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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$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

$71K - $107K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of systems engineering, leveraging technical expertise to enhance manufacturing processes, drive loss elimination, and build team capabilities through hands-on lea...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$149K - $234K *

Transform your career by developing cutting-edge software solutions for cybersecurity. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, code, and enhance tools that protect critical systems while ensuring c...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$149K - $234K *

Pioneer innovative software solutions while collaborating on cutting-edge cyber technologies. Design and develop specialized applications, ensuring compliance with government standards and enhancing o...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$149K - $234K *

Drive innovation in cyber software engineering through custom design, development, and documentation. Collaborate on specialized tools and techniques, participate in software readiness reviews, and en...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$320K - $485K *

Drive the development of robust production systems for capacity management, ensuring optimal utilization of infrastructure resources across diverse cloud environments while collaborating with cross-fu...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$320K - $485K *

Shape the future of infrastructure management by building robust systems that optimize resource allocation, enhance efficiency, and provide real-time insights across diverse cloud environments, drivin...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of defense simulation. As a Systems Engineer, support the TASD program through requirements development, data analysis, and collaborative modeling to enhance our...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $100K *

Join a team that's focused on integrating and supporting IT operations. As a Systems Engineer, you'll enhance mission systems, ensure cybersecurity compliance, and deliver daily technical support whil...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$114K - $171K *

Join a team that's advancing navigation technology through model-based engineering and agile practices. Collaborate with experts to enhance mission success and drive innovation in national defense sys...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $175K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space missions by leading technical strategies and developing innovative solutions. Collaborate across disciplines to drive mission success and enhance custome...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $175K *

Drive technical innovation by leading solution development for strategic aerospace projects spanning commercial and defense sectors, translating customer needs into actionable mission strategies and a...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$212K - $318K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing missile development! In this pivotal leadership role, you will drive technical excellence and innovation for advanced weapons systems, ensuring successful project de...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$212K - $318K *

Engage in a pivotal leadership role driving innovation in missile development. Collaborate with top leaders to deliver game-changing air warfare systems while overseeing engineering processes and ensu...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $148K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovating manufacturing processes for advanced ceramics. As a Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer, you'll drive improvements, optimize production, and support cut...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in enhancing Army network operations by providing senior-level engineering and systems management expertise. Collaborate with stakeholders to modernize and optimize enterprise manageme...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by leading enterprise architecture initiatives that align IT strategies with organizational goals. Collaborate with teams to enhance systems, improve processes, and drive innovatio...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$171K - $228K *

Lead the charge in managing a high-impact systems infrastructure, ensuring stability, security, and scalability. Collaborate with engineering teams, mentor developers, and enhance automation practices...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$182K - $338K *

Lead the charge in overseeing complex weapon system development and integration, ensuring mission success through effective technical leadership and collaboration across multi-functional teams and ext...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$139K - $208K *

Lead a dynamic team in Systems Engineering, focusing on modeling, simulation, and analysis while providing mentorship and operational support to drive project success. Engage in both managerial and te...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Shape the future of maritime technology by designing and managing sophisticated systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and reliability while mentoring junior engineers and driving in...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$147K - $274K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team leading simulation software solutions for launch vehicles. Drive project execution, enhance processes, and foster collaboration across functions to elevate softwar...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 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.