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.
Software Engineering Manager / Lead
$135K - $251K *
Lead and optimize a top-tier software development team, tackling complex challenges to ensure program execution and enhance cyber solutions for critical military applications. Your leadership will dri...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive excellence in testing by leading complex verification activities, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure product readiness, and resolving technical challenges to meet engineering and custome...
5 days ago
$125K - $203K *
Unlock potential by developing and maintaining real-time missile simulations, integrating guidance and control algorithms, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance system performance...
2 weeks ago
$98K - $182K *
Drive the enhancement of cybersecurity solutions by optimizing tools, creating dashboards, and ensuring data integration for robust threat detection and system performance. Collaborate across teams to...
4 weeks ago
Deputy Program Manager, Cyber Mission Integration & Modernization
$200K - $250K *
Champion cross-functional integration to enhance cybersecurity mission outcomes, drive modernization initiatives, and deliver scalable solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to align technical capab...
2 days ago
$88K - $153K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering excellence for complex spacecraft and payload products. Drive all stages of product design, from requirements to launch, ensuring compliance and innovation in hi...
1 week ago
Principal Systems Engineer, Integration and Test Engineer Onsite
$107K - $204K *
Contribute to the integration and testing of advanced radar systems, ensuring compliance with specifications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute verification and validation processes...
2 weeks ago
Field Engineering, Workplace Deployment SME
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a Field Engineering Subject Matter Expert, driving the delivery of complex workplace technology programs. Collaborate across teams to enhance standards, improve delivery metho...
1 week ago
$130K *
Unlock your potential by providing senior aerospace engineering support for space systems acquisition and integration. Collaborate across multiple segments to enhance missile warning, tracking, and de...
1 week ago
Software Systems Engineer, Senior (BMS Safety)
$110K - $130K *
Elevate safety engineering excellence by leading system safety analyses for advanced military software applications, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation while fostering collaboration across teams...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Product Owner, driving product vision and requirements for research-collaboration tools. Collaborate with stakeholders and engineers to translate needs into actionabl...
Today
Staff Software Systems Engineer - Advanced Autonomy Systems Engineering Lead
$218K - $327K *
Accelerate progress at developing next-gen autonomy systems, leading hardware/software architecture, defining requirements, and ensuring compliance with functional safety standards while collaborating...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Software Systems Engineer - Advanced Autonomy Systems Engineering Lead
$218K - $327K *
Transform the future of autonomy systems by leading cross-functional collaboration, defining requirements, and ensuring robust safety architecture for next-gen L3/L2+ vehicles. Join us to shape the ev...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Software Systems Engineer - Advanced Autonomy Systems Engineering Lead
$218K - $327K *
Elevate the next generation of autonomous vehicle systems by defining requirements, collaborating on architecture, and ensuring safety. Contribute your expertise to high-level systems engineering and...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Aviation C2 Ground Based Radar Senior Capabilities Development Analyst
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of Marine Corps Aviation by providing critical analytical and technical support for Ground Based Radar systems, ensuring effective capability development and integration within a...
4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Join our team to drive systems engineering excellence in Army Aviation programs. Leverage your expertise in Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to ensure requirements traceability, conduct analyses...
1 week ago
Command & Telemetry (C&T) Engineer
$73K - $132K *
Contribute to the design and engineering of comprehensive network infrastructures. Drive technical solutions and support across various communication systems while ensuring optimal performance and com...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by providing critical systems engineering support for C3I&N initiatives. Collaborate on program evaluations, technical documentation, and system validation to ensure optimal perfor...
2 days ago
Systems Engineer - Mission Management II
$68K - $131K *
Advance systems engineering excellence by supporting mission management activities, including requirements decomposition, interface definition, and verification. Collaborate with cross-functional team...
1 week ago
Principal / Sr. Principal Software Engineer (C++ and TS Clearance)
$114K - $213K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in software engineering for national defense. Leverage your expertise in C/C++ and modern practices to lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and enhance system...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in advancing NASA's mission control systems through collaboration and innovation, as you facilitate design changes and ensure seamless operations within a dynamic team environment for...
4 weeks ago
GPS IIIF - Space Vehicle Systems Engineer
$115K - $145K *
Engineer advanced spacecraft systems for the GPS IIIF program, ensuring integration, testing, and performance evaluation. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance national defense and global navigatio...
Yesterday
$105K - $150K *
Manage the design and implementation of advanced control systems for a cutting-edge battery materials facility, leading a skilled engineering team to ensure operational excellence and safety complianc...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering cutting-edge systems engineering support. Leverage extensive expertise to improve processes, ensure compliance, and validate system performance within a coll...
3 weeks ago
Satellite Operations Engineer (GEO)
$85K - $100K *
Drive excellence in satellite operations by developing and maintaining on-board subsystem products, ensuring optimal performance and availability. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance automat...
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.