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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$129K - $193K *

Drive product support excellence by managing configuration processes and logistics analysis for unmanned systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance supportability and ensure complianc...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$126K - $189K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in manufacturing test engineering. Lead a skilled group, enhance processes, and collaborate across multiple sites to ensure excellence in operations and project e...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $154K *

Join a dynamic team as a hands-on developer, modernizing ground software systems through innovative solutions, collaborating in an agile environment, and mentoring junior engineers to enhance their sk...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $154K *

Develop innovative software solutions to modernize ground systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams in an agile environment. Engage in the full software lifecycle, mentoring peers and ensurin...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $220K *

Engineer system excellence by developing models and simulations that enhance SoC/IP project outcomes. Collaborate across teams to define requirements while optimizing architectures for performance, po...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving innovation by leading the development of cutting-edge software and automation solutions for military electronics in dynamic environments. Collaborate across disciplines to e...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in transforming a mission-focused product suite for broader DoD deployment. Drive software development, enhance key management services, and collaborate across teams to ensure robust...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $150K *

Engage with us to enhance cybersecurity measures, ensuring robust A&A processes, incident response, and vulnerability management. This role demands expertise in risk management and a commitment to mai...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion the future of nuclear weapons security by leading a skilled team, overseeing engineering reviews, and ensuring timely program evaluations while managing technical and cost requirements effect...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Drive quality assurance initiatives to enhance product integrity and mission readiness. Collaborate across teams to identify risks, implement corrective actions, and maintain compliance with industry...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $135K *

Join our dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, bridging software and hardware to ensure seamless deployment of manufacturing test systems across multiple stations, enhancing reliability and performance...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$105K - $145K *

Champion advanced systems engineering solutions to enhance naval aviation capabilities. Collaborate with diverse teams, leveraging innovative technologies to improve mission planning and execution whi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$192K - $289K *

Elevate enterprise-level IT solutions by leading architecture and engineering for a diverse portfolio of ~190 platforms. Drive technical performance and strategy, collaborating with senior leaders to...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$89K - $134K *

Drive technical excellence as a Field Service Engineer, supporting the US Army's IBCS. Engage in worldwide operations, troubleshooting complex systems, and providing customer training while ensuring m...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development and integration of autonomous systems, overseeing personnel and project execution. Drive innovation through rapid prototyping and ensure operational support while fostering a coll...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $154K *

Empower your career by leading a talented team to produce compliant electrical designs. Manage project schedules, ensure design accuracy, and mentor junior designers while collaborating with various e...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $154K *

Lead a team of designers to deliver NFPA 70 compliant electrical designs for the Sentinel program. Manage project schedules, conduct technical reviews, and ensure code compliance while mentoring junio...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$101K - $131K *

Unlock potential by driving manufacturing excellence through process optimization, Lean practices, and cross-functional collaboration. This role enhances production efficiency and quality for advanced...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive spacecraft ground operations excellence by integrating mission support, ensuring compliance, and enhancing system performance through collaboration and technical expertise in a dynamic environme...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Pioneer innovative electronic security solutions by leading design, integration, and oversight of federal security systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and deliver high-quality technic...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $180K *

Drive project success by managing CPM schedules and controls for data center projects. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure timely delivery, optimize resources, and mitigate risks while providing c...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$118K - $128K *

Drive program success by leading planning, execution, and coordination within the Fire Control organization, integrating Earned Value Management and stakeholder collaboration to achieve objectives and...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate the future of military aviation by leading avionics integration for B-2 aircraft modernization, ensuring compliance, and enhancing operational capabilities through innovative engineering solut...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $120K *

Pioneer efficiency in manufacturing by translating designs into high-quality, manufacturable products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production processes, develop documentation an...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $309K *

Champion innovative software solutions by leading diverse teams in design, development, and testing. Drive agile methodologies and digital transformation while ensuring compliance with security standa...

2 weeks 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.