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.
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of enterprise architecture by aligning IT strategies and systems with organizational goals. Collaborate with stakeholders, enhance systems, and guide technology decisions to drive suc...
4 weeks ago
$94K - $175K *
Lead the charge in integrating advanced ground systems solutions, ensuring seamless operational training for pilots. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver effective system designs and ana...
2 weeks ago
$104K - $194K *
Lead the charge in managing the GPS Test Team's backlog, ensuring timely decisions on product scope and priorities, while collaborating across teams to maximize product value and align with stakeholde...
3 weeks ago
$118K - $219K *
Explore a dynamic role supporting the sustainment and operations of Strategic SATCOM missions. Collaborate with a diverse team to execute maintenance programs, ensuring optimal performance of critical...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space systems through innovative engineering. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop mission concepts, oversee integration, and ensure successful deployment...
Yesterday
Lead, Systems Engineer - Space Vehicle
$110K - $130K *
Lead systems engineering efforts for space vehicle development, ensuring integration and verification align with national security objectives. Collaborate across teams to manage requirements and drive...
1 week ago
Senior Airworthiness & Certification Engineer
$165K - $220K *
Unlock potential by leading airworthiness and certification efforts for complex aerospace programs. Collaborate with regulatory authorities, mentor engineers, and drive compliance activities across mi...
2 weeks ago
Requirements Management and System Engineer
$97K - $159K *
Drive the management of nuclear project requirements, ensuring alignment across engineering disciplines while overseeing documentation, compliance, and stakeholder collaboration throughout project del...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Manufacturing
$103K - $155K *
Champion manufacturing excellence by optimizing welding and fabrication processes for marine propulsion systems, collaborating with engineers to enhance production efficiency and sustainability while...
2 days ago
Principal Engineer Manufacturing
$89K - $134K *
Transform manufacturing processes by designing and documenting procedures, enhancing productivity, and ensuring quality for a critical national security program. Collaborate with engineering teams to...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Innovate mission success by combining engineering expertise with operations strategy. Drive mission design, planning, and execution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exception...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of submarine engineering by resolving technical challenges and supporting fleet modernization. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational readiness and ensure mission succe...
Yesterday
Associate Autonomous Systems Engineer
$97K - $146K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI and robotics. Collaborate on innovative projects, enhance autonomous systems, and support cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced environment focused on rea...
2 weeks ago
$118K - $219K *
Advance our IT sustainment efforts by leading an Agile Release Product Owner team. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, system performance, and timely resolution of technical...
1 week ago
Chief Engineer V - Team Manager
$153K - $199K *
Lead the charge in managing multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success in solid rocket propulsion systems, overseeing complex engineering processes while aligning technical execution with budge...
2 weeks ago
$96K - $113K *
Elevate your career by conducting program evaluations and technical assessments. Collaborate on system designs, perform validations, and manage risks to ensure compliance with military specifications...
4 weeks ago
COMSEC Certification Lead (TS//SCI)
$140K - $200K *
Advance national security by leading COMSEC certification for Type-1 cryptographic systems. Collaborate with engineering teams and government authorities to ensure compliance and operational readiness...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Help us streamline engineering operations and drive impactful execution. Collaborate with leadership to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, fostering alignment across teams while lev...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate engineering success by partnering with leadership to drive strategic execution, fostering alignment across teams, and leveraging data-driven insights for impactful decision-making in a dynamic...
3 weeks ago
Sr Engineering Manager - Project Engineering (IAS)
$199K - $273K *
Manage engineering teams to drive project success, optimize processes, and ensure compliance. Collaborate cross-functionally to align engineering efforts with organizational goals while fostering inno...
5 days ago
Information Systems Security Engineer
$150K - $190K *
Lead the charge in securing classified information systems by designing robust security architectures, conducting assessments, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Drive continuous monitor...
1 week ago
Principal Space Communications Systems Engineer
$114K - $171K *
Shape the future of communications systems engineering by analyzing, designing, and verifying state-of-the-art solutions. Collaborate with teams to support hardware development and ensure compliance w...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Ground Systems
$140K - $180K *
Drive the design and development of innovative ground systems for defense platforms, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe and efficient operations while optimizing for performance...
5 days ago
Principal Project Engineer: Offensive Systems Engineering (OSE) Program Manager (Onsite)
$107K - $204K *
Engage in dynamic program management to drive advanced technology efforts, ensuring alignment with technical, cost, and schedule objectives while collaborating across teams to support successful execu...
Reposted 1 week ago
$135K - $203K *
Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team in transitioning radar designs to production. Oversee technical performance, ensure compliance with quality standards, and maintain customer collaboration fo...
Reposted 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.