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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$82K - $88K *

Help us drive innovation in systems engineering by providing hands-on support for complex integrated systems. Collaborate with technical teams to enhance performance and reliability in diverse environ...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $163K *

Elevate your career by leading integration and testing for advanced defense systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive test plans, ensuring system performance and reliab...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $223K *

Lead the charge in advanced systems engineering for cutting-edge defense projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, ensure system performance, and mentor engineers, driv...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $223K *

Champion systems engineering initiatives to enhance advanced defense systems, ensuring alignment with program goals. Lead cross-functional teams in defining requirements and implementing innovative me...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$126K - $189K *

Manage a team of engineers to design, build, and test Support Equipment for military aircraft, ensuring quality and performance standards are met while overseeing program schedules and budgets...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in developing next-gen missile software, utilizing MBSE practices to analyze requirements, design systems, and ensure traceability throughout the engineering lifecycle. Collaborate wit...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer innovative solutions in systems engineering, leveraging MBSE practices to design and develop next-gen missile systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure requirements traceability and te...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Innovate in aerospace engineering by developing key performance parameters and supporting advanced systems design for space exploration and scientific discovery. Join a team dedicated to pioneering fu...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing airborne systems engineering. Collaborate on the UH/HH-60 Black Hawk cockpit, ensuring software requirements are met through testing and integration while fos...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Empower our team by leveraging your systems engineering expertise to enhance airborne platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software requirements are met, driving successful out...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Empower teams to transition through Agile principles and SAFe methodologies, providing guidance and training while supporting mission strategy development across complex acquisition projects in a coll...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's innovating the future of avionics displays through systems integration and development. Leverage your expertise to create cutting-edge solutions and collaborate with cross-functiona...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining systems engineering processes while supporting GEOINT systems. Engage in diverse activities from integration to system readiness and lead projects that enhance mission ca...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in designing and optimizing a secure Citrix VDI environment, delivering high-performance virtual desktop solutions while collaborating with engineering and cybersecurity teams in a clo...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Champion system integration and product upgrades as an early-career engineer. Collaborate with senior engineers to transform stakeholder needs into technical requirements, ensuring successful design a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$107K - $195K *

Champion the engineering and integration of identity solutions, leveraging DevSecOps practices to enhance security and efficiency in mission-critical environments. Collaborate across teams to implemen...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 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.