automated solutions across diverse sectors. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$219K - $232K *

Leverage your expertise to drive security innovation in large DOD systems, performing critical cybersecurity assessments and vulnerability evaluations while enhancing resilience through a Zero Trust a...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$129K - $239K *

Elevate hardware design and system engineering by leading advanced processing system development. Ensure technical integrity and compliance while driving innovation through digital transformation prac...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Engage in leading the integration and testing of advanced aircraft avionics systems, ensuring technical excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Drive initiatives that enhance perfo...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

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.