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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$110K - $130K *

Accelerate mission success by providing expert systems engineering and program support to Government teams. Engage in lifecycle engineering, documentation, and collaboration to enhance acquisition pro...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $196K *

Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts across the lifecycle, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance mission-critical defense systems. Drive innovation and technical exc...

1 week ago

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

$103K - $181K *

Bring your expertise to a dynamic team supporting on-orbit and launch operations. Collaborate on system engineering tasks, manage agile processes, and develop risk mitigation strategies while ensuring...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $145K *

Lead and inspire a team in aerospace systems design and analysis. Oversee technical projects, establish strategic objectives, and ensure workforce alignment to meet mission goals while fostering a saf...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$175K *

Champion safety by identifying and mitigating risks in inspection tools. Lead design reviews, support testing, and communicate system risks to ensure compliance with safety standards and practices acr...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$98K - $147K *

Lead systems integration efforts for advanced aerospace programs, ensuring seamless coordination across teams. Drive the development and verification of system elements, enhancing engineering practice...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $215K *

Shape the future of ground systems engineering by designing, developing, and integrating mission control systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure successful launches and sustain systems throughout th...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Shape complex engineering projects by leading technical efforts, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring client expectations are exceeded while maintaining quality and safety standards in a dynamic work...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$104K - $133K *

Transform aerospace systems development by applying Model-Based Systems Engineering principles. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and analyze SysML models, enhance engineering perfor...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's pivotal in ensuring Linux system security compliance and enhancing operations. Assess vulnerabilities, implement stringent security protocols, and deliver impactful remediation stra...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $160K *

Champion the design, modernization, and security of critical enterprise networks, ensuring operational continuity for government communications. Lead multiple complex projects, providing expert guidan...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $230K *

Shape the future of space systems by providing expert engineering support, overseeing program execution, and collaborating on innovative solutions to enhance operational capabilities and system perfor...

4 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$177K - $265K *

Lead cybersecurity execution across systems engineering and development programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to identify cybersecurity risks, implement improvements, and support compliance, enhanc...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career as you lead technical support and systems engineering for high-profile clients. Drive innovative solutions in device management, network performance, and VIP support, while collabo...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$107K - $204K *

Lead the charge in advancing Ground-Based Radar systems through architecture development, requirements analysis, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to enhance missile defense capabilities...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Lead a team of Manufacturing Systems Engineers to enhance advanced manufacturing technologies, driving innovation and efficiency in production. Collaborate across functions to implement digital worker...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Optimize manufacturing systems by leading a team of engineers to enhance production efficiency and innovation through advanced technologies and digital solutions, ensuring alignment with operational g...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $131K *

Lead the charge in managing program changes and proposals, blending technical expertise with business development to support critical defense missions. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver innovat...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $200K *

Drive the design and deployment of advanced satellite radar systems, ensuring all-weather, day-night sensing capabilities. Collaborate across disciplines to transform raw data into actionable insights...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$141K - $212K *

Drive advanced Electronic Warfare capabilities for unmanned systems, ensuring integration, testing, and sustainment while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to enhance operational effectiveness a...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$105K - $205K *

Unlock potential by leading high-impact, cross-functional strategic programs in cybersecurity. Collaborate closely with teams across the organization to drive initiatives from inception to execution...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Join our team to design, develop, and automate software tests for embedded systems. Collaborate with engineers throughout the software lifecycle, ensuring quality and performance in a dynamic environm...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Drive innovation in Systems Engineering by enhancing fault management and system autonomy. Collaborate in a dynamic team environment while ensuring successful mission outcomes through comprehensive an...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$198K - $300K *

Lead the charge in defining and owning the avionics architecture for an unmanned aircraft system, ensuring seamless integration between onboard avionics and Ground Control Station, while driving modul...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $135K *

Join a dynamic team to support the design and integration of ground systems for aerospace missions. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in telemetry, tracking, and command systems, paving...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.