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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$154K - $278K *

Lead cutting-edge projects in electronic warfare, driving innovation through advanced signal processing solutions and overseeing technical teams to deliver impactful results for clients...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$154K - $278K *

Transform your career by leading innovative signal processing projects, developing advanced electronic warfare solutions, and mentoring technical teams to achieve program objectives in a dynamic R&D e...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$108K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing complex software architectures. Collaborate on innovative solutions for large-scale systems, ensuring security and scalability while driving modernizatio...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$78K - $250K *

Engage in critical systems engineering efforts, analyzing and modernizing authorization services. Collaborate with government representatives to enhance IT infrastructure and ensure effective stakehol...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $230K *

Champion innovative engineering practices and lead diverse teams to enhance performance, drive strategic hiring, and foster collaboration across disciplines, ensuring high engagement and ethical stand...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, tackling complex technical challenges while optimizing mission-critical infrastructure across multiple locations. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance se...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Join us to lead strategic technical initiatives, drive solution architecture, and ensure successful delivery of complex engineering projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and exec...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's pioneering innovative power systems for aviation and ground applications. In this hands-on role, you'll lead the design and validation of medium-voltage electrical systems, ensuring...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$119K - $187K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of cybersecurity through innovative software design and development. Leverage your expertise in programming and systems analysis to create specialized tools that...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$119K - $187K *

Develop custom software solutions and tools, ensuring compliance with government standards. Collaborate on design and code reviews while programming in various languages. Engage in troubleshooting and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$119K - $187K *

Transform your career as a Principal Cyber Software Engineer, providing innovative software design and development for specialized tools. Collaborate within a dynamic team, ensuring compliance with go...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$119K - $187K *

Innovate custom software solutions for cyber applications, enhancing capabilities through design, development, and performance optimization, ensuring compliance with government standards and procedure...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by supporting Missile Defense ground test planning and execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage test documentation, and provide critical support to mission leaders i...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of test-system development by leading a dynamic group of engineers through design, integration, and verification phases, ensuring high-quality results and driving...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Innovate construction engineering approaches by managing complex projects, leading teams, and ensuring quality standards in transportation projects, while acting as the key liaison for effective colla...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$79K - $147K *

Champion systems engineering excellence by developing requirements, verifying systems, and collaborating across teams to support the Sentinel program. Leverage your technical skills to drive innovatio...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Drive innovative systems engineering solutions by developing requirements, verifying systems, and collaborating across teams to support critical defense programs. Engage with stakeholders to ensure pr...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $162K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing mission-focused software capabilities. Leverage your technical expertise in scripting and software development to support critical operations and drive innova...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to empower systems engineering excellence in defense projects. Engage in comprehensive evaluations, technical documentation, and risk management to enhance system performance and s...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$79K - $118K *

Shape the future of space exploration by joining our team as a Space Vehicle Systems Engineer. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects, guiding spacecraft from concept to launch, and ensure mission succe...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to drive innovation in satellite communications through conceptual design, prototyping, and testing of L-band systems, ensuring seamless transitions to core engineering for product...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's poised to revolutionize space capabilities! As a Systems Engineer, you'll lead efforts in developing advanced mission hardware and software while ensuring integration with complex s...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity for classified systems. You'll lead initiatives, mentor professionals, and ensure compliance with government standards while collaborating with...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $167K *

Lead engineering teams to meet project goals, ensuring quality, compliance, and collaboration across complex designs. Guide technical solutions, manage workflows, and mentor talent while delivering ex...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$85K - $167K *

Lead the charge in advancing surveying excellence and team success, overseeing complex projects while mentoring team members to ensure high-quality deliverables are met within deadlines and regulatory...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.