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.
$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
Systems Engineer Prin - E6 (Secret Clearance Required)
$158K - $294K *
Drive mission success by managing risks and ensuring technical excellence in the Trident II Life Extension Program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and enhance strategic defe...
6 days ago
Systems Engineer Prin - E6 (Secret Clearance Required)
$178K - $331K *
Join us to champion mission success by evaluating requirements and managing risks across the Trident II Life Extension Program. Collaborate with engineering and leadership to ensure technical excellen...
6 days 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...
Yesterday
Software Engineering Technical Leader (Hybrid)
$151K - $222K *
Lead the charge in building intuitive analytics experiences that empower users to create and utilize searches and dashboards effectively. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product fea...
6 days ago
$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
Space Vehicle Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of space vehicle systems engineering, defining spacecraft architecture and ensuring successful integration and verification across complex classified satellite prog...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) Active Clearance Required
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by securing complex networks and cloud systems while ensuring compliance with federal and DoD standards. Collaborate with engineering teams to implement robust security measures an...
2 weeks ago
Director of Engineering - Advanced Avionics
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer advanced avionics solutions by leading multidisciplinary teams to develop and certify cutting-edge systems. Drive innovation, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage the entire product lifecy...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineering Manager 1
$133K - $199K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team of software engineers while driving strategic goals and cultivating an innovative workplace. Partner with diverse professionals to enhance workforce perfo...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Engineering Manager 1
$133K - $199K *
Shape the future of software engineering as you lead a diverse team to drive program success, cultivate workplace inclusivity, manage performance, and align engineering processes with strategic object...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Systems Engineer, Product Owner - Radar Analysis and Verification - AN/TPY-2
$107K - $204K *
Lead an agile team as a Principal Systems Engineer, focusing on performance analysis and verification for advanced missile defense systems. Utilize expertise to manage technical execution and collabor...
3 weeks ago
Space Assembly Integration and Test (AI&T) IPT Lead - Staff Engineer Systems
$169K - $253K *
Join a team that's at the vanguard of space technology, leading the assembly, integration, and testing of advanced RADAR payloads. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance operational capabilities fr...
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.