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Chief Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

E-Space

Chief Systems Engineer (CSE)

Saratoga, CA · On-site

The Chief Systems Engineer (CSE) holds the highest technical authority in the Space Systems Organization below the CTO. This is the single point of accountability for spacecraft system architecture ...

SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and ...

SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and ...

SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

SAIC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer with experience on large programs to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering, systems integration, and ...

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Chief Systems Engineer information

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How much do chief systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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.

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.
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Chief Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Chief Systems Engineer (CSE)

E-Space

Saratoga, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own the system requirements document, interface control documents, and resource budgets across the program lifecycle.

  • Own and enforce spacecraft-level electrical architecture, design standards, and electrical ICD framework.

  • Own and execute spacecraft integration, testing campaigns, and operate the system integration laboratory and hardware-in-the-loop facilities.

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

The Chief Systems Engineer (CSE) holds the highest technical authority in the Space Systems Organization below the CTO. This is the single point of accountability for spacecraft system architecture, all Interface Control Documents (ICDs), the Verification & Validation Plan, Requirements Compliance closure, and the system-level AI&T campaign.

With Space Systems Electrical Engineering (SSEE) as an organic fifth function, the CSE also holds sole authority over the spacecraft-level electrical architecture and the electrical ICD framework to which every hardware VP and Semiconductor Development designs. The scope extends beyond the spacecraft — the CSE owns the program digital thread connecting requirements through design, verification, as-built records, and on-orbit telemetry.

This role is the first escalation point for all inter-division technical disputes, the configuration baseline custodian, and the standing CCB member with technical concurrence authority on all production Engineering Change Orders.

What you’ll be doing:

Systems Architecture & Requirements

  • Own the System Requirements Document (SRD), all ICDs, and resource budgets (mass, power, pointing, ΔV) across the full program lifecycle
  • Lead system-level trade studies spanning spacecraft, ground segment, and user terminal interfaces
  • Decompose system requirements to subsystem allocations and manage the trade space across mass, power, pointing, and cost
  • Baseline all ICDs including the complete electrical ICD set and maintain configuration control through every program gate

Space Systems Electrical Engineering (SSEE)

  • Own spacecraft-level electrical architecture and design standards; define the electrical ICD framework to which every hardware VP and Semiconductor Development designs
  • Exercise dotted-line authority to lead electrical engineers across all hardware VP organizations
  • Enforce spacecraft-level power distribution, grounding and shielding, EMI/EMC (MIL-STD-461), signal integrity, and connector/harness standards

Assembly, Integration & Test

  • Own and execute the G2 Gate receiving process, spacecraft integration, and FlatSat, TVAC, Vibration/Acoustic, and EMI/EMC campaigns
  • Own and operate the System Integration Laboratory (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) facilities
  • Lead anomaly investigation and disposition for all system-level test findings

Verification & Validation

  • Baseline the V&V Plan at PDR; define and track a minimum of 15 Technical Performance Measures (TPMs) through every gate
  • Own the Requirements Compliance Matrix — drive to 100% closure before Phase Close Gate
  • Chair the Technical Review Board (TRB) and oversee requirements traceability from SRD to test evidence

Technical Authority & Escalation

  • Serve as the first escalation point for all inter-division technical disputes across RF, power, structures, software, and semiconductors
  • Act as configuration baseline custodian and hold block upgrade architecture authority
  • Provide technical concurrence on all production ECOs as standing CCB member
  • Make and defend binding technical decisions under uncertainty — including accepting residual risk with documented rationale

Digital Thread & MBSE

  • Own the program digital thread connecting requirements, design artifacts, verification evidence, as-built records, and on-orbit telemetry
  • Drive working-level use of MBSE tools including DOORS NG, Cameo, and SysML across the systems engineering team
What you bring to this role:
  • 15+ years of progressive systems engineering experience in the space industry; at least one flight project carried from SRR through on-orbit operations
  • Constellation program experience — direct accountability for spacecraft-level architecture, cross-vehicle interface management, or system-level verification across a multi-satellite fleet. This is a required differentiator, not a preference
  • Direct responsibility for requirements traceability and verification closure; presented and defended technical baselines at formal design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR) before a standing review board
  • Demonstrated background in RF link design, phased array systems, modem/waveform, or OSI Layer 1–2 protocol architecture
  • Prior hands-on subsystem leadership (payload, bus, or ground) before transitioning to systems engineering
  • Demonstrated record of building and developing multi-discipline systems engineering teams, including recruiting and retaining Principal Engineers
  • Experience presenting to and defending technical baselines before external review boards
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering — or equivalent verifiable experience
Bonus Points for the Following
  • Experience with MBSE tools (DOORS NG, Cameo, SysML) in a production program environment
  • Familiarity with digital thread architectures connecting engineering design to manufacturing execution systems
  • Prior experience as CSE or Deputy CSE on a constellation program with ≥10 satellites
  • Background in phased array or digital beamforming system architecture
  • Familiarity with DCSA or IC program accreditation processes for classified systems
Additional Requirements
This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office.  The target base pay for this position is $190,000- $225,000annually.  The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 
 
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.
 
This role requires access to controlled technical data. Under U.S. law (ITAR/EAR), we can only consider U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals granted asylum or refugee status).
 
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.  

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.