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.
Enterprise Architect, Software and Platforms Architecture (T & I) (Telework/Hybrid)
$110K - $130K *
Help us define a unified technology vision, aligning business needs with innovative solutions, while driving enterprise architecture practices that elevate organizational performance and adaptability...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Enterprise Architect, Software and Platforms Architecture (T & I) (Telework/Hybrid)
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation by establishing a unified technological vision that bridges business processes and technical solutions, ensuring enterprise architecture aligns with strategic goals and fosters collab...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Enterprise Security Architect
$160K - $190K *
Shape the future of enterprise security by bridging technical and strategic initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance security posture across hybrid environments, ensuring robust defenses...
2 days ago
Principal Enterprise Security Architect
$150K - $180K *
Transform enterprise security by bridging technical and strategic initiatives, ensuring robust cyber defense across hybrid environments. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance security posture and d...
2 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Transform your career by providing strategic guidance in enterprise architecture, aligning IT systems with organizational goals, and enhancing business processes through innovative technology solution...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by providing strategic guidance on enterprise architecture, aligning IT systems with organizational goals, and enhancing business processes through innovative technology solutions in...
2 weeks ago
Senior Enterprise Systems Architect
$135K - $160K *
Empower our digital evolution by architecting robust technology ecosystems. Lead strategic enhancement of cloud, hybrid, and on-premises infrastructures while fostering innovation through automation a...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer the future of aerospace technology by designing and governing cloud-native architectures. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational capabilities and integrate AI solutions, driving innov...
3 days ago
Enterprise Architect Program Manager - TS/SCI
$210K - $225K *
Transform enterprise IT operations by overseeing contractor teams and driving data initiatives. Empower communication with Government stakeholders, ensure quality execution, and proactively manage tec...
3 weeks ago
Principal Technical Architect - Enterprise Application Modernization
$250K - $275K *
Empower your career by leading enterprise-level architecture for a critical application modernization initiative. Drive technical standards, guide integration efforts, and collaborate with stakeholder...
1 week ago
Principal Technical Architect - Enterprise Application Modernization
$250K - $275K *
Lead the charge in enterprise-level technical architecture for a critical application modernization initiative, guiding architectural decisions and ensuring secure, scalable solutions that integrate m...
1 week ago
Principal Systems Architect - C5ISR
$125K - $150K *
Architect innovative C4ISR/C5ISR systems, leading integration and testing efforts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate mission needs into scalable architectures, ensuring operational...
2 weeks ago
$148K - $263K *
Drive the design and implementation of AI-First operational environments, architecting resilient multi-cloud networks and building autonomous orchestration layers to enhance security and efficiency ac...
1 week ago
Principal Architect (SE3) (Government)
$130K - $304K *
Elevate your career by providing technical leadership across diverse IT services, ensuring seamless integration and innovative solutions that enhance mission outcomes and user experiences in a dynamic...
4 days ago
Director, Enterprise Architecture & Cyber Security
$170K - $190K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing regulatory compliance through innovative analysis and strategic process redesign. Collaborate with stakeholders to bridge technical and functional areas, ensu...
Today
Lead Enterprise Solutions Architect
$150K - $180K *
Transform complex enterprise applications and systems with scalable architectures, driving modernization of legacy environments. Engage in solutions, systems, or application architecture across divers...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading enterprise architecture modernization and digital engineering initiatives. Drive integration strategies across diverse engineering, infrastructure, and application environm...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Enterprise Architect- Remote
$159K - $287K *
Lead the charge in driving technical success for public sector clients by designing and delivering innovative solutions. Collaborate with internal teams and engage with customers to meet mission-criti...
1 week ago
Principal Enterprise Architect- Remote
$159K - $287K *
Champion innovative solutions in the public sector by leading technical architecture efforts, engaging with customers, and driving successful outcomes through collaboration and expertise in cloud secu...
1 week ago
Enterprise System Architect IV (Tech Lead)
$130K - $155K *
Drive architectural excellence for a cutting-edge enterprise website hosting platform. Lead engineering teams, ensure compliance with federal standards, and optimize cloud solutions to enhance perform...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential by leading critical technology assessments and guiding mission solutions. You’ll develop design architectures and oversee project teams to ensure alignment with operational needs...
1 month ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by overseeing mission-critical operations and guiding less senior staff, ensuring functional designs meet operational needs while driving continuous modernization and strategic improv...
1 month ago
Enterprise Principal Architect
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by guiding the architecture of cutting-edge enterprise systems, providing strategic technical direction and mentoring teams on best practices across .NET, Azure, and SQL Server to...
Reposted yesterday
Chief Systems Engineer/Architect Lead
$165K - $185K *
Champion your career by leading innovative systems engineering solutions. As a senior technical advisor, you'll drive complex application designs and integration across network domains, delivering imp...
Today
Enterprise Architect, Media Production Systems Architecture (T & I) (Telework/Hybrid)
$110K - $130K *
Transform enterprise architecture by leading the shift to software-centric media production systems, aligning technology with business goals, and fostering innovation in a dynamic environment...
3 days 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.