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.
$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
$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
$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
$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
Systems Engineering I - Onsite
$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
Integration & Test Systems Engineer
$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
Integration & Test Systems Engineer
$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
Instructional Systems Designer
$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
$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
$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
$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...
Yesterday
$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
Principal DevOps Engineer (Top Secret Clearance)
$114K - $171K *
Champion the development of cutting-edge Mission Planning systems by creating and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, ensuring efficient software delivery, and supporting team collaboration in a dynamic envi...
Reposted 1 week ago
Navigation Lead Staff GNC Engineer
$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
Navigation Lead Staff GNC Engineer
$177K - $265K *
Lead cross-functional teams to design and test advanced navigation systems, ensuring robust solutions in a dynamic aerospace environment. Collaborate with engineers and suppliers to meet complex syste...
Reposted 1 week ago
Systems Engineer w/Active TS/SCI
$104K - $145K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative system solutions by collaborating with stakeholders, conducting trade studies, and executing test plans. Drive capability development and ensure effective comm...
2 weeks ago
Senior Ground Software Engineer
$133K - $161K *
Architect and execute ground software systems for innovative satellite operations, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while mentoring a dynamic engineering team. Your contributions...
3 weeks ago
$77K - $116K *
Advance your career by applying innovative systems engineering techniques to tackle national security challenges in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment focused on mission success and operational...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$177K - $265K *
Join our dynamic engineering team to lead airworthiness certification efforts for various air vehicle platforms, ensuring compliance and safety throughout the product lifecycle while collaborating wit...
3 weeks ago
Senior Communications Systems Engineer - Satellite & NTN
$150K - $200K *
Drive innovation in communications systems by leading complex RF analysis and integrations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance satellite performance and ensure top-quality deliverables...
3 weeks ago
GEOINT Ground Systems Thread Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at a critical mission by integrating and enhancing GEOINT ground systems. Collaborate with government leaders and technical teams to ensure cohesive operational performance, strate...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$65K - $121K *
Transform IT infrastructure by joining an Agile team focused on systems administration, networking, and hardware. Contribute to mission-critical projects while enhancing your skills in Windows/Linux e...
2 weeks ago
Principal Cyberspace Defense Analysis Server Solution Analyst
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative solutions in cyberspace defense analysis, leveraging your expertise to support critical Air Force operations. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance cybersecurity systems and en...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's driving digital innovation through software development and web content management, leveraging your expertise in Core Java and Adobe Experience Manager to create impactful web solut...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer - TS/SCI
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering for dynamic technology initiatives, managing full lifecycle activities while fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. Drive continuous improvement as a scrum...
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.