Explore System Engineer Jobs

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.

What System Engineers Do

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.

Common System Engineer Specialties

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

System Engineer Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Your Next System Engineer Role

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.

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$90K - $162K *

Accelerate innovation by leading software development projects, translating complex requirements into high-quality solutions, and mentoring peers while ensuring functional excellence across platforms...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$161K - $221K *

Reimagine optical system designs and processes, steering a cross-functional team to innovate next-gen semiconductor inspection solutions, ensuring top-tier quality and market relevance while driving c...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Advance the future of systems engineering by leading complex Navy combat system initiatives. Engage in strategic planning, technical documentation, and program management while ensuring adherence to D...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$101K - $145K *

Drive the success of infrastructure projects by managing engineering processes, ensuring compliance with standards, and optimizing collaboration among cross-functional teams to achieve project goals e...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$99K - $206K *

Elevate progress at a dynamic software development program by managing monthly reporting, bridging teams and customers, and ensuring accurate status updates. Leverage your SDLC and Scrum expertise to...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Lead the technical direction for complex Naval aviation systems, ensuring Fleet readiness and safety. Drive architecture, requirements, and integration while mentoring engineers and collaborating with...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$137K - $168K *

Join a team that's dedicated to applying systems engineering principles across all life cycle phases. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure technical integrity and quality in critical documentation...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$137K - $168K *

Drive systems engineering excellence by generating critical documentation, ensuring technical integrity, and collaborating with stakeholders throughout the systems life cycle. Engage with government a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$185K - $260K *

Join us in shaping the future of our AI infrastructure! Leverage your expertise to build and scale our cloud systems, ensuring reliability and security as we meet the demands of enterprise clients and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $260K *

Develop and manage cloud infrastructure across AWS and GCP to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient operations. Lead the enhancement of observability, compliance, and cost management as we scale our...

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Shape the future of maritime technology by designing and managing sophisticated systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and reliability while mentoring junior engineers and driving in...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Grow your career with a leading role in systems engineering for complex spacecraft, focusing on design, requirements management, and verification activities to ensure mission success and foster collab...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Drive innovative systems engineering solutions by developing requirements and models, collaborating with stakeholders, and supporting verification activities to enhance strategic defense capabilities...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Join us to lead critical safety engineering efforts in support of advanced Nuclear Weapons Programs, leveraging your expertise to develop solutions that meet stringent DoD requirements and ensure miss...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career as an Implementation Engineer, leveraging data-driven insights to solve complex national security challenges. Collaborate with teams to implement technology solutions, deliver impa...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Innovate with us to design, configure, and maintain Linux and Windows systems for cutting-edge research projects, ensuring secure and efficient IT support while collaborating closely with researchers...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in enterprise patch management and vulnerability remediation, ensuring security and compliance across all managed systems. Collaborate with IT teams to enhance operational integrity an...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by developing and certifying advanced Flight Management Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive system integration, verification, a...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$106K - $198K *

Optimize satellite communications systems by leading integration and testing efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute comprehensive test plans, ensuring system requireme...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$106K - $198K *

Lead the charge in system integration and testing for satellite communications, ensuring comprehensive test plans and execution. Collaborate with engineering teams to validate requirements and trouble...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$74K - $130K *

Engage with cutting-edge cloud technologies to ensure system health, security, and compliance. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage infrastructure, automate processes, and drive operational excell...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$124K - $238K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of spacecraft systems engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead cross-functional teams in developing complex spacecraft designs, ensuring compliance, and drivi...

Palo Alto, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $238K *

Accelerate progress at the system level by leading cross-functional teams in spacecraft design, requirements management, and fault analysis. Drive integration, verification, and validation activities...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $136K *

Transform stakeholder needs into clear system requirements and designs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project success through effective interface definition and risk management. D...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in enterprise systems engineering, focusing on identity management, Windows Server, and cloud platforms. Drive automation and Tier 3 troubleshooting in a hybrid environment, delivering...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a system engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.