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Chief System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Enterprise System Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$102K - $127K/yr

In support of the JETSII Office of the IT Chief Engineer ASM and NASA JSC Task Order requirements providing Systems Engineering, Architecture and Operations "duties as assigned". Providing ...

Pae

Enterprise System Engineer

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$102K - $127K/yr

Insupport of the JETSII Office of the IT Chief Engineer ASMand NASA JSCTask Order requirements providing Systems Engineering, Architecture and Operations "duties as assigned". Providing requirements ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Systems Engineering

Bristol, PA · On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

Works closely with program Chief System Engineer to develop verifiable technical requirements. * Responsible for providing technical leadership, guidance, and direction to Electrical, Mechanical ...

Leidos

Chief Systems Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

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 ...

Leidos

Chief Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

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 ...

Leidos

Chief Systems Engineer

La Jolla, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

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 ...

Leidos

Chief Systems Engineer

El Cajon, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

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 ...

Leidos

Chief Systems Engineer

Chula Vista, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

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 ...

Leidos

Chief Systems Engineer

National City, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

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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All JobsChief System Engineer Jobs

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 9, 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:
What job categories do people searching Chief System Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief System Engineer jobs are:
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 - Surveillance Products

Chief Systems Engineer - Surveillance Products

Real Time Consulting, LLC

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

REAL TIME CONSULTING (An RTCo Company)-POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Chief Systems Engineer - Surveillance Products
ABOUT THE JOB: The Chief Systems Engineer leads product and technology initiatives for the Surveillance product line. In this position, the Chief Systems Engineer is responsible for driving and shaping the technology strategy. This position includes a strong focus on leading technology roadmap development, definition of new system architectures, coordinating technical pursuits, supporting and shaping the R&D investment plan, analyzing the R&D portfolio for technology discriminators and capability gaps, promoting internal collaboration and innovation, and architecting technology initiatives. The Chief Systems Engineer also serves as the technical approver for all product development design reviews and as the lead for root cause investigations.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM-related field with a minimum of 12 years of prior related experience in an aviation product development environment or a Graduate Degree with a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience in an aviation product development environment.
  • Experience in technology management and crafting strategies and initiatives that support business growth objectives.
  • Experience structuring and executing independent technology development reviews and assessments.
  • Experience coordinating engineer pursuit activities including solution architecture proposals, risk mitigation, and estimates.
  • Experience developing top-level specifications and management of requirement flow down to lower-level specifications.
  • Experience developing CONOPS and Use Cases.
  • Experience working directly with customers and other stakeholders to define requirements and develop competitive solutions.
  • Strong in analytical methods, producing fact-based, logical hypothesis and scenarios with well-thought-out conclusions.
  • Experience in R&D portfolio management and road-mapping methodologies for complex hardware/software solutions.
  • Experience establishing initial design requirements, driving risk reduction activities and providing guidance to the development process to ensure timely, high quality, compliant product designs traceable to industry and customer specific specifications.
  • Expertise in 1 or more of the following:
  • Transponder Systems - Mode S, Mode C, design, test and evaluation
  • Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Systems and Applications: requirements definition, modeling, test, evaluation, qualification
  • Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS): requirements definition, modeling, test, evaluation, qualification
  • Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS): requirements definition, modeling, test, evaluation, qualification, database management
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Highly collaborative team player and critical thinker.
  • Motivated, self-starter requiring limited direction.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

HIGHLY PREFERRED SKILLS:
  • Experience with operations in the National Airspace System as a pilot, air traffic controller, etc. Ability to apply this experience to incorporate Human Factors considerations in product design.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to think end-to-end and manage multiple priorities/projects simultaneously.
  • Experience with Intellectual Property Management.
  • Knowledge of Aerospace regulatory standards (e.g. 14 CFR, ARP4754A/B, DO-178B/C, DO-160B, DO-254).

ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Real Time Consulting (RTC) exists to partner outstanding engineering talent to support our clients' success. Unsurpassed service is delivered to our clients by upholding responsibility, teamwork and quality. Our primary commitment is to help our clients. Since 1997, RTC has been protecting and enhancing lives with safe, reliable, innovative solutions, providing full life-cycle design, development and testing of EMBEDDED ENGINEERING SYSTEMS and SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS with Program Management and Consulting Services. Our employees average 20+ years of versatile and accomplished expertise to our clients, driving continuous innovation forward. Employees' innovative and analytical ideas are cultivated while maintaining the big picture vision in a fast-paced, changing environment. Our corporate values are to Uphold Responsibility, Support People, Promote Teamwork and Deliver Quality!
This position may require exposure to software, source code or technology that is subject to US export control laws and regulations (i.e., International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations). To comply with these requirements, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Departments of State or Commerce, as applicable.

RTCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with RTCo is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
To qualify for all positions with Real Time Companies, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status. Please be aware that Real Time Companies does not sponsor employment-based visas. Additionally, certain positions with Real Time Companies that involve work with government entities may have more restrictive employment status requirements, such as U.S. citizenship, based on security clearance requirements or other governmental requirements. Real Time Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

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