1

Chief Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Systems Engineer

Cypress, CA · On-site

$150K - $233K/yr

Job Summary This position is for a Chief Engineer to support space -based IR imaging products. Join our team to lead end-to-end test and characterization of advanced imaging and infrared (IR) systems ...

Chief Systems Engineer (CSE)

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$190 - $225/hr

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 ...

Chief Systems Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$190 - $225/hr

What you bring to this role: * 15+ years progressive systems engineering experience in the space industry, with at least one flight project carried from SRR through on-orbit operations.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Chief Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do chief systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Lead, Chief Systems Engineer

L3Harris Technologies

Manitou Springs, CO

$110K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Lead, Chief Systems Engineer

Job Code: 40901

Job Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday Off)

Job Description:  

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Radar Chief Systems Engineer to support radar‑related programs at our Colorado Springs location. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to critical mission‑focused systems within a rapidly growing defense environment. The position plays a key role in developing and sustaining advanced solutions for high‑priority assets and requires strong collaboration within a team of experienced professionals.

Essential Functions: 

  • Ensure systems‑engineering processes—whether traditional waterfall or agile/scrum—are properly followed and executed across the program.
  • Maintain the accuracy, integrity, and quality of the program’s technical baseline.
  • Review system requirements, preliminary designs, peer reviews, detailed designs, and test plans.
  • Lead development of CONOPS, conduct trade studies, and perform requirements analysis and verification for radar systems and subsystems.
  • Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners, including government customers.
  • Support system integration as well as verification and validation activities
  • Translate customer or product requirements into complete system solutions that balance technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
  • Conduct functional and timeline analyses.
  • Perform cost, risk, supportability, and effectiveness analyses across the full system lifecycle (concept through disposal).
  • Develop roadmaps to maintain, enhance, or introduce mission capabilities.
  • Track and ensure performance against key technical performance measures.
  • Contribute to a dynamic development and integration lab involving both hardware and software systems.
  • Support or lead technical proposal efforts, including requirements decomposition, system architecture/design, technical writing, risk management, and cost estimation.
  • Create SysML models and/or DoDAF views using MagicDraw.
  • Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams, including:
    • Electrical/RF Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Systems Engineering
    • Test Engineering
    • Software Engineering
    • Specialty Engineering (human factors, safety, reliability, maintainability, logistics)
  •  Lead root‑cause investigations and corrective‑action teams.
  • Travel up to 10% as required.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • Must have technical leadership experience for teams of larger than 50 People
  • Experience in at least one of the following areas: radar software, signal processing, and/or RF hardware
  • Secret security clearance required

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Previous work experience with phased array radars, high power amplifiers, digital beamforming, SDA mission prosecution, LPAR, HWIL simulation, surveillance, signal processing
  • Previous work experience with CAMEO Systems modeler/ MagicDraw
  • Knowledge of Kubernetes environments, in particular experience with Redhat Openshift Containerized Platform (OCP)
  • Working experience in Agile framework

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Colorado State is $110,500 - $205,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. 

The application window for this position will close on 10/1/2026.

#LI-ZB2

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.