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.
Senior Systems Engineer (MBSE)
$114K - $252K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative RF solutions through expert systems engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and clients, ensuring full compliance with mission needs while shaping...
Reposted 5 days ago
$125K - $145K *
Shape the future of avionics by leading system development, integration, and compliance efforts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety, reliability, and performance in defense elec...
1 week ago
Deputy Chief Engineer Systems (Government)
$143K - $276K *
Join a team that's redefining systems architecture for large-scale IT and communications solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to ensure scalable, secure, and resilient infrastructur...
6 days ago
$180K - $200K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by leading systems engineering efforts in developing, integrating, and testing secure enterprise infrastructure and products, while ensuring compliance with industry...
4 days ago
Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Configuration Manager
$142K - $213K *
Lead the charge in optimizing configuration management processes across the program lifecycle. Ensure data integrity and compliance while collaborating with diverse teams to enhance efficiency and del...
2 days ago
Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Configuration Manager
$142K - $213K *
Shape the future of configuration management by leading and optimizing processes across the program lifecycle, ensuring data integrity and compliance while collaborating with diverse teams to enhance...
2 days ago
Lead Systems Engineer, Ground Systems
$160K - $285K *
Unlock potential by leading the systems engineering execution of satellite command and control ground systems. Drive mission requirements, oversee integration, and ensure operational readiness for nat...
1 week ago
Lead Systems Engineer, Ground Systems
$160K - $285K *
Elevate the future of satellite command and control systems by leading engineering efforts, ensuring mission success through rigorous requirements management, integration, and validation across critic...
1 week ago
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space capabilities by leading systems engineering for ground communications. Drive mission success through technical oversight, collaboration, and innovative s...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Elevate mission success by leading systems engineering for ground communications, ensuring compliance and performance optimization for critical spacecraft operations. Collaborate with multidisciplinar...
Yesterday
$146K - $219K *
Unlock innovative solutions in systems engineering by leading technical efforts to design, implement, and integrate enterprise systems for federal agencies, while mentoring engineers and shaping strat...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - Active Security Clearance
$110K - $130K *
Advance our technical solutions as a Systems Engineer, collaborating with a focused team to tackle complex challenges in security and data protection within a dynamic network environment...
4 weeks ago
$124K - $238K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of spacecraft systems engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead cross-functional teams in developing complex spacecraft designs, ensuring compliance, and drivi...
1 week ago
$143K - $238K *
Accelerate progress at the system level by leading cross-functional teams in spacecraft design, requirements management, and fault analysis. Drive integration, verification, and validation activities...
1 week ago
Advanced Systems Engineer | MDA SE&I Responsible Engineer
$118K - $131K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering, driving innovative solutions for missile defense applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement complex systems, ensuring perfor...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Innovate cybersecurity assessments and engineering strategies for mission-critical DoD systems, leveraging leadership to enhance team performance and execute thorough defensive and offensive operation...
4 weeks ago
Systems Engineering Lead/Manager - KSA C4I
$161K - $299K *
Transform the future of C4I systems as a Systems Engineering Manager, leading design initiatives and managing a team to ensure alignment with customer requirements. Drive modernization efforts through...
4 days ago
$180K - $240K *
Join a dynamic team to deliver cutting-edge RF systems engineering expertise for advanced satellite communication solutions, supporting mission-critical applications in the Government Intelligence Com...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Specialist - Digital and Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Unlock potential by leading complex MBSE and DE projects, enhancing systems engineering practices across diverse space and defense programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation...
Yesterday
Senior Engineering Specialist - Digital and Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Empower your career by leading complex MBSE and DE projects, enhancing systems engineering practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensure mission success in space an...
Yesterday
$127K - $190K *
Champion innovative solutions as a Systems Engineering Manager, leading diverse teams in the Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications program. Drive technical performance while foste...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by providing engineering support for complex systems integration, ensuring compliance with standards while managing interfaces and user requirements. Collaborate on assessments and te...
4 days ago
$130K - $140K *
Transform military systems engineering with innovative MBSE practices. Drive collaborative efforts to enhance capabilities within a dynamic team. Engage in vital program support and contribute to the...
3 weeks ago
Enterprise - System Engineer - DoDAF, SOA, CCB
$115K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading system engineering efforts to analyze requirements, develop specifications, and ensure technical integrity. Collaborate with stakeholders to guide design and implementation...
1 week ago
Enterprise - System Engineer - DoDAF, SOA, CCB
$115K - $150K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing and integrating system requirements, guiding design activities, and ensuring technical integrity in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with stakeholders to d...
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.