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.
$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
Program Controls Analyst / Integrated Master Scheduler
$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
Senior Electronic Warfare Systems Engineer
$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
$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
Principal Software Engineer - Integration and Test
$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
$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
Principal Avionics Systems Engineer, IPT Lead
$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
$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
$58K - $108K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of hypersonic technology through innovative system engineering solutions for critical defense applications. Collaborate with diverse experts to design, develop, a...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $215K *
Unlock potential by driving cybersecurity engineering excellence for mission-critical Navy and DoD systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assess risks, identify vulnerabilities, and enha...
3 weeks ago
Senior Radar Software Engineer
$140K - $240K *
Drive innovation as a Senior Radar Software Engineer, collaborating on R&D and production software for next-gen radar systems. Engage with diverse capabilities and expand your expertise while supporti...
6 days ago
Major Systems Acquisition Specialist
$110K - $130K *
Shape your future by leading program execution efforts in a dynamic team. Utilize your expertise to engage with stakeholders and drive successful acquisitions through effective planning, oversight, an...
4 weeks ago
$265K - $285K *
Advance your career by providing technical leadership in systems engineering, supporting complex integration efforts and ensuring compliance in a multi-stakeholder environment. Drive innovation and en...
3 weeks ago
$145K - $190K *
Lead the development of a robust Systems Engineering framework to ensure compliance with aerospace standards. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance processes, drive quality, and support the la...
4 days ago
$150K - $250K *
Transform complex systems into streamlined solutions by leveraging your expertise in SAN, Cisco, and VMware technologies. Collaborate with teams to enhance security and optimize storage infrastructure...
Today
$150K - $250K *
Champion the development and maintenance of secure, scalable back-end systems, collaborating with a team to deliver high-quality software solutions while ensuring data integrity and compliance in a hi...
1 week ago
Founding Lead Systems Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing spacecraft systems engineering, overseeing mission architecture, requirements management, and team development to ensure flight readiness and operational succ...
Today
Accenture Construct - Systems Engineering & Integration Specialist/Lead, COM
$150K - $200K *
Lead the integration of complex railway systems, ensuring seamless collaboration across projects and disciplines. Drive innovative solutions for infrastructure development, focusing on sustainability...
4 days ago
Senior Principal Cyber Engineer
$160K - $200K *
Pioneer cybersecurity solutions for critical Navy communication systems, leveraging deep engineering expertise and offensive security skills to enhance the resilience of classified environments in a c...
3 weeks ago
$142K - $212K *
Transform cloud integration and DevOps practices, owning CI/CD pipelines, designing Kubernetes deployments, and troubleshooting cloud environments for successful project outcomes...
3 weeks 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.