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.
Sentinel - Systems / Principal Systems Engineer - GNC - 20065
$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
Sentinel - Systems / Principal Systems Engineer - GNC - 20065
$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
$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
$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...
1 week ago
Space Vehicle Systems Engineer
$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
Associate SATCOM Systems Engineer
$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
$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
Information System Security Officer
$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
$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
$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
$108K - $130K *
Lead a dynamic engineering team to ensure mission assurance for launch programs, managing resources and communications with key stakeholders while driving project success and team performance in a fas...
2 days ago
Cyber Systems Engineer / RMF - IA Trainer
$133K - $232K *
Transform cybersecurity training with dynamic instruction and material creation. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance awareness, manage training sessions, and support a critical mission in...
3 weeks ago
Information System Security Engineer (ISSE)
$90K - $129K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity for critical systems. In this role, you'll leverage your expertise in security engineering and systems design to protect vital information infra...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a dedicated team to design and support enterprise-level systems and networks for Cyber investigations, leveraging expertise in Nutanix and NetApp technologies to drive innovative solutions within...
3 weeks ago
Chief Workforce Acquisition & Performance
$100K - $120K *
Lead the Workforce Acquisition & Performance Office, managing programs and teams to support the mission of Space Launch Delta 30. Drive compliance, oversee personnel management, and enhance operationa...
5 days ago
$160K - $185K *
Partner with us to shape complex systems, leading design and development while guiding user requirements. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure system integrity throughout the lifecycle, providing i...
3 weeks ago
Chief Engineer - $5,000 Sign-On Bonus!!! (Local 877)
$100K - $120K *
Champion operational excellence by leading the engineering team to ensure 100% uptime and optimal performance of all building systems while implementing best practices for maintenance and safety...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the engineering landscape by leading a skilled team, ensuring optimal functionality of machinery and systems, while implementing best practices in maintenance and compliance for enhanced ope...
4 weeks ago
Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE)
$104K - $165K *
Unlock your potential as a mid-level expert in cybersecurity, designing and implementing robust security systems to protect vital information throughout its lifecycle while adapting to evolving threat...
Reposted 2 days ago
$95K - $178K *
Shape the future of satellite systems by leveraging your systems engineering expertise to define requirements, conduct design analyses, and enable successful integration and testing for cutting-edge a...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $178K *
Join a team that's transforming space security by engaging in all stages of the Systems Engineering lifecycle. Collaborate on critical requirements, design, verification, and integration efforts to en...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $178K *
Execute Systems Engineering processes for mission-critical projects, managing tasks from requirements to design and verification. Collaborate within a small interdisciplinary team to support space sec...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $158K *
Contribute to the evolution of satellite communications systems by performing comprehensive systems engineering analysis, facilitating collaboration across engineering teams, and leading design review...
4 weeks ago
$85K - $158K *
Drive innovative systems engineering for cutting-edge satellite communications solutions. Collaborate across disciplines, lead design reviews, and define critical system interfaces to deliver state-of...
4 weeks ago
$85K - $158K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in satellite communications systems. You'll lead systems analysis, ensure design quality, and coordinate across teams to develop solutions that meet complex engin...
4 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.