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.
Systems Integration/Test Engineer Level 3 (22998-1)
$179K *
Join a team that's dedicated to integrating and testing advanced systems. Leverage your expertise to develop comprehensive test solutions, ensuring system performance meets customer requirements while...
6 days ago
Director, Features System Engineering
$220K - $290K *
Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...
1 week ago
Director, Features System Engineering
$220K - $290K *
Empower innovation by leading systems engineering for autonomous aviation. Drive strategy, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure safety and performance in developing cutting-edge technologies for...
1 week ago
Principal Software Engineer - TCMA (Onsite)
$107K - $204K *
Drive innovative software architecture and development for complex avionics solutions, leading cross-functional teams in an Agile environment to enhance military communication systems and ensure compl...
1 week ago
Airborne Electronic Attack (AEW) Systems Integration Engineer
$96K - $114K *
Transform the landscape of Airborne Electronic Warfare by leading the integration and engineering support for advanced military systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize efficiency and ensur...
Reposted 5 days ago
Program Manager, International TacCIS
$130K - $165K *
Take ownership of complex international programs, driving strategic outcomes through effective planning, execution, and stakeholder management. Ensure alignment with organizational goals while leading...
2 weeks ago
Program Manager, International TacCIS
$130K - $165K *
Unlock potential by leading complex international programs, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, managing resources, and driving stakeholder satisfaction while maintaining accountability for cost...
2 weeks ago
Model Based Mission Engineering SME
$128K - $187K *
Transform complex defense systems through model-based mission engineering. Collaborate with experts to create dynamic digital models that enhance decision-making, promote integration, and ensure inter...
4 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineering Manager- RF
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic engineering team to develop cutting-edge Electronic Warfare solutions. Drive technical strategy, mentor talent, and ensure successful program execution while shap...
Yesterday
Senior Manager, Deployed Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Manager in Deployed Engineering, leading hands-on deployments and building a high-performing team. Collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to dri...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Deployed Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Transform your career by leading a dynamic team in deploying innovative AI solutions for top audit firms. Engage directly with clients while building production code and shaping the future of audit te...
1 week ago
Senior Systems Engineer with Top Secret clearance
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in complex systems engineering initiatives, driving innovation and integration within DoD and Federal environments. Collaborate with senior stakeholders to enhance mission capabilities...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the design and development of secure enterprise applications, mentoring junior engineers while managing Oracle databases and ERP integrations. Drive innovation in web architecture, API engineerin...
2 weeks ago
$148K - $275K *
Shape the future of space exploration by leading a cross-functional team to deliver innovative solutions for Artemis missions, ensuring technical excellence and collaboration across all phases of deve...
2 weeks ago
$133K - $160K *
Empower innovation by leading complex test activities, ensuring product verification through functional, integration, and acceptance testing. Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve technical issues...
1 week ago
Sr Principal Engineer Software
$122K - $184K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming algorithms into high-performance software. Collaborate with experts to enhance cutting-edge LiDAR systems using C++ and CUDA, and facilitate software testi...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr Principal Engineer Software
$122K - $184K *
Deliver high-performance software solutions by translating MATLAB algorithms into GPU implementations using C++ and CUDA, working in a collaborative environment to enhance LiDAR technology and related...
3 weeks ago
COMSEC Technical Program Manager
$160K - $200K *
Lead modernization efforts in high-assurance communications security, overseeing a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative cryptographic solutions while ensuring compliance with national security...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Lead embedded hardware development for space and defense applications, focusing on design, integration, and testing. Collaborate with engineering teams to overcome technical challenges and drive innov...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $216K *
Innovate complex systems engineering solutions across multi-system environments, guiding teams to translate mission needs into effective technical outcomes while collaborating with stakeholders to enh...
2 days ago
$135K - $216K *
Empower multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative systems engineering solutions across complex environments, ensuring seamless integration and performance optimization while collaborating with sta...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Optimize advanced space payloads by leading system architecture development, managing requirements, and ensuring integration across electrical and control systems for innovative optical instruments in...
1 week ago
Director Engineering Disciplines 1
$203K - $305K *
Champion a high-performance engineering culture by leading a diverse team of 500 professionals. Drive operational excellence, strategic initiatives, and talent development across multiple business uni...
2 days ago
Director Engineering Disciplines 1
$203K - $305K *
Lead the charge in shaping a high-performance engineering culture, driving operational excellence across 500 engineers while fostering collaboration and strategic growth within a multi-disciplinary or...
3 days ago
Guidance/Navigation/Control Engineering Mgr - L5
$148K - $275K *
Champion the design and implementation of advanced algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control systems in aerospace applications, overseeing team development and project execution in a classified...
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.