Chief Enterprise Architects shape how an organization uses technology to meet its business goals. They set enterprise-wide architecture strategy, guide major technology decisions, and help ensure systems, data, and platforms work together securely and efficiently. Explore vetted Chief Enterprise Architect opportunities on Ladders, including professional roles paying $100,000 or more.
A CEA connects business strategy with technology execution. Depending on the organization, the role may include defining architecture principles and roadmaps, evaluating platforms and vendors, overseeing modernization initiatives, and aligning application, data, infrastructure, and security architecture. Chief Enterprise Architects also advise executives, establish governance practices, and help teams balance innovation, cost, risk, and operational needs.
Employers commonly seek extensive experience in enterprise or solution architecture, technology strategy, and large-scale transformation. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related field is often preferred; some employers value advanced degrees or architecture and cloud certifications. Relevant strengths include systems thinking, cloud and infrastructure knowledge, cybersecurity awareness, data architecture, stakeholder communication, and the ability to lead through influence.
Compensation varies based on industry, company size, location, scope, and experience. CEA positions are senior leadership roles, and many opportunities offer total compensation above $100,000. Review each listing for its stated salary range, responsibilities, and location requirements. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, making it easier to explore roles aligned with your expertise and career goals.
Highlight measurable outcomes in your resume, such as successful platform consolidation, cloud adoption, improved technology governance, reduced operating costs, or stronger security and resilience. Describe the scale of environments you have supported and your experience partnering with executives and business leaders. Browse current CEA listings on Ladders and compare opportunities by compensation, industry, and work arrangement.
$200K - $250K *
Design and implement secure enterprise network architectures that support critical infrastructures. Collaborate cross-functionally to define standards, modernize systems, and ensure compliance, all wh...
3 weeks ago
$200K - $250K *
Drive enterprise-wide network architecture and modernization for mission-critical systems, ensuring security and resilience across hybrid environments. Collaborate on technical designs, implement solu...
3 weeks ago
Solutions Architect - Cisco Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Reimagine customer solutions by engaging with clients to identify needs, architecting tailored technical solutions, and confidently demonstrating value while collaborating across engineering teams to...
4 weeks ago
C3BM Principal Systems Analyst (MDA)
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in Command, Control, and Communications systems. Collaborate on advanced technologies and strategies to enhance missile defense capabilities while engaging with k...
Today
CNO - System Admnistrator - Network, Linux, Security
$185K - $225K *
Unlock potential by overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of complex network infrastructures, ensuring robust security and performance while collaborating with various stakeholders to...
3 weeks ago
CNO - System Admnistrator - Network, Linux, Security
$185K - $225K *
Empower your potential while leading network management efforts, designing architectures, and resolving complex infrastructure issues. Collaborate with teams to enhance development capabilities and dr...
3 weeks ago
Program Manager (General Services Administration)
$150K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading a multidisciplinary team to enhance federal acquisition operations, drive process improvements, and implement technology solutions, ensuring quality and efficiency across d...
Yesterday
Hybrid Multi-Cloud Engineer SME (Azure/Identity)
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing secure Microsoft Azure cloud solutions for critical DoD initiatives, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards while collaborating with cross-funct...
5 days ago
TS/SCI Cleared Systems Architect (Expert)
$150K - $180K *
Help us shape the future of complex systems architecture by leading design and development efforts. Collaborate with international partners to create innovative solutions that align with strategic goa...
3 weeks ago
Staff Systems Architect (Netcracker)
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of enterprise IT systems by leading architectural design and integration efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable, secure, and resilient technology solution...
1 week ago
Chief Architect, Product Engineering
$160K - $200K *
Elevate the technical architecture vision and execution across a product portfolio, driving the transition to a scalable, cloud-native SaaS environment while integrating AI, data, and security. Collab...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Enterprise Technology Office
$160K - $190K *
Join us in leading the Enterprise Technology Office, where you'll drive IT strategy, governance, and performance management to deliver business value and enhance organizational effectiveness across th...
2 weeks ago
26-1122: Enterprise Architect 1 - Herndon, VA
$140K - $173K *
Lead the charge in developing enterprise architecture standards and governance frameworks to drive organizational transformation and modernization efforts, ensuring compliance and alignment with opera...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Unlock potential by designing advanced data architectures that enable agentic systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance data flow, governance, and retrieval methods in a dynamic environment focused...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Program Engineer, IT Services & Cloud Operations
$120K - $150K *
Drive complex federal platform initiatives, enhancing security, compliance, and infrastructure through innovative engineering solutions and cross-functional leadership...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$182K - $250K *
Lead the transformation of technology platforms by designing cloud-native solutions, modernizing legacy systems, and collaborating across teams to enhance operational efficiency and member experience...
Today
$130K - $155K *
Contribute to comprehensive systems integration for defense intelligence, ensuring effective architecture from concept through deployment while managing cost, risk, and technical planning to deliver t...
4 weeks ago
$149K - $256K *
Lead the technical strategy for complex global opportunities, collaborating with sales teams to develop tailored solutions. Drive technical discovery, architecture design, and customer engagement to e...
Today
$145K - $175K *
Lead transformative projects by analyzing legacy systems and optimizing processes. Collaborate with teams to extract business rules and ensure seamless transitions to modern solutions, enhancing opera...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Redefine our network landscape by leading WAN architecture innovation, enhancing connectivity, and implementing security measures to optimize customer experience both on-premise and in the cloud...
Reposted 1 week ago
$138K - $165K *
Bring your expertise to shape the future of our WAN infrastructure. Drive innovation, optimize performance, and ensure secure, seamless connectivity in a pivotal role impacting customer experiences on...
Reposted 1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Unlock operational excellence by leading multi-facility maintenance, ensuring HVAC and building systems are efficient, safe, and reliable. Oversee teams and implement improvement programs for enhanced...
Reposted 1 month ago
CSfC Systems Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME)
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on digital modernization. As a key contributor, you'll architect and maintain critical systems, driving innovation and efficiency in a mission-dri...
5 days ago
Architecture Senior Advisor- Hybrid
$110K - $130K *
Contribute to the architectural foundation for innovative applications, guiding teams in technical exploration, solution design, and best practices to enhance delivery capabilities and support enterpr...
6 days ago
Architecture Senior Advisor- Hybrid
$154K - $231K *
Champion innovative automation solutions for enterprise healthcare platforms, enhancing scalability and performance across web, mobile, and API layers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive...
1 week ago
What is a Chief Enterprise Architect?
A Chief Enterprise Architect is a senior technology leader who defines and guides an organization’s enterprise architecture strategy, aligning technology investments and systems with business objectives.
What does a Chief Enterprise Architect do?
The role typically involves setting architecture standards and roadmaps, advising executives, guiding technology modernization, evaluating platforms, and coordinating architecture across applications, data, infrastructure, and security.
What qualifications are typically required for CEA jobs?
Employers often look for substantial enterprise architecture and leadership experience, strong communication and strategic planning skills, and knowledge of areas such as cloud, cybersecurity, data, and systems integration. Degree and certification requirements vary by employer.
How much do Chief Enterprise Architects earn?
Pay depends on factors such as location, industry, organization size, and role scope. Many CEA roles offer compensation above $100,000; check individual listings for salary details.
Where can I find Chief Enterprise Architect jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Ladders features vetted professional job listings paying $100,000 or more. Search its current listings for Chief Enterprise Architect opportunities and review each posting for compensation and work arrangement.