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 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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$92K - $120K *

Join a team that transforms mission operations through innovative systems engineering. Collaborate with experts to enhance NASA's training and control systems, ensuring the success of human spacefligh...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Engage in systems engineering for Communication and Navigation integration on the SLS Program. Collaborate with teams to ensure effective payload integration, manage requirements, and support Artemis...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$105K - $195K *

Lead the charge in developing and governing MBSE models for complex space and missile defense programs, ensuring compliance with DoD standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhanc...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $195K *

Transform space and missile defense programs by leading MBSE model development. Collaborate with teams to create and govern system models, ensuring compliance with DoD standards while driving innovati...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of satellite systems engineering by providing expert oversight and support throughout all phases of spacecraft procurement, ensuring compliance and performance excellence in a dynamic...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Optimize your career with an impactful role in secure software development. Collaborate within Agile teams to design, analyze, and enhance cybersecurity for military software, ensuring compliance with...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $190K *

Engage in comprehensive industrial base analysis to support the Air Force, leading teams to deliver actionable insights and strategic recommendations that enhance defense preparedness and resilience i...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$113K - $188K *

Unlock your potential as a Technical SETA, providing expert support in space systems and environmental effects. Engage in research lifecycle management, attend key events, and leverage your knowledge...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$107K - $195K *

Transform mission-critical air traffic operations as a Product Owner in Agile teams. Drive software development, prioritize backlogs, and engage stakeholders to deliver innovative automation solutions...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Transform the future of unmanned systems by leading software and embedded solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and integrate innovative technologies that enhance syst...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Empower the cybersecurity landscape by ensuring the integrity and security of critical Navy systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to maintain compliance and enhance operational readiness for vit...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join us in securing and maintaining cybersecurity for U.S. Navy platforms. This role involves compliance, risk assessment, and collaboration with engineering teams to ensure operational safety and sec...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $247K *

Drive innovation by designing and developing tools for data automation, collaborating with stakeholders to enhance workflows, and leveraging AI/ML technologies to support mission-critical operations i...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $247K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative software solutions in the CNO domain. Collaborate with mission stakeholders to design, develop, and integrate tools that enhance data analysis and automation...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $145K *

Unlock innovative solutions by leveraging your expertise in cloud architecture, API integration, and model-based systems engineering to enhance operational capabilities for national defense initiative...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in shaping innovative cloud architecture and digital ecosystems. Leverage your expertise in API integration, data services, and MBSE to advance operational capabilities for defense ini...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 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.