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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$146K - $234K *

Lead the integration and advancement of complex systems and GEOINT capabilities. Provide technical guidance, mentor engineering teams, and translate mission needs into effective solutions across multi...

4 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $234K *

Join us to lead and mentor engineering teams in developing complex systems and GEOINT capabilities. Provide expert guidance, translate mission needs into solutions, and support multidisciplinary effor...

4 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$132K - $178K *

Join us to translate stakeholder needs into verifiable requirements while guiding software-intensive systems through their lifecycle. This role embraces systems engineering and software development, o...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $220K *

Transform national security space systems by leading mission engineering initiatives, developing robust enterprise architectures, and providing technical expertise to enhance U.S. Space Force capabili...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$216K - $308K *

Transform the future of systems engineering by applying your expertise across the entire lifecycle. Collaborate with government and senior executives to ensure technical integrity and quality in deliv...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Drive innovation in systems engineering by applying expertise across the full system life cycle, focusing on AI, cloud engineering, and security. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure technical inte...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $210K *

Drive innovation by assessing and integrating emerging commercial technologies for defense and space missions. Lead technology scouting efforts, conduct rigorous evaluations, and provide actionable re...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $160K *

Transform your career by leading innovative electrical engineering projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and test cutting-edge systems for diverse applications, ensurin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading the integration of oil-free centrifugal compressors with strategic HVAC/R OEM accounts, collaborating across teams to ensure seamless implementation and customer satisfacti...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Champion the integration of oil-free centrifugal compressors with HVAC/R OEMs. Lead technical support, testing, and collaboration across teams to ensure seamless implementation and customer satisfacti...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in advancing Air Traffic Control Communication Systems through expert engineering and testing. Collaborate on operational test cases, ensuring system suitability and performance for cr...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $130K *

Partner with us to support all phases of Delivery Operations, engaging in MTE activities across various operations. Thrive in a dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities while ensuring miss...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Elevate progress at the forefront of systems engineering by supporting the development and integration of mission-critical Strategic Weapons Control systems, ensuring high reliability and security in...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Contribute to the development and integration of mission-critical systems, applying systems engineering principles to ensure high reliability and security. Collaborate across teams to support the enti...

Pittsfield, MARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$65K - $121K *

Take ownership of engineering project management, ensuring design compliance, coordinating technical efforts, and resolving challenges to meet project specifications and timelines while fostering effe...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$65K - $121K *

Unlock potential by leading engineering projects, ensuring compliance with standards, and resolving design challenges. Collaborate across teams to develop plans and effectively communicate project out...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Unlock potential by owning the software foundation for robotics, ensuring reliability and performance through real-time control, networking, and fleet management. Collaborate with cross-functional tea...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $200K *

Unlock your potential by leading strategic AI/ML initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, and interfacing with senior leadership in a mission-critical environment. Drive project success from conc...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $149K *

Unlock potential by characterizing and optimizing next-gen 4D LiDAR sensors. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to debug, calibrate, and analyze sensor performance in lab and field settings, enha...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$129K - $239K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of systems engineering by leading a dynamic team in design, integration, and verification efforts. Drive critical engineering checkpoints and mentor talent while e...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Champion systems engineering excellence by leading design, integration, and verification efforts. Mentor junior engineers and ensure compliance with engineering processes while coordinating technical...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $135K *

Champion technical integration for M&A activities, focusing on Microsoft 365 and cloud technologies. Collaborate with IT teams to ensure seamless onboarding of acquired companies while executing migra...

1 week ago

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

$138K - $190K *

Drive innovation in optical systems engineering by designing, integrating, and optimizing high-performance optical subsystems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and exceed cust...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$118K - $219K *

Unlock potential by designing and planning advanced network communication systems. Collaborate on hardware and software selection, conduct testing, and evaluate new technologies to enhance network cap...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $178K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing advanced network communication systems. Collaborate on architecture specifications, conduct testing, and evaluate new technologies to enhance network cap...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.