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 - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing NASA's software testing and simulation efforts. Collaborate on designing and deploying spacecraft simulators, ensuring the integrity of critical systems throu...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $234K *

Empower your career by influencing mission capabilities through advanced system architectures. Collaborate with the Intelligence Community to enhance automated mission delivery and drive innovative so...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $138K *

Take ownership of systems engineering and integration activities for military SATCOM and NC3 systems. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, providing subject matter expertise to support mission-criti...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative E/E systems engineering efforts, collaborating with teams to develop and maintain complex schematics. Represent the company with professionalism while ensurin...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $260K *

Build and manage Cisco SANs, configure settings, and ensure optimal operations. Collaborate with teams to enhance storage systems in VMware environments while addressing security protocols and mainten...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $260K *

Lead the design and maintenance of secure systems in diverse environments, ensuring they meet enterprise-scale requirements while driving automation and compliance. Collaborate on strategic A&A activi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $158K *

Shape the future of aerospace systems by collaborating with a dynamic team to design, develop, and validate cutting-edge C-130J training devices, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability in a fas...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$78K - $250K *

Unlock potential by leading system testing and validation efforts for web-based applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal functionality and performance while documenting...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$154K - $227K *

Shape the future of quality and safety in manufacturing by leading initiatives that ensure compliance, enhance processes, and foster a culture of excellence across teams, driving efficiency and scalab...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $220K *

Lead cybersecurity initiatives by managing Risk Management Framework tasks, conducting system security assessments, and ensuring compliance with DoD policies. Collaborate with teams to safeguard missi...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$57K - $108K *

Contribute to cutting-edge propulsion initiatives by developing systems engineering models, analyzing requirements, and ensuring best practices in a collaborative environment. This role offers an oppo...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to executing complex training systems support contracts for the U.S. Navy. Lead multi-site operations, manage performance and cost control, and build strong relationships...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$91K - $137K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in systems engineering. Collaborate on test solutions, develop comprehensive plans, and automate testing processes while ensuring data integrity and managing cust...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $131K *

Elevate your career by leading integration and testing for advanced RF radar systems, working with cross-functional teams to ensure hardware and software meet stringent performance requirements throug...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by applying your expertise in instructional design, program evaluation, and educational psychology to create effective training materials and improve learning outcomes in a dynamic en...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $269K *

Contribute to a critical national security program by leading systems engineering efforts, engaging with Navy partners, and ensuring effective integration and validation of missile systems. Make a sig...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $269K *

Drive your career forward by leading the integration and delivery of advanced ground systems for a next-gen MILSATCOM program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful system perfo...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Unlock potential by managing the F-35 Radar team's technical development, overseeing proposals, and ensuring budget integrity while collaborating with suppliers and stakeholders to drive project succe...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $269K *

Unlock potential by leading technical planning and system integration efforts. Drive the development of comprehensive solutions through analysis and verification, ensuring alignment with customer requ...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $269K *

Shape the future of advanced weapon systems engineering by leading a dynamic team to manage requirements, ensure verification and validation, and provide vital technical leadership in missile and spac...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in systems engineering for national security. Manage Agile processes, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and enhance system performance through technical ex...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform the future of intelligence by leading software development efforts, ensuring high-quality solutions through Agile methodologies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance the...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive innovative solutions as a Software Engineer, collaborating within an Agile Scrum team to analyze data, develop algorithms, and enhance missile threat prediction capabilities. Your expertise will...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career as a Software Engineer, supporting critical testing and integration tasks for advanced microprocessor systems. Collaborate on software testing, scripting, and hardware/software int...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$177K - $265K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced navigation systems by guiding cross-functional teams, integrating cutting-edge technology, and ensuring robust solutions in a dynamic aerospace environment. Driv...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.