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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$113K - $188K *

Accelerate your career as a Ground Systems Software Engineer, driving innovative software solutions for launch vehicle avionics. Collaborate in an Agile environment, tackle complex challenges, and lea...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$113K - $188K *

Champion innovative software solutions for ground systems in a collaborative Agile team. Drive technical leadership and hands-on development to enhance command and control capabilities for launch vehi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$139K - $208K *

Transform program execution and team development as a Software Functional Manager, blending management and technical expertise to drive software design, implementation, and testing for mission-critica...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$57K - $108K *

Explore a dynamic role in cybersecurity engineering, focusing on secure systems development. Collaborate with teams to enhance product security through threat modeling, vulnerability assessments, and...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$176K - $186K *

Champion system administration and engineering excellence by executing configurations, installations, and customer support. Collaborate with a front-line engineering team to ensure optimal system perf...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $203K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading a dynamic team through the transition of hardware designs to production, ensuring collaboration across various functions in a fast-paced, high-visibility enviro...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$175K - $210K *

Unlock the potential of tactical communications by providing expert guidance on joint C2, interoperability, and emerging technologies to enhance mission collaboration and resilience in complex environ...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate shipboard network solutions for US Navy Submarines, ensuring robust connectivity and security. Lead technical teams, mentor junior engineers, and enhance network performance while maintaining...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$182K - $338K *

Shape the future of missile defense by leading engineering efforts for advanced systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program success, drive innovation, and maintain technical exc...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Unlock potential by leading a high-performing team of Chief Engineers in the National Security Space sector. Drive technical excellence and innovation across software programs, ensuring rigorous stand...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Lead the charge in shaping innovative software solutions for national security. Oversee a team of Chief Engineers, ensuring technical excellence and collaboration across programs while driving strateg...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Accelerate your career by leading a dynamic team of engineers in delivering innovative software solutions for national security. Drive technical excellence and strategic initiatives across multiple pr...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$205K - $381K *

Drive innovation by leading cross-functional engineering teams to deliver high-performance radar solutions. Your strategic oversight will ensure technical excellence and affordability, shaping the fut...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in developing sophisticated Java applications for mission-critical Command and Control systems. Collaborate within Agile teams to solve complex challenges and deliver robust, secure so...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Lead the development and management of a comprehensive Safety Program, ensuring compliance across various safety domains. Conduct inspections, training, and audits while collaborating with government...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Collaborate with us to enhance UAS capabilities through systems engineering, integrating hardware and software, and supporting requirements development. Engage with diverse teams to deliver interopera...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's enhancing security through DevOps for Zero Trust Identity Management. Support automated deployments, maintain configurations, and collaborate with senior engineers to ensure robust...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to drive modeling, simulation, and analysis for space operations. Collaborate with cross-mission programs to enhance mission effectiveness and tackle complex challenges in a fast-p...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $150K *

Drive your career with innovative modeling and simulation solutions for space operations. Collaborate across teams to analyze complex systems, enhance mission effectiveness, and tackle national challe...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $150K *

Join a team that's pioneering advanced modeling and simulation solutions to enhance space operations. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to analyze complex systems and drive impactful results in na...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $129K *

Champion innovative modeling and simulation solutions to enhance space operations, collaborating with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges and drive impactful results across national security mi...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $193K *

Shape the future of space operations by leading innovative modeling and simulation efforts. Collaborate with diverse teams to analyze complex systems, ensuring mission effectiveness in dynamic environ...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $193K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space operations through innovative modeling and simulation. Collaborate with diverse customers to analyze complex systems and drive impactful solutions in con...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $193K *

Lead the charge in modeling and simulation for space operations, driving innovative solutions to complex challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission effectiveness and delive...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $193K *

Drive innovation by leveraging advanced modeling and simulation to enhance space operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze complex systems and deliver impactful solutions for nati...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.