Chief Systems Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Chief Systems Engineer Do?

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.

Industries Hiring Chief Systems Engineers

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Explore CSE Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$245K - $270K *

Lead day-to-day operations at a cutting-edge aerospace site, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency in propulsion and flight testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous impr...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$94K - $105K *

Unlock potential by designing and maintaining advanced voice communication systems, ensuring seamless integration and high-quality service across VoIP and Unified Communications environments while sup...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $170K *

Advance your career by joining a dynamic team as a Senior MBSE Modeler. Collaborate within a model-centric environment to develop and maintain digital engineering solutions for innovative helicopter p...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive customer success by providing expert technical support and oversight for complex programs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration and execution of project requirements in a...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform organizational efficiency by managing high-visibility administrative tasks, coordinating leadership activities, and supporting change initiatives in a dynamic government environment. Your ex...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Partner with us to establish security practices and defend critical infrastructure. Leverage your expertise to influence early design, drive assessments, and mentor engineers while building scalable t...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$150K - $180K *

Shape security strategies as a Principal Security Engineer, guiding cloud infrastructure design, threat modeling culture, and red-team assessments. Collaborate with engineering teams to embed security...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$80K - $95K *

Empower manufacturing excellence by bridging operations and technology. As an IT System Engineer, you'll analyze processes, implement solutions, and enhance efficiency in a dynamic production environm...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer the development of innovative spacecraft mechanical systems, driving designs from concept through flight. Collaborate across teams to solve complex engineering challenges and deliver high-perf...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation in AI/ML and data architecture, leveraging 8+ years of experience to enhance large-scale analytics and GEOINT production in a collaborative, data-intensive environment...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$161K - $218K *

Join a team that's redefining cybersecurity by leading the architecture and integration of Zero Trust solutions for crucial defense initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver st...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead enterprise program governance and integrated planning for complex telecommunications and space programs. Shape program standards, ensure cross-segment alignment, and support executive...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$68K - $131K *

Transform your career by joining a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer II, where you'll plan and execute complex integration and verification tests, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate on cutting-edge...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Strategize and execute systems engineering tasks across the project lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams to define requirements, design solutions, and verify functionality, contributin...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Join a team that champions cutting-edge engineering for missile defense and space technologies. Lead integration efforts, manage systems specifications, and ensure mission readiness across diverse pro...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Engage in the design, deployment, and support of Linux infrastructures, ensuring optimal performance for mission-critical applications in a collaborative environment with development and security team...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to the design, deployment, and maintenance of secure Linux infrastructures. Collaborate with developers and engineers to ensure reliable environments that support mission-critical applicati...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $204K *

Unlock your potential by developing innovative software solutions in avionics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create high-quality prototypes and scalable applications, driving advancements...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $204K *

Lead cross-functional teams to develop and enhance avionics software, ensuring compliance with safety standards while managing project quality, cost, and schedule. Engage in feature development and te...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $164K *

Unlock potential by leading complex software engineering projects, collaborating across teams to design, develop, and implement advanced avionics systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards and...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$155K - $204K *

Engage in complex software engineering to develop and enhance control systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the effectiveness of avionics systems while maintaining high standards...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Transform the future of missile defense by leading cross-functional teams to develop innovative system-level solutions. Utilize Model Based Systems Engineering to analyze and enhance capabilities agai...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$89K - $148K *

Contribute to integrated testing events for CIAT systems, ensuring interoperability and performance. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to validate software baselines and support mission capa...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$77K - $129K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative solutions in propulsion systems design, integration, and anomaly resolution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety and performance for...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$77K - $129K *

Join a team that drives innovation in propulsion systems design and integration. You'll solve complex engineering challenges, enhance performance, and ensure safety standards are met while collaborati...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Chief Systems Engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Browse Chief Systems Engineer listings on Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.