System engineers design, integrate, and maintain the technology systems that organizations rely on. From enterprise infrastructure and cloud platforms to embedded and mission-critical systems, these professionals connect hardware, software, networks, and processes to solve complex technical challenges. Explore vetted system engineer opportunities on Ladders, including roles paying $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by industry and specialty, but often include gathering requirements, designing system architectures, evaluating technical trade-offs, integrating components, and testing systems for performance, security, and reliability. System engineers may also troubleshoot production issues, document technical decisions, coordinate with engineering teams, and guide systems through their full lifecycle.
Job titles can cover a wide range of work, including systems architecture, cloud and infrastructure engineering, network systems, platform engineering, embedded systems, and systems integration. Some roles focus on enterprise IT environments, while others support aerospace, defense, telecommunications, healthcare, or manufacturing systems.
Employers often look for strong analytical and problem-solving skills, experience with system design and integration, and the ability to communicate across technical teams. Depending on the role, relevant expertise may include operating systems, networking, cloud platforms, scripting, automation, cybersecurity, reliability engineering, and technical documentation. Requirements may include a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with specialized certifications or industry experience.
Compensation depends on factors such as experience, location, industry, technical specialization, and the scope of responsibility. Senior system engineers and specialists working on complex or high-impact environments may qualify for higher-paying opportunities. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates discover roles aligned with their expertise and career goals.
Browse system engineer jobs to compare responsibilities, technologies, and employer needs. Use your experience in architecture, integration, infrastructure, or reliability to identify opportunities where you can make a meaningful impact and continue advancing your career.
Senior Director, Software Engineering
$145K - $190K *
Lead the charge in designing and optimizing scalable data pipelines using Azure, PySpark, and Airflow. Collaborate with teams to ensure data quality and performance while mentoring engineers and drivi...
1 week ago
Interface Integration Engineer
$80K - $128K *
Unlock potential by integrating identity platforms with robust security measures. Collaborate within agile teams to design and maintain APIs, ensuring seamless data flow across federal systems while a...
Reposted 1 month ago
Software Engineer, Mission Systems
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development of software systems for autonomous aviation, managing architecture, integration, and performance across airborne, ground, and cloud environments to enhance operation and reliabili...
3 weeks ago
Senior Site Reliability Engineer - Infra Ops
$152K - $205K *
Join a team that's designing and operating secure, scalable platform infrastructure for critical digital assets. Leverage your SRE expertise to enhance reliability, performance, and security across hy...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - Systems Triage (Metrics & Analysis)
$160K - $193K *
Lead a team to develop metrics and analysis tools that enhance decision-making for autonomous driving software. Engage in hands-on data analysis, manage workflows, and drive insights to improve system...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Dedicated Infrastructure
$152K - $259K *
Join a team that's redefining infrastructure management by leading a dedicated group focused on high availability, security, and automation. Drive innovation while mentoring talent and enhancing opera...
2 weeks ago
$175K - $185K *
Engage with Federal agencies and software providers to design and implement secure cloud solutions. Leverage your expertise in FedRAMP and DoD IL4 to drive technical sales strategies and ensure compli...
2 weeks ago
Data Center Structural Engineer
$113K - $142K *
Design and develop structural engineering solutions for modular data centers. Oversee vendor collaboration, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance with local codes, delivering repeatable desi...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $160K *
Lead day-to-day reliability for our SRE-DevOps team, ensuring production AWS environments are secure and well-documented. Collaborate on automation, incident response, and compliance while working ind...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative security solutions, collaborating with sales teams to educate clients on overcoming operational challenges and enhancing their cybersecurity posture through ta...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to drive innovative security solutions, collaborating with sales teams to educate clients on challenges and deliver tailored strategies that enhance organizational safety and operation...
Reposted 1 week ago
$168K - $198K *
Transform customer security by collaborating with sales to identify needs, demonstrating solutions, and educating partners on best practices in cybersecurity. Drive engagement through meetings and eve...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by collaborating with sales to deliver tailored security solutions, educating clients on challenges, and driving impactful engagements that enhance organizational safety and operation...
1 week ago
$168K - $198K *
Partner with us to drive customer engagement by delivering tailored security solutions, addressing technical challenges, and enhancing operational safety through expert collaboration with sales and pa...
1 week ago
Senior Manager - Software Engineering (REF# ME0826)
$170K - $180K *
Lead the charge in overseeing complex software development initiatives, driving Agile sprint teams, and ensuring seamless integration of web services and databases to meet organizational goals while e...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Deliver high-quality software solutions by designing, developing, and maintaining enterprise-grade applications using Java, Spring Boot, and Oracle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure s...
2 days ago
Principle DevOps Engineer (Medical Devices & Embedded Systems) IRC307365
$140K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to design and automate CI/CD infrastructure for medical device software, ensuring compliance and enhancing software delivery processes in a regulated environment...
Yesterday
AI Systems Engineer, Hardware Architecture
$170K - $200K *
Lead the architectural strategy for next-gen AI systems in immersive computing, focusing on hardware design for AI inference and imaging pipelines across VR, AR, and wearable devices, ensuring optimal...
Today
$93K - $150K *
Optimize infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines to empower engineering teams in delivering AI-powered products efficiently. Collaborate closely with product and data engineers, leading projects from incep...
Yesterday
$126K - $162K *
Lead the charge in advanced ICT design for mission-critical data centers. Collaborate with stakeholders to oversee complex projects, manage resources, and drive innovation through technology adoption...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage with our dynamic engineering team as you design and model innovative refrigerant and water piping systems using Solidworks, ensuring precision in product documentation and lifecycle management...
4 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Application Engineer
$115K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative mechanical solutions for prefabricated platforms. Leverage your expertise in HVAC to lead the development and ensure alignment with customer and operational goals...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading technical direction in autonomy systems. Drive ownership of advanced perception, prediction, and planning components with cross-stack influence, facilitating innovation and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer
$145K - $175K *
Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by designing and implementing enterprise identity solutions, ensuring secure access across cloud and hybrid environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance IAM...
Yesterday
What does a system engineer do?
A system engineer designs, integrates, tests, and maintains complex systems made up of technology, processes, and people. The work may involve infrastructure, software, hardware, networks, or specialized industry systems.
What qualifications are commonly required for system engineer jobs?
Requirements vary, but employers commonly seek a degree or equivalent experience in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with skills in system design, integration, troubleshooting, and technical communication. Some positions require expertise in particular platforms, tools, or regulated industries.
What skills are important for system engineers?
Important skills often include systems thinking, analytical problem-solving, architecture and integration, networking or cloud knowledge, documentation, and collaboration. Depending on the position, scripting, automation, cybersecurity, or reliability engineering may also be valuable.
How much do system engineers earn?
System engineer compensation varies by experience, location, industry, specialization, and role scope. Ladders features vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more.
Where can I find system engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Explore system engineer listings on Ladders to find vetted professional roles with salaries of $100,000 or more across areas such as infrastructure, cloud, systems architecture, and integration.