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.
Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer IV (Staff)
$135K - $251K *
Shape the future of spacecraft systems by designing and optimizing GNC subsystems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure performance meets rigorous standards, while leading a talented grou...
Today
Test-Driven Multidisciplinary Capability (TDMC) Engagement Leader
$157K - $298K *
Lead a multidisciplinary team to drive the adoption of Test-Driven Multidisciplinary Capability workflows, enhancing productivity and reducing cycle times across development programs through collabora...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Accelerate progress at the Missile Defense Agency by supporting system requirements, Model-Based Systems Engineering, and simulation capabilities. Collaborate with technical teams to enhance missile d...
3 weeks ago
$170K - $190K *
Join a team that's dedicated to creating cutting-edge audio and video systems. You will engage directly with customers, providing technical support while collaborating with development and sales teams...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Manager Software Engineering 2
$161K - $241K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team in developing cutting-edge software for quantum computing. Drive technical excellence while managing staffing and performance, ensuring reliable solutions...
Today
Manager Software Engineering 2
$161K - $241K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge software for quantum computing. Manage a skilled team while contributing technically to architecture, design, and integration. Drive performance and collabor...
Today
Principal Systems Engineer, Radar Test Engineer - Ground Based Radar Systems
$118K - $224K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on developing cutting-edge radar systems. Collaborate with experts in systems engineering to drive innovation and enhance missile defense capabili...
Today
Principal Software Cyber Engineer
$103K - $155K *
Grow your career with us as a lead in software cybersecurity, driving secure software development for advanced radar systems. Collaborate with technical experts to architect robust protections and ens...
Reposted 1 week ago
Acquisition/Program Integration Systems Engineer
$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
$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
$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
$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
Engineer Systems/Principal Engineer Systems
$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
Ground Systems Engineer - Millennium Space Systems
$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
$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
Systems Modeling & Simulation Engineer (SysML)
$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
Cyber Operations Readiness Assessment Systems Engineer/Reviewer (Linux)
$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...
4 weeks ago
Senior Enterprise Network Engineer
$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
$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
$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
$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
Principal Systems Engineer Onsite
$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
Manager Manufacturing Systems Engineering 2
$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
Manager Manufacturing Systems Engineering 2
$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
Systems or Software Engineer - Change Management 2 - Space AHT
$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
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.