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.
$130K - $155K *
Serve as the technical authority for seeker technologies, leading cross-functional teams in the design, development, and testing of advanced precision-guided weapon systems, while engaging with custom...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - Senior (Multi-Function RF ICT)
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of advanced RF and EW capabilities by providing technical leadership and system-level expertise within a collaborative Integrated Capabilities Team, ensuring mission assurance and int...
1 week ago
Cyber Systems Security Engineering - E2
$72K - $135K *
Champion innovative Cyber solutions by leading interdisciplinary teams to assess risks, design secure systems, and ensure compliance throughout the development lifecycle. Collaborate with architects a...
2 weeks ago
Cyber Systems Security Engineering - E2
$72K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and implementing innovative Cyber solutions, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance throughout the lifecycle. Collaborate with architects and de...
2 weeks ago
Time Compliance Technical Directives Manager (Onsite)
$107K - $204K *
Transform compliance objectives by collaborating with leadership and cross-functional teams to manage technical publications and metrics, ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory standard...
Reposted 6 days ago
Cleared Senior/Principal Systems Engineer & Project Lead, Onsite
$117K - $235K *
Champion advanced RF/microwave systems engineering for national security. Lead R&D efforts, influence product lifecycle strategies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver critical com...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of enterprise architecture by developing strategies and roadmaps that align with mission needs, ensuring robust integration across hybrid environments while guiding multidisciplinary...
2 weeks ago
Principal Deputy Chief Engineer/Deputy IPT Lead
$108K - $163K *
Drive the transition of critical designs to production, leading a diverse engineering team in a fast-paced environment, collaborating across functions and ensuring high management visibility for impac...
Reposted 1 week ago
Systems Engineer II - Analysis and Test Execution, Onsite
$68K - $131K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in missile defense technologies. As a Systems Engineer II, you'll plan and execute complex test events, analyze data, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams...
2 weeks ago
Information Systems Security Engineer II (ISSE)
$150K - $165K *
Unlock potential by joining our team to enhance HPC security across diverse systems. Collaborate with top engineers and contribute to critical projects that strengthen national security while advancin...
3 weeks ago
Information Systems Security Engineer II (ISSE)
$150K - $165K *
Drive security initiatives as part of engineering teams enhancing HPC environments. Collaborate with experts to implement secure architectures, ensuring robust protection for critical systems, while a...
3 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Transform the future of naval technology by leading field engineering efforts, collaborating with top professionals, and ensuring seamless integration of advanced systems for the SQQ-89 program, all w...
2 weeks ago
Software Systems Integration SME (RAS)
$120K - $145K *
Transform software development and integration for national defense by leading teams to deliver robust Command and Control User Interface solutions that integrate seamlessly with fleet operations...
3 weeks ago
$75K - $144K *
Join a team that's redefining radar technology by integrating advanced systems engineering practices to enhance performance and reliability in cutting-edge radar systems. Collaborate with experts to s...
Yesterday
Mission Systems Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining unmanned aircraft systems through innovative software development and integration. Collaborate across disciplines to design high-performance control systems for advanced...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Program Lead, Cloud Engineering Operations
$230K - $280K *
Transform Engineering Operations by leading accountability and metrics to ensure operational excellence. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance collaboration across teams, and shape the function's growt...
1 week ago
Senior Staff Program Lead, Cloud Engineering Operations
$230K - $280K *
Transform Engineering Operations by leading accountability and metrics across teams. Drive improvements in SLOs, incident management, and operational data to ensure customer commitments are met. Shape...
1 week ago
$200K - $250K *
Develop advanced systems engineering solutions by leading requirements governance, interface management, and technical documentation for complex training systems, fostering collaboration to achieve qu...
3 weeks ago
Expert Systems Engineer (Requirements)
$170K - $230K *
Shape advanced technical solutions as a senior authority, guiding complex capabilities from concept to mission deployment. Lead requirement development, risk assessment, and project planning to meet c...
3 weeks ago
$68K - $131K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer II, where you'll tackle technical challenges, manage requirements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Software Engineer
$100K - $150K *
Explore the future of automated test systems as a Senior Software Engineer, leading the design and development of robust software platforms for Ground Support Equipment. Collaborate across teams to en...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in optimizing manufacturing processes for high-reliability aerospace products. Collaborate across teams to enhance workflows and drive efficiency in a dynamic, startup setting focused...
1 month ago
echnical SETA SME - Space Systems & Space Environment
$120K - $145K *
Engage in advanced R&D to enhance technologies for critical space missions. Provide expert technical insight on satellite systems, space operations, and environmental effects, ensuring resilience and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Lead Network Engineer, Centrix
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead enterprise network engineering efforts, providing mentorship and technical expertise while ensuring secure, efficient network operations across multinational environments...
2 days ago
Software Engineering Manager / Lead
$166K - $309K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic software development team, driving program execution, and fostering innovation in a collaborative environment. Oversee project management, mentor engineers, an...
2 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.