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.
Staff Engineer Systems Architect (MBSE)
$142K - $213K *
Pioneer innovative solutions in Model-Based Systems Engineering to drive advanced aerospace and defense projects. Lead architecture development, enhance collaboration, and tackle complex challenges in...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Engineer Systems Architect (MBSE)
$142K - $213K *
Unlock the potential of advanced aerospace solutions by leading Model-Based Systems Engineering efforts. Drive innovation in system architecture and collaborate across teams to deliver next-generation...
Reposted 1 week ago
$145K - $155K *
Transform industries as a Principal Systems Engineer, providing critical systems engineering support throughout the acquisition lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative...
4 weeks ago
$145K - $160K *
Drive systems engineering support across the acquisition lifecycle, ensuring integration of operational requirements into technical solutions, effective risk management, and successful delivery of cap...
4 weeks ago
$145K - $155K *
Drive systems engineering excellence within the C3BM Division, ensuring integration and delivery of advanced capabilities across multiple domains while supporting operational needs and strategic objec...
1 month ago
$145K - $160K *
Advance capabilities in systems engineering for the C3BM, ensuring seamless integration and interoperability across the Department of the Air Force’s Battle Network. Drive technical solutions and enha...
1 month ago
$118K - $219K *
Lead the integration and modeling strategy for complex systems, driving agile delivery and collaboration across teams. Utilize MBSE expertise to enhance system-of-systems architecture and ensure align...
4 days ago
Staff Systems Engineer - Execution Lead
$142K - $265K *
Drive systems engineering excellence by leading multi-disciplinary teams in requirements development, verification, and validation, ensuring technical quality and stakeholder satisfaction throughout t...
2 weeks ago
Staff Systems Engineer - Execution Lead
$142K - $265K *
Empower a multi-disciplinary engineering team by leading systems engineering efforts, managing requirements, and ensuring technical quality and stakeholder satisfaction throughout the project lifecycl...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in solving complex technical challenges, architecting innovative solutions while mentoring teams within the Defense unit to define engineering excellence and drive impactful results...
3 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Unlock potential by driving systems engineering excellence for the UK Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System. Collaborate with stakeholders, manage requirements, and ensure successful integration an...
6 days ago
$70K - $130K *
Elevate your career by supporting the installation and testing of advanced Navy submarines. Collaborate with teams to ensure system integration, conduct analyses, and facilitate training while managin...
6 days ago
$114K - $171K *
Contribute to advancing aerospace technology by developing systems engineering solutions, ensuring requirements are met, and leading collaborative efforts across functional teams to deliver innovative...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Drive systems engineering excellence by translating operational needs into rigorous requirements and architectures for cutting-edge avionics software, ensuring safety and compliance throughout the dev...
Reposted today
$80K - $120K *
Tackle complex systems engineering challenges leading teams to develop military technology solutions, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and overseeing project lifecycles to deliver innova...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Create innovative solutions as a Systems Engineer, overseeing the lifecycle management and integration of Defense Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance while m...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead systems engineering efforts to integrate and sustain advanced Defense Systems for Electronic Warfare, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with DoD standards while collaborating with va...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive optimization and continuous improvement in engineering processes while collaborating with stakeholders to enhance program efficacy. Utilize systems-level thinking to ensure comprehensive lifecyc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Lead the charge in supporting IT Service Management initiatives by maintaining and enhancing system infrastructure, ensuring high availability, and collaborating with teams to implement effective tech...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Empower transformative change by leading systems engineering initiatives that enhance governance, drive modernization, and improve collaboration across mission-critical programs, directly influencing...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's focused on enhancing IT service management. You'll manage systems, ensure infrastructure reliability, and provide strategic support to optimize operations within a critical military...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion vital Systems Engineering initiatives that enhance governance, drive modernization, and foster collaboration across teams, ensuring alignment with national security objectives and delivering...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Architect solutions for aviation software engineering, focusing on requirements management, system architecture, and safety-critical standards. Collaborate in a dynamic team to ensure compliance with...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to support SE initiatives, enhancing collaboration and communication while driving mission success through executive-level reporting and stakeholder engagement. Your expertise will...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering to optimize military projects, overseeing design through execution. Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure requirements compliance and effective pr...
3 weeks 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.