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Chief Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Chief Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$213K - $260K/yr

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 ...

Chief Systems Engineer

Saratoga, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

The CSE holds the highest technical authority in the Space Systems Organization below the CTO. This ... With Space Systems Electrical Engineering (SSEE) as an organic fifth function, the CSE also holds ...

Chief Systems Engineer

Saratoga, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

The CSE holds the highest technical authority in the Space Systems Organization below the CTO. This ... With Space Systems Electrical Engineering (SSEE) as an organic fifth function, the CSE also holds ...

Chief Systems Engineer

Saratoga, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

The CSE holds the highest technical authority in the Space Systems Organization below the CTO. This ... With Space Systems Electrical Engineering (SSEE) as an organic fifth function, the CSE also holds ...

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Chief Systems Engineer information

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$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do chief systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief systems 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in systems engineering, project management, and a relevant engineering degree, often complemented by certifications such as INCOSE CSEP or equivalent. Proficiency with systems modeling tools (e.g., SysML, MATLAB), requirements management platforms, and systems integration processes is typically required. Outstanding leadership, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These qualifications are essential for ensuring complex projects are designed, integrated, and delivered efficiently and reliably.

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

A Chief Systems Engineer often serves as a central point of coordination between engineering, product management, quality assurance, and operations teams. They facilitate communication to ensure all system requirements are clearly understood, risks are identified early, and integration challenges are addressed proactively. Regular meetings, documentation reviews, and design workshops are common methods for fostering collaboration. This collaborative approach is essential to align technical solutions with business objectives and ensure successful project delivery.

What does a Chief Systems Engineer do?

A Chief Systems Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, integration, and management of complex engineering systems within an organization. They lead multidisciplinary teams to ensure that all system components work together efficiently and meet project requirements. Their role includes setting technical direction, solving high-level engineering challenges, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Additionally, they collaborate with stakeholders to align system solutions with business goals and maintain the integrity of system architectures throughout the project lifecycle.
More about Chief Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Chief Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Chief Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% 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

ITSC Secure Solutions

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$170K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description
About ITSC
ITSC Secure Solutions is a mission-focused small business committed to delivering superior services and high-quality technical solutions to our government customers. Guided by our core values-Integrity Through Service and Commitment-ITSC places integrity, technical excellence, and customer success at the forefront of everything we do. Our team-oriented culture values expertise, accountability, and continuous improvement while supporting critical national security missions.
Position Overview
ITSC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer to serve as the definitive technical authority for all aspects of enterprise engineering supporting the FORGE program and the Missile Warning mission area. This Key Position is responsible for maintaining and driving system architecture, technical baselines, and system performance across development, production, test, and sustainment activities.
The Chief Systems Engineer leads a multi-disciplined engineering team, maintains strong customer and stakeholder relationships, and ensures that engineering decisions align with mission objectives, cost, schedule, and performance requirements.
Impact of the Role
The Chief Systems Engineer directly shapes the technical direction, architectural integrity, and long-term sustainment of the FORGE enterprise. This role ensures consistent engineering discipline, horizontal integration of best practices across Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), and alignment with government Systems Engineering Integration Team (SEIT) guidance-enabling mission readiness, modernization, and operational resilience.
Key Responsibilities
โ€ข Serve as the definitive technical authority for enterprise engineering, architecture, and system performance
โ€ข Lead and manage a multi-disciplined engineering team across the FORGE enterprise
โ€ข Drive and maintain system architecture, technical baselines, and performance standards
โ€ข Support coordination of Missile Warning system-level requirements development
โ€ข Oversee hardware and software design, integration, verification, and validation (V&V) activities
โ€ข Act as a key stakeholder in major engineering reviews, readiness reviews, and configuration control boards
โ€ข In coordination with the SEIT Lead, ensure adherence to sound engineering processes across development, production, test, and sustainment
โ€ข Maintain cognizance over technical activities within FORGE IPTs
โ€ข Ensure horizontal integration of best engineering practices across the FORGE enterprise
โ€ข Continually coordinate with government SEIT teams to ensure consistent technical baselines
Requirements
Required Knowledge & Technical Expertise
โ€ข Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
โ€ข Agile / Scrum methodologies
โ€ข DevSecOps
โ€ข Application Programming Interfaces (API)
โ€ข Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)
โ€ข Command and Control (C2) Systems
โ€ข FORGE
โ€ข GPS OCX
โ€ข SBIRS / OPIR
โ€ข Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS)
โ€ข ITW/AA Enterprise
โ€ข Defense Support Program (DSP)
โ€ข GPS Satellites
โ€ข Modeling & Simulation
โ€ข Test Planning & Execution
โ€ข System modernization and prototype testing & integration
โ€ข Independent program assessments
โ€ข Technology development strategy
โ€ข SPRDE (Systems Planning, Research, Development & Engineering)
โ€ข DoD Systems Engineering Policy
Qualifications
โ€ข Minimum of 20 years of relevant experience supporting complex DoD, Missile Warning, or space systems
โ€ข Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related technical discipline
โ€ข Demonstrated experience serving as a Chief Systems Engineer / Chief Engineer or enterprise technical authority
โ€ข Proven leadership of large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams
โ€ข Experience coordinating with government SEIT organizations
โ€ข Active TS with SCI Eligibility (required)