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 Hardware Systems Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Drive innovation in high-performance AI hardware as you lead the design of advanced PCIe platforms, ensuring robust architecture that meets the demands of modern AI applications in a collaborative and...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Computer Systems Engineer – Space Payload Emulators – (Experienced or Lead)
$119K - $197K *
Unlock potential by driving the development of cutting-edge space payload emulators. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate hardware and software, ensuring seamless functionality in a h...
4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to optimize systems engineering processes, focusing on model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and SysML. Drive innovation through architecture development, integration, and validat...
1 week ago
$107K - $227K *
Lead the charge in architectural design excellence, overseeing multi-project execution. Drive innovation and mentor teams while ensuring adherence to standards, budgets, and schedules in a collaborati...
4 weeks ago
Guidance/Navigation/Control Engineering Stf - E4
$150K - $280K *
Champion the integration and scaling of advanced missile simulations, leading a technical team to unify legacy models into a high-fidelity architecture. Drive innovation in guidance, navigation, and c...
Today
Guidance/Navigation/Control Engineering Stf - E4
$120K - $224K *
Develop and implement advanced algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control of aerospace vehicles, ensuring optimal performance during all flight phases through innovative design and rigorous test...
1 week ago
$165K - $276K *
Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver complex in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions. Drive project execution from design to certification, ensuring alignment with technical...
5 days ago
$165K - $276K *
Champion the engineering execution of complex in-flight entertainment and connectivity projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams, develop strategies, and ensure technical solutions meet customer and qual...
Reposted 6 days ago
Lead Fires Systems Engineer (Joint and Services Center)
$146K - $219K *
Shape the future of military operations by leading systems engineering efforts for integrated fires initiatives, enhancing collaboration across services, and driving innovation in command and control...
1 week ago
$170K - $200K *
Drive architectural design and documentation for complex enterprise systems, ensuring interoperability and security across mission partner environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to crea...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
champion engineering excellence by enhancing Depot and Automatic Test Systems for aircraft; collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement upgrades, manage requirements, and ensure compliance w...
Reposted 1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in modernizing complex systems through senior engineering expertise, collaboration, and innovation. Drive enterprise solutions in cloud, DevSecOps, and geospatial technologies to suppo...
3 weeks ago
Senior GECX AI Forward Deployed Engineer - Lead Software Engineer
$109K - $197K *
Innovate with us as you design and build cutting-edge AI applications. Leverage your extensive software development expertise to create solutions that integrate seamlessly with enterprise systems and...
5 days ago
Senior GECX AI Forward Deployed Engineer - Lead Software Engineer
$117K - $223K *
Drive innovation by designing and building advanced conversational AI applications. Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate solutions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure production readiness usin...
5 days ago
Senior General/Interdisciplinary Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead innovative engineering solutions to enhance defense systems, ensuring compliance and effectiveness throughout the acquisition lifecycle. Collaborate with diverse teams to tackle complex challenge...
6 days ago
Systems Engineer-IT Asc Mgr - Level 4 (Top Secret)
$118K - $219K *
Champion the integration of IT systems and lead a dynamic team focused on technical planning and analysis. Your leadership will ensure the effective recruitment, training, and performance management o...
3 weeks ago
IT & DevOps Operations Manager
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in transforming IT & DevOps operations, unifying teams and enhancing service delivery. Drive strategic initiatives, manage budgets, and ensure compliance while fostering strong relatio...
Reposted yesterday
Chief Engineer Mgr (L5) | Grand Prairie, TX | 14567
$148K - $275K *
Accelerate progress at a dynamic Navy surface ship UAV program, leading cross-functional teams in engineering and technology. Drive innovation while ensuring mission success and timely execution of de...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $144K *
Lead the charge in supporting the development of Common Aviation Support Equipment, ensuring the integration of engineering fundamentals for effective project execution and operational excellence, whi...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and integration of enterprise applications. As a principal IT Systems Engineer, you'll shape technical direction, drive innovation, and mentor talent while en...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer, Cybersecurity
$166K - $224K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity across IoT and mobile devices. Lead security assessments, collaborate with engineering teams, and develop proactive strategies to safeguard digi...
5 days ago
Senior Systems Engineer - Satellites
$120K - $209K *
Engage in the design and integration of avionics systems for high-power satellites. Collaborate across teams to define requirements and support verification efforts from concept through to flight prod...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Advance technical innovation by leading the design and integration of enterprise systems. Collaborate with IT leaders and engineers to enhance platforms, define architecture, and drive strategic plann...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$225K - $265K *
Partner with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency in our travel marketplace. You'll manage project lifecycles, enhance collaboration, and champion a custome...
5 days ago
Sentinel - Sr. Staff Thread Lead Systems Engineer - Ground Systems - 20148
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in technical stewardship and systems engineering for complex ICBM ground systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure requirements integrity, manage technical risks, and drive succ...
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.