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.
Principal Project Engineer - Compression Systems (Onsite) P4
$107K - $204K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by leading a dynamic Integrated Product Team in Compression Systems Engineering, driving project execution, and fostering innovation in production an...
Reposted today
$75K - $95K *
Take ownership of innovative control systems for mobile equipment, ensuring design integrity and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget while...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $95K *
Lead the charge in designing and programming control systems for mobile equipment, ensuring projects meet specifications and timelines while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innova...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and programming advanced control systems for mobile equipment. Collaborate with engineers and project managers to ensure projects are completed on time, withi...
2 weeks ago
Cyber Operations Readiness Assessment Systems Engineer/Reviewer (Windows)
$125K - $160K *
Join our team to strengthen cybersecurity for critical infrastructure by assessing Windows-based systems for compliance, supporting vulnerability remediation, and providing actionable recommendations...
4 weeks ago
Senior GNC Engineer (Navigation)
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of avionics by architecting and executing comprehensive hardware test capabilities, ensuring seamless transition from prototype to production through collaboratio...
Today
Senior GNC Engineer (Navigation)
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by architecting and executing comprehensive hardware test capabilities for avionics and control systems, ensuring seamless transition from prototype to production through collabora...
Today
$120K - $200K *
Elevate your career by designing cutting-edge satellite radar systems. Collaborate across disciplines to develop RF requirements and transform raw data into actionable insights, ensuring all-weather...
Yesterday
$182K - $338K *
Champion the future of F-35 software architecture by leading design decisions, enforcing technical standards, and collaborating with teams to deliver high-quality solutions in an agile environment...
6 days ago
Sentinel Systems Engineering Department Manager 3?- 19780
$166K - $289K *
Advance your career by leading a dynamic Systems Engineering team, driving project success and talent development across critical defense programs while ensuring operational excellence and strategic a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sentinel Systems Engineering Department Manager 3?- 19780
$166K - $289K *
Lead a dynamic team in Systems Engineering, driving project success and talent development across multiple disciplines. Collaborate with senior management to achieve strategic objectives and enhance o...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Mission Architect Engineer/Senior Principal Mission Architect Engineer
$103K - $193K *
Help us shape the future of space operations by leading the development of innovative modeling and simulation tools. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver effective training solutions t...
3 weeks ago
$68K - $122K *
Drive impactful architectural design efforts while leading the production of construction documents. Collaborate on complex projects, mentor junior designers, and ensure quality and compliance across...
Reposted yesterday
$120K - $150K *
Engineer innovative software solutions for Predictive Maintenance & Logistics projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, implement, and test software that enhances data manipulation, storage...
4 days ago
Systems Engineer II - Ejection Seats (SEIT)
$68K - $131K *
Join our Systems Engineering team to enhance project outcomes through robust engineering practices, cross-functional collaboration, and innovative solutions. Contribute to all phases of systems engine...
Reposted today
Computer Engineer III - SIGINT/EW Systems
$94K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading the design, integration, and support of advanced SIGINT and EW systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and ensure mission success in dynamic environments...
1 week ago
Senior Principal Engineer, Project Engineering (Hybrid)
$132K - $251K *
Unlock your potential by leading complex aerospace engineering projects, driving strategic execution, and ensuring alignment with customer and business objectives while managing cross-functional teams...
5 days ago
Senior Electronic Warfare Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's transforming defense capabilities by integrating advanced technology for the Navy and DoD, ensuring system resilience and operational superiority through expert risk management and...
3 weeks ago
Senior Electronic Warfare Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Help us empower the Navy and DoD by enhancing Electromagnetic Warfare systems through expert engineering. Collaborate on requirements management, integration, and testing to ensure mission dominance a...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Innovate systems architecture for advanced training capabilities in Collaborative Combat Aircraft, integrating autonomy and simulation technologies while ensuring compliance with military standards an...
1 week ago
$179K - $198K *
Shape the future of aviation training by leading the design and integration of advanced simulation systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-fidelity training solutions that meet...
1 week ago
$150K - $270K *
Drive advanced systems engineering and program management support for a high-visibility Air Force program, ensuring effective decision-making across aerospace and C2 technologies while collaborating w...
1 week ago
$150K - $270K *
Unlock advanced systems engineering expertise to support high-visibility Air Force programs. Collaborate with teams to enhance decision-making across aerospace and C2 technologies, ensuring compliance...
1 week ago
Software Engineering Team Lead
$108K - $130K *
Drive innovation by leading a dynamic software engineering team to design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge applications across diverse platforms while ensuring alignment with strategic business goals...
3 weeks ago
Lead Senior Computer Systems Administrator
$100K - $120K *
Lead the optimization of complex computer systems, ensuring seamless operation and maintenance of Microsoft and Linux servers. Collaborate with teams to enhance infrastructure and support critical U.S...
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.