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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$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 - $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...

3 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...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $309K *

Join a team that's pioneering the next-gen MILSATCOM system, enhancing communication capabilities. As a Ground Product Manager, you'll lead integration and testing efforts, ensuring successful deliver...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$148K - $275K *

Shape the future of missile defense technology by managing a dynamic software engineering team. Oversee all phases of the software lifecycle, enhance team capabilities, and ensure high-quality softwar...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $143K *

Innovate avionics systems engineering solutions, leading design and verification efforts for space hardware. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution and delivery...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $191K *

Unlock your potential as a leader in engineering, overseeing critical systems and guiding a team of professionals. Drive innovation and ensure optimal performance in submarine systems through strategi...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $225K *

Join as a strategic leader, driving program excellence and client relations across complex Navy engagements. Lead teams, innovate in technology development, and expand business opportunities for susta...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Engage in a dynamic role supporting the F-22 Program Office, managing software testing and engineering activities. Collaborate with military stakeholders to enhance testing efficiency and ensure progr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$113K - $188K *

Lead the charge in optimizing systems engineering processes to enhance product reliability and efficiency. Collaborate across teams to drive design improvements and reduce service costs, ensuring high...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$113K - $188K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing systems engineering processes, enhancing turbine operations, and driving innovative design solutions to improve service efficiency and reliability across the...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$140K - $180K *

Drive your career by enabling Army C5ISR interoperability and cross-domain integration. Collaborate with military and foreign partners to enhance command and control systems, ensuring seamless data ex...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Engineer cutting-edge solutions in shipboard mechanical and electrical systems. Provide vital support in documentation, material research, and quality assurance to enhance naval vessel performance and...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Drive improvements in on-prem IT infrastructures by optimizing and securing enterprise systems. Collaborate in a dynamic team to manage deployments, monitor performance, and enhance cybersecurity capa...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.