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.
Software Engineer (C++ and TS Clearance)
$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
Software Engineer (C++ and TS Clearance)
$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
Avionics Test Systems Engineer
$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
$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
Senior Security Risk Management Framework Engineer
$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...
3 weeks ago
Space Systems Engineer Level 3 or 4
$114K - $171K *
Shape the future of space exploration by leading integration efforts for launch systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless vehicle integration, uphold safety standards, and manage laun...
2 weeks ago
Chief Engineer (Principal Engineer)
$180K - $220K *
Take ownership of a critical AI domain, architecting systems and directly coding. Collaborate with a shared leadership team, driving impactful outcomes while shaping the technical future of a profitab...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of industrial automation through innovative control systems. You'll design, implement, and maintain solutions that enhance operational performance, collaborating...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer I - Mission Sensor Manager (Onsite)
$57K - $108K *
Engineer mission-critical avionics software as a Systems Engineer I. Collaborate in a dynamic Agile team to develop requirements, perform software tests, and ensure system integration for aerospace ap...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $135K *
Lead the development of a Virtual Proving Ground, enhancing robotic and autonomous systems through LVC simulations. Collaborate with stakeholders to align innovative solutions with mission requirement...
2 weeks ago
Principal Systems Engineer, Surveillance Radar Program Tech Lead
$107K - $204K *
Lead a team to define radar system requirements and design architectures, collaborating with software and test teams to enhance missile defense systems through innovative algorithms and performance an...
Reposted 1 week ago
$108K - $130K *
Support the development of radar systems by analyzing issues, creating tools, and guiding junior engineers. Collaborate with a multi-contractor team to enhance warfighter training through effective so...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate radar systems analysis and tool development, ensuring real-time functionality and effective communication with stakeholders. Lead junior team members while collaborating on complex projects i...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform radar system analysis to enhance tactical capabilities, while guiding a multi-disciplinary team in developing advanced simulation tools to support military training and exercises effectively...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Champion the future of cybersecurity by managing enterprise vulnerability assessments, ensuring compliance, and enhancing system security for critical infrastructure. Collaborate with technical teams...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Oversee the engineering direction for advanced unmanned aircraft systems, leading a diverse team to define requirements, develop system architecture, and ensure seamless integration while managing tec...
6 days ago
GNC Engineer - Actuation Systems
$95K - $115K *
Transform vehicle commands into precise motion by designing and implementing control algorithms for actuation systems. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure high-performance integration and testing...
Today
$82K - $172K *
Champion the integration of systems by collaborating with agile teams to manage changes, ensuring seamless communication and documentation for critical U.S. Government missions, while supporting API d...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $180K *
Drive engineering excellence by supporting high-visibility Air Force programs, focusing on enterprise IT systems and command-and-control capabilities. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successfu...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $180K *
Partner with us to enhance defense capabilities by delivering expert systems engineering support for advanced weapon systems, ensuring optimal performance, interoperability, and mission effectiveness...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $180K *
Bring your expertise to a dynamic team driving technical support for advanced weapon systems and sensors, collaborating across multiple organizations to enhance mission success in a fast-paced, high-e...
3 weeks ago
Lead Avionics Manufacturing Engineer
$160K - $240K *
Lead and build a team of engineers to drive high-reliability avionics manufacturing, ensuring quality and efficiency from design to production. Shape processes and standards for successful hardware in...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive technical investigations and solutions for the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 SONAR system, collaborating with government personnel and Fleet platforms to ensure optimal performance and compliance in a fast-pa...
1 week ago
Communications Systems Engineer - Designated Authorizing Official Representative
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of satellite communications by providing expert engineering and advisory support for key government programs, driving innovation and ensuring effective systems integration across mult...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $180K *
Empower our team by implementing and maintaining enterprise infrastructure solutions. Collaborate across engineering and cybersecurity teams to support complex projects and enhance operational efficie...
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.