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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$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

$147K - $274K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative simulation software solutions for launch vehicles. Oversee a high-performing team, manage project execution, and collaborate across functions to enhance system...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $116K *

Join our team to provide expert operational support for complex cloud systems. You'll develop solutions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance while collaborating with users and management to enh...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $110K *

Join our team as a Systems Engineer Level II to enhance enterprise infrastructure, ensuring security and performance across cloud services, servers, and networks while implementing critical compliance...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$201K - $223K *

Join a cross-functional team as a Model-Based Systems Engineer Architect, leading the design of complex nuclear command systems using innovative methodologies to support the advancement of strategic w...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $224K *

Shape the future of radar technology by leading systems integration and data analysis efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and enhance capabilities while managing proj...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Shape the future of quality engineering by applying principles across design, production, and supplier domains. Drive continuous improvement and lead investigations to enhance product and process qual...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Lead Supplier Quality Engineering efforts to enhance product quality and supplier performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with quality standards and drive continuous...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Champion quality excellence as a Sr. Quality Engineer, driving product reliability through collaboration with cross-functional teams. Lead investigations, develop strategies, and enhance supplier perf...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $295K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of defense simulation by leading innovative software systems. You'll architect scalable platforms, mentor teams, and act as a trusted advisor to government stakeh...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $219K *

Join a team that's redefining telemetry downlink solutions through expert integration, hardware-software interface design, and rigorous performance testing, while ensuring mission success across aeros...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Shape the future of aerospace systems by leading software integration efforts, conducting thorough testing, and ensuring robust telemetry performance through innovative solutions and cross-team collab...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's integral to national security, supporting satellite command and control operations. Contribute to mission-critical system reliability through monitoring, integration, and performanc...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Transform your career by developing innovative solutions as part of a cross-functional team focused on advancing US Navy Surface and Unmanned Vessels. Collaborate on systems engineering projects to en...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Lead the integration and testing of complex systems, managing teams to deliver high-quality solutions while ensuring compliance with technical and contractual requirements. Drive innovation and effici...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to supporting national security through engineering excellence. Contribute to the Sentinel program by managing requirements and performing architectural duties to ensure s...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Architect pivotal safety programs ensuring adherence to MIL-STD-882E while managing risk and mentoring engineers. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance system design and promote a robust safety cu...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Innovate within a collaborative team to develop software solutions using C/C++. Drive digital transformation in national defense through Agile practices and Model-based Engineering, ensuring high stan...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Elevate your career by developing innovative software solutions that enhance national defense capabilities. Collaborate in a dynamic team environment, leveraging Agile practices and cutting-edge techn...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Execute design and validation of avionics test racks for satellite hardware. Ensure compliance with industry standards through thorough testing and calibration while collaborating with customers and s...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $205K *

Shape the future of robotics by designing efficient systems infrastructure for AI-driven applications, optimizing low-latency pipelines, and collaborating across teams to enhance performance from edge...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $125K *

Join our cybersecurity surge team to bridge security and engineering for VA.gov. Assess compliance, automate controls, support ATO readiness, and improve security posture across platforms to enhance r...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

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.