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.
$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...
5 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...
5 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...
5 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...
5 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
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
$163K - $245K *
Drive the integration and validation of autonomous software systems, ensuring technical excellence through scalable platform development. Collaborate with multiple teams to enhance capabilities in Har...
Reposted 1 week ago
Satellite Requirements Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of national security by delivering advanced satellite systems. Engage in requirements management and verification for Electro-Optical programs, ensuring compliance with technical stan...
3 weeks ago
Staff Ground Software Development Lead
$177K - $265K *
Join a team that's leading the end-to-end software development lifecycle for high-visibility ground software capabilities, driving innovation and quality in a fast-paced environment while collaboratin...
Today
Chief Engineer Principal - Software
$118K - $204K *
Empower innovation as you lead software architecture for a cloud-native connected vehicle platform, driving engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful solutions for...
Today
Software Engineering Manager - Electronic Warfare
$114K - $252K *
Drive software excellence by managing a diverse engineering team focused on UI, Firmware, and AI/ML solutions, ensuring alignment with stakeholders and delivering quality products across multiple prog...
Reposted 6 days ago
Main System Engineer, Body Systems - Exteriors & Interiors
$110K - $135K *
Join a dynamic team as you drive cross-functional alignment, readiness, and issue resolution for Body Systems, ensuring successful development and integration of Exteriors & Interiors in a fast-paced...
3 weeks ago
Main System Engineer, Body Systems - Exteriors & Interiors
$110K - $135K *
Advance engineering efforts by driving integration and alignment across Body Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure deliverables meet technical, quality, and program objectives, wh...
3 weeks ago
Lead, Systems Engineer (Operations Analysis - Model and Sim) - Top Secret Clearance
$127K - $236K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team in systems engineering, focusing on modeling, simulation, and analysis. Collaborate across domains to develop innovative analytic tools that enhance operatio...
Today
Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE)
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to enhance cybersecurity for critical systems. In this role, you'll conduct risk assessments, implement security measures, and support architecture for the National Military Command Ce...
1 week ago
Senior Systems Engineer (Production Support)
$85K - $116K *
Deliver high-level operational support for complex cloud systems, ensuring system reliability and performance. Collaborate with users and teams to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and main...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Drive the successful execution of production contracts, ensuring timely completion and adherence to cost and performance goals. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage program lifecycle and...
4 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Pioneer your career in program management by overseeing contract execution, ensuring performance goals are met, and leading integrated project teams from inception to close while interfacing with stak...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer II - (Onsite)
$75K - $144K *
Advance your career by engaging in cutting-edge systems engineering. Collaborate across disciplines to design, integrate, and test innovative systems that support our warfighters, ensuring optimal per...
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.