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Chief System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team ... Process, or system engineering of large complex System of Systems or Service Oriented Architecture ...

Chief Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team ... Process, or system engineering of large complex System of Systems or Service Oriented Architecture ...

... Chief Systems Engineer to support Space Systems Command Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power ... Performs system integration of multiple efforts to integrate complex space systems, ground segment ...

SAIC is seeking a highly experienced Space Systems Chief Systems Engineer to support Space Systems ... Performs system integration of multiple efforts to integrate complex space systems, ground segment ...

Lead system engineering, hardware, and software analysis to support the NGLD-M project. * Define ... Experience Leading a team in a technical or chief engineering capacity. * Excellent verbal and ...

Lead system engineering, hardware, and software analysis to support the NGLD-M project. * Define ... Experience Leading a team in a technical or chief engineering capacity. * Excellent verbal and ...

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Chief System Engineer information

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$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do chief system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief system engineer in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chief System Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectChief System EngineerSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications like INCOSE CSEPBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing projects, strategic planningTechnical role focused on system design and integration
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, defense, large-scale systems projectsCommon across IT, aerospace, manufacturing
ResponsibilitiesLeading system development, coordinating teams, ensuring system integrityDesigning, analyzing, and testing system components

The main difference is that the Chief System Engineer holds a leadership position responsible for overseeing entire projects and teams, while the Systems Engineer focuses on technical system design and implementation. Both roles require engineering credentials, but the Chief System Engineer has broader strategic and managerial duties.

What are Chief System Engineers?

Chief System Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing the design, integration, and management of complex engineering systems within an organization. They coordinate multidisciplinary teams, ensure that all system components work together efficiently, and address technical challenges throughout a project's lifecycle. Their role often includes setting engineering standards, managing requirements, and ensuring that systems meet business objectives and compliance standards. Chief System Engineers also serve as the primary technical point of contact for stakeholders and play a key role in strategic decision-making.

How does a Chief System Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Chief System Engineer plays a pivotal role in bridging technical and non-technical teams, ensuring that system requirements align with overall business objectives. They frequently coordinate with project managers, software and hardware engineers, and stakeholders to define system architecture, troubleshoot integration issues, and maintain clear communication throughout the project lifecycle. Effective collaboration often involves leading design reviews, facilitating technical discussions, and ensuring that all team members are aligned on project milestones and deliverables. This collaborative approach helps minimize risks and ensures the delivery of robust, scalable systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief System Engineer, you need deep expertise in systems engineering, architecture design, and project management, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with systems modeling tools (e.g., SysML, MATLAB), requirements management platforms, and certifications like INCOSE CSEP are typically required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and stakeholder alignment. These skills ensure effective system integration, innovation, and delivery of complex projects on time and within budget.
More about Chief System Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief System Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Chief System Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Chief System Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Chief Systems Engineer

Chief Systems Engineer

KBR

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Chief Systems Engineer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

This is a contingent position based upon contract award

KBR is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer to support a procurement providing Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) support to an IC/DoD government customer within the Washington DC Metropolitan area.

The Chief Systems Engineers will assist in leading engineering teams in taking a multi-discipline approach to requirements engineering, solutions engineering, scheduling, reliability, resiliency, services development, integration, test and evaluation, maintainability and analysis across the NSG, ASG, and Federal Agencies to ensure timely and accurate GEOINT.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Government in directing requirements engineering, solutions engineering, scheduling, reliability, resiliency, services development, integration, test and evaluation, maintainability and analysis across the NSG, ASG and Federal Agencies.
  • Assist with the planning, analysis/traceability of user requirements, architecture traceability, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review cloud service capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations.
  • Advise the Government on proposed changes to the solution designs based on analysis of requirements and new technology.
  • Assist the Government in the capture and translation of mission and customer requirements/needs into systems/capability requirements and solutions.
  • Support the analysis and allocation of requirements to systems architecture components and executing programs.
  • Assist the Government in performing systems integration activities.
  • Assist in leading AoAs, CoAs, Trade Studies, and Engineering Assessments.
  • Assist the Government in strategic technical planning, project management, performance engineering, risk management and interface design.
  • Provide expert advice to the Government in the areas of relating vision, strategy, plans, needs, requirements, process, and capability developments.
  • Assis the government in modernization of infrastructure and capabilities.
  • Oversee and coordinate the work of Senior-, Mid-, and Junior-level contractor Systems Engineers.

Required Qualifications:

  • 18+ years of experience
  • Master's degree or higher in Systems Engineering or in related technical or scientific fields such as engineering, physics, mathematics, operations research, engineering management, Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or related STEM degree.
  • Active TS/SCI with the ability to obtain a Poly required
  • Expert-level experience in relevant work areas including DoD/IC Acquisition Process, Requirements Process, Planning Programming, Budgeting, and Execution System (PPBES)
  • Process, or system engineering of large complex System of Systems or Service Oriented Architecture/Cloud environments.
  • Expert-level experience with systems engineering lifecycle.
  • Extensive experience within the DoD/IC.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience with MBSE, processes, tools and languages.
  • Software Development Framework certification.
  • INCOSE Expert System Engineering Professional (ESEP) certification.
  • Demonstrated experience in the field of geospatial intelligence.
  • Demonstrated experience in the development of Digital Engineering Ecosystems and Digital Twins.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the current NSG/ASG and other IC Enterprises.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998