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.
Chief Space Systems Integrator (Top Secret)
$150K - $220K *
Advance the future of space capabilities by leading integration efforts across the U.S. Space Force. Collaborate with senior leaders to architect and execute resilient systems, ensuring operational su...
Yesterday
$90K - $105K *
Transform systems engineering by delivering critical support for FAA Radar System Replacement through site surveys, testing, and technical documentation to optimize performance and ensure compliance t...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $105K *
Join a dynamic engineering team to support and enhance FAA Radar systems by conducting site surveys, technical testing, and system integration under the guidance of senior staff, ensuring compliance a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead and coordinate the Engineering and Infrastructure teams for critical launch operations, ensuring optimal system performance to meet mission requirements while overseeing operation validations and...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Elevate launch operations by leading infrastructure systems teams, ensuring mission readiness and equipment maintenance while coordinating critical support functions for operations across both coasts...
Reposted 1 week ago
Space Vehicle Systems Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Deliver comprehensive systems engineering support for space vehicle development, ensuring integration and operational readiness across the spacecraft lifecycle while collaborating with diverse teams t...
Today
Principal Systems Engineer / Senior Principal Systems Engineer
$93K - $171K *
Lead the charge in driving innovative systems engineering solutions. Collaborate across teams to define and refine requirements while managing multi-disciplinary efforts and ensuring integration with...
Reposted 1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in designing and managing innovative aerospace systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety and efficiency in aviation technology. Your expertise will shape the...
Today
Systems Engineering Section Manager 2
$139K - $208K *
Elevate your career by managing a dynamic team of Systems Engineers, driving technical performance and program success across complex aerospace projects while fostering collaboration and innovation in...
2 days ago
$120K - $144K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...
6 days ago
DIRECTOR OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
$125K - $150K *
Inspire and lead the Systems Engineering organization, ensuring technical capabilities and resource allocation for successful program execution while developing talent and managing cross-program chall...
3 weeks ago
$161K - $241K *
Lead the charge in managing a dynamic Systems Engineering team, overseeing technical project execution and functional leadership while fostering a culture of inclusion and high performance across mult...
Today
$153K - $230K *
Drive technical excellence and team leadership in software engineering, overseeing project delivery and fostering employee development while contributing to algorithm design and software lifecycle man...
2 days ago
Senior Complex Systems Engineer
$124K - $186K *
Explore innovative modeling and analysis techniques to tackle complex national challenges. Collaborate with government leaders to develop actionable insights and deployable tools, enhancing decision-m...
3 days ago
Lead Systems Engineer - Integrated Avionics Systems
$110K - $130K *
Optimize integrated avionics systems by leading design, development, and integration efforts. Engage in all lifecycle phases, ensuring solutions meet customer needs while resolving issues and enhancin...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer Cloud SME, guiding cloud strategies and ensuring optimal configuration and security in environments supporting DoD operations. Thrive in a dynamic role, lev...
3 weeks ago
Senior Airworthiness/Aerosystems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading airworthiness certification efforts for advanced military aircraft systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and enhance operational readines...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform the future of aviation technology by driving innovative cloud solutions that enhance FAA operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in the aviation sector while collaborating with diverse te...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - GFC SME - Level 2
$83K - $125K *
Partner with us to support warfighter training as a Systems Engineer, providing SME guidance on missile defense systems and simulations through integration, analysis, and technical assistance to enhan...
3 weeks ago
Systems Integration Lead Senior Systems Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in systems integration and architecture for complex IT and SIGINT solutions. Oversee cross-functional teams, develop technical strategies, and drive project execution to support critic...
3 weeks ago
Systems Integration Lead Senior Systems Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading cross-functional integration teams to deliver complex IT and SIGINT solutions. Drive strategic client engagement, technical execution, and ensure mission success in challen...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - Project Engineering Support
$69K - $141K *
Transform complex engineering projects by leading teams to design, develop, and implement innovative systems. Ensure high-quality deliverables while fostering collaboration and maintaining strong rela...
Today
Systems Engineer - Project Engineering Support
$69K - $141K *
Lead engineering teams to execute complex projects, ensuring high-quality system designs and timely delivery while collaborating across disciplines and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships...
Yesterday
$125K - $138K *
Drive the design, development, and testing of advanced systems, ensuring integration of software and hardware. Collaborate on requirements analysis and system architecture for cutting-edge space-based...
1 week ago
$95K - $105K *
Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...
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.