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.
Continuous Improvement Engineer Senior - Level 3
$85K - $158K *
Drive operational excellence by applying Lean Six Sigma methods, analyzing workflows, and leading Kaizen events to optimize performance, reduce costs, and improve efficiency in a dynamic engineering e...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Configuration Management Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Empower progress by leading Configuration Management initiatives and engineering processes within the DoD contractor environment. Drive scalability, compliance, and product data integrity through stru...
Reposted 1 week ago
$109K - $133K *
Lead the charge in managing and optimizing enterprise virtualized infrastructure, ensuring high availability and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and...
2 weeks ago
Contractor Program Manager (CPM) - TS/SCI
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of program oversight and contract management, ensuring effective communication with government stakeholders. Lead contract performance, financial monitoring, and risk resolution for mis...
4 weeks ago
Solution-Level Software System Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing system-level concepts for integrated solutions, collaborating with military and civilian teams to enhance mission command capabilities through a Model-Based Systems Engin...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Systems Designer
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by designing mechanical systems for automated production lines. Collaborate with engineers to create innovative solutions, ensuring manufacturability and performance from concept to p...
6 days ago
$115K - $140K *
Innovate in the design and development of U.S. Navy Navigation Systems, ensuring reliability and compliance. Lead hybrid system integration from concept to deployment while collaborating with cross-fu...
1 week ago
Engine Systems Design and Integration Focal - Large Combat Engines DEC/EMSC Refresh
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering for advanced combat engine programs, driving technical execution and cross-functional collaboration to achieve critical milestones in a fast-paced defense enviro...
5 days ago
Lead Systems Engineer - RF Systems
$154K - $278K *
Transform mission capabilities through effective systems engineering, providing leadership in defining requirements, designing architectures, and managing integration for complex RF systems. Collabora...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $140K *
Unlock potential by managing customer task orders with a proactive approach, blending technical expertise and project management skills to deliver effective solutions while collaborating with stakehol...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the execution of customer task orders by managing technical projects, collaborating with stakeholders, and delivering solutions. Utilize your IT expertise to identify challenges and ensure succes...
2 days ago
Senior System Concepts Engineer
$82K - $220K *
Unlock your potential as a Systems Concepts Engineer, driving mission engineering and system design. Collaborate with teams to analyze complex systems, define architectures, and present findings to le...
1 week ago
$198K - $273K *
Innovate your career by leading multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring technical excellence and strategic execution across major programs. Drive solutions, mentor teams, and uphold company v...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in electrical engineering projects, overseeing design, testing, and integration of complex circuits for infrared sensor systems while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to en...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Optimize real-time automation solutions across manufacturing and enterprise levels. Collaborate with engineering teams to design, implement, and enhance systems using diverse programming and design to...
4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform your career by engineering innovative automation solutions across industries. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance operational efficiency and drive real-time information systems from t...
4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion real-time automation solutions across manufacturing and enterprise levels. Collaborate with engineering teams to design, implement, and optimize systems using diverse technologies, while ment...
4 days ago
$95K - $120K *
Join a team that's developing cutting-edge automation solutions across manufacturing environments. Collaborate with engineers to design, implement, and support real-time systems, enhancing operational...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform real-time automation solutions across manufacturing and enterprise levels. Collaborate with a dynamic engineering team to design, implement, and optimize systems using advanced programming a...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion the development of real-time automation solutions across industries, leveraging expertise in PLC programming, HMI design, and system networking to enhance operational efficiency and drive inn...
5 days ago
$92K - $110K *
Elevate your career by engineering real-time automation solutions across industries. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, implement, and optimize systems that enhance operational efficiency and...
5 days ago
Lead Systems Engineer / Systems Engineer III
$135K - $155K *
Architect innovative solutions as a Lead Systems Engineer, driving system-level requirements and integration for Navy C4I capabilities while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-fun...
5 days ago
Engineering Supervisor - Systems
$110K - $130K *
Elevate engineering excellence by supervising 2nd shift teams to ensure timely design, outfitting, and testing of electric drive systems for COLUMBIA Class ships, focusing on proactive problem-solving...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Engineering Manager 2 - SW Lead
$161K - $241K *
Lead a dynamic team in the full software development life cycle, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software products while managing risks and fostering collaboration across engineering discipli...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Engineering Manager 2 - SW Lead
$161K - $241K *
Lead a dynamic team in the full software development life cycle, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software products while fostering collaboration and innovation in an Agile environment...
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.