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.
Systems Engineer - Athena Control Systems (ONSITE)
$75K - $144K *
Lead the charge in developing and certifying safety-critical systems for manned and unmanned aerospace applications, collaborating with a team of engineers to ensure high standards of quality and perf...
Reposted 4 days ago
Systems Engineer - Athena Control Systems (ONSITE)
$75K - $144K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by designing and developing safety-critical systems for commercial and military applications, ensuring high standards of quality and performance in e...
Reposted 4 days ago
$100K - $115K *
Manage the build promotion and deployment processes across teams, ensuring seamless coordination and communication. Drive resolution of project conflicts while overseeing incident triage to maintain s...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Capacity/Compute
$320K - $485K *
Drive the development of robust production systems for capacity management, ensuring optimal utilization of infrastructure resources across diverse cloud environments while collaborating with cross-fu...
6 days ago
Principal Engineer Capacity/Compute
$320K - $485K *
Shape the future of infrastructure management by building robust systems that optimize resource allocation, enhance efficiency, and provide real-time insights across diverse cloud environments, drivin...
1 week ago
Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE)
$103K - $121K *
Unlock your potential as you integrate cybersecurity into system architectures, ensuring compliance with government standards while collaborating with engineers and stakeholders to deliver secure, res...
1 week ago
$87K - $157K *
Champion innovation by leading a dynamic software engineering team focused on developing and enhancing Python-based microservices, ensuring quality and performance while collaborating across functions...
1 week ago
Software Engineer/Developer, Staff
$82K - $95K *
Join a team that's integral to integrating and testing cutting-edge Joint Simulation Environment software, ensuring high-quality performance for warfighters through effective coding, troubleshooting...
1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Elevate engineering excellence by leading satellite ground system design and integration. Drive innovation and collaboration across teams while ensuring compliance and performance in mission-critical...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Support the management of DoD systems as a skilled DevOps Engineer by overseeing installations, configurations, and system monitoring to uphold security and sustainability within a secure environment...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Explore innovative software solutions in a dynamic engineering environment, collaborating with a dedicated team to drive client success and enhance technical skills. Embrace a culture focused on probl...
Reposted today
Systems Engineer - SLS Upper Stage (ES4)
$108K - $130K *
Shape the future of aerospace by providing systems engineering and integration support for the Space Launch System Upper Stage. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure mission success through effecti...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $100K *
Unlock potential by developing technical solutions for engineering standards and enhancements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve software efficiency and user experience, impacting pro...
5 days ago
$200K - $240K *
Drive innovation in systems engineering training by leading the modernization of our existing course to align with current practices and mission needs, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to creat...
Reposted 4 days ago
$80K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team supporting critical ICBM system acquisition efforts. Play a key role in systems engineering processes, collaborating across teams and contributing to design reviews and requirement...
Reposted 4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Support advanced force-protection technologies through engineering and T&E activities. Analyze requirements, develop test plans, and collaborate with experts to ensure system reliability and performan...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Consulting Engineer Systems Architect
$202K - $303K *
Lead the charge in shaping the technical vision and architecture for next-gen command and control systems, driving interoperability and competitiveness across mission applications in a dynamic defense...
1 week ago
Sr. Systems Engineer (on-site)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team in systems engineering, overseeing project performance, and delivering innovative solutions for Command and Control systems. Collaborate across disciplines t...
1 week ago
$164K - $223K *
Join our team to lead the design and verification of complex systems, ensuring performance and compatibility across all interfaces. Collaborate with engineers to optimize system architecture and mento...
Yesterday
$114K - $252K *
Execute comprehensive modernization strategies as a key technical leader, assessing architecture, applications, and security to enhance systems for emergency management capabilities. Drive decision-ma...
Reposted 1 week ago
$58K - $108K *
Unlock potential by enhancing production-test processes and systems. Collaborate across teams to design, implement, and troubleshoot test methods, ensuring quality and efficiency in a fast-paced envir...
1 week ago
$180K - $220K *
Champion innovative solutions in systems engineering, driving technical integrity and quality across critical national security programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance performance and deli...
4 days ago
Senior Embedded Systems Engineer
$94K - $187K *
Innovate cutting-edge embedded systems by leading design, development, and optimization efforts. Collaborate on sensor calibration, GUI development, and system testing to advance next-gen imaging tech...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Support software testing initiatives by analyzing requirements, executing automated test scripts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and compliance in a dynamic environmen...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower your career by leading a dynamic software engineering team. Drive project success, streamline processes, and support sales initiatives while staying ahead of industry trends in Building Automa...
3 days ago
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.