1

Chief Systems Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Solutions Architect

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$122.40K - $208.08K/yr

Chief Systems Architect BAE Systems is looking for an experienced, self-motivated Chief Systems Architect to build customer-focused solutions as part of a multi-disciplinary team in an agile, fast ...

Systems Architect

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$210.60K/yr

... Chief and Deputy Director, ISA Operations. * The System Architect will work to develop and document a framework for integration and implementation for changes to technical standards. * Provide ...

Senior Scientist, Systems Engineering

Rochester, NY · On-site

$103.20K - $141.20K/yr

Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off As a Chief Systems Engineer (CSE) and Chief Systems Architect (CSA), the candidate will lead ...

... architecture planning to identify critical dependencies to retrofit spacecraft designs to achieve ... chief system engineer for a satellite program. • Demonstrated program or project management ...

Lead, Chief Systems Engineer Job Code: 36945 Job Location: C olorado Springs, CO Job Schedule: 980 ... system architecture/design, technical writing, risk management, and cost estimation. * Create SysML ...

Chief Systems Engineer

Sterling, CO · Hybrid

$146.67K - $249.33K/yr

Partner with the Program Manager, Deputy PM, and Chief Architect to ensure smooth program execution ... Performs system design, technical performance, and other system needs, provide technical ...

New

Chief Systems Engineer

Hamilton, OH · Hybrid

$146.67K - $249.33K/yr

Partner with the Program Manager, Deputy PM, and Chief Architect to ensure smooth program execution ... Performs system design, technical performance, and other system needs, provide technical ...

Lead, Chief Systems Engineer

Divide, CO · On-site

$110.50K - $205.50K/yr

Lead, Chief Systems Engineer Job Code: 36945 Job Location: C olorado Springs, CO Job Schedule: 980 ... system architecture/design, technical writing, risk management, and cost estimation. * Create SysML ...

... architecture planning to identify critical dependencies to retrofit spacecraft designs to achieve ... chief system engineer for a satellite program. • Demonstrated program or project management ...

Lead, Chief Systems Engineer

Victor, CO · On-site

$110.50K - $205.50K/yr

Lead, Chief Systems Engineer Job Code: 36945 Job Location: C olorado Springs, CO Job Schedule: 980 ... system architecture/design, technical writing, risk management, and cost estimation. * Create SysML ...

Systems Architect FSP

Herndon, VA · On-site

$249.90K/yr

Systems Architect Designs and develops solutions to complex applications problems, system ... Develops future technology and architectural advancements to support CIO architectural strategy ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Chief Systems Architect information

See salary details

$104.5K

$177.6K

$253K

How much do chief systems architect jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief systems architect in the United States is $177,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,000.00 and $195,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Systems Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Systems Architect, you need deep expertise in systems engineering, software architecture, and IT infrastructure, typically supported by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with architectural frameworks (like TOGAF), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and enterprise systems, as well as relevant certifications, is often required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities enable you to translate complex technical concepts and guide cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the development of scalable, robust architectures that align with business goals and drive organizational success.

What are some common challenges Chief Systems Architects face when integrating new technologies into existing enterprise systems?

Chief Systems Architects often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new and legacy systems, minimizing downtime during transitions, and managing stakeholder expectations. Balancing innovation with stability is key, as introducing new technologies can disrupt established workflows or introduce unforeseen security vulnerabilities. Effective communication and collaboration with IT, security, and business teams are essential to address these challenges and ensure a smooth integration process.

What are Chief Systems Architects?

Chief Systems Architects are senior technology professionals responsible for designing, overseeing, and guiding the architectural strategy of an organization's IT systems. They ensure that all technological frameworks align with business goals, are scalable, secure, and efficient. Their role involves collaborating with stakeholders, evaluating new technologies, setting technical standards, and leading teams in implementing complex systems. Ultimately, Chief Systems Architects play a critical role in shaping and maintaining the technological backbone of a company.
More about Chief Systems Architect jobs
What states have the most Chief Systems Architect jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Systems Architect jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chief Systems Architect jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Systems Architect jobs are:
Infographic showing various Chief Systems Architect job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 31% Physical, 16% Hybrid, and 53% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,571 per year, or $85.4 per hour.
Principal Solutions Architect

Principal Solutions Architect

BAE Systems USA

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$122.40K - $208.08K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Chief Systems Architect

BAE Systems is looking for an experienced, self-motivated Chief Systems Architect to build customer-focused solutions as part of a multi-disciplinary team in an agile, fast-paced development environment. The qualified candidate will serve as the subject matter expert for hardware and software architectures used in integrated sensing solutions to include radar, electromagnetic warfare, communications, telemetry, electro-optical and flight termination systems. Responsibilities will include:

  • Define and communicate, in writing, briefings, and verbal acuity, a shared architectural vision for next generation products and services. This includes ownership of technical solutions for future business.
  • Enable the continuous delivery pipeline through appropriate design guidelines and investment advocacy.
  • Actively participate in business winning strategy development and implementation, working with strategic systems business unit and air & space force business area business, capture, and functional personnel to achieve overall business winning goals and strategies. Contribute to writing white papers, RFI responses and proposals.
  • Support and leverage BAE Systems partnerships with a wide range of other technical capability providers, both internal and external to BAE Systems, Inc, to bring effective, efficient, and attractive solutions to existing and future sensor and electronics solutions customers.
  • Collaborate between and across other sector, business area, and parallel business unit chief architects, business development, engineering teams and subject matter experts (SMEs)
  • Prepare or review technical documentation including proposals, whitepapers, reports, briefing materials, and other types of documentation
  • Prepare technical briefs and presentations for business unit and senior leadership teams and external customers
  • Provide technical guidance to senior leadership, program management and engineers
  • Adopt and operate in accordance with the BAE Systems core values and lifecycle management (LCM) framework

This position will require 25% travel to domestic and international locations primarily in support of customer engagement and product demonstrations. Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or inherent demands of this role, it will be performed on a full-time onsite basis at a BAE Systems facility. Required education, experience, & skills

  • Bachelor of science (BS) degree in electrical engineering, or a related science, engineering or mathematics field
  • Minimum of 15 years of job-related experience (8 years of job-related experience with a master's degree)
  • Active secret clearance, with the ability to achieve a top-secret clearance
  • Detailed understanding of integrated sensing hardware and software architectures
  • Collaborate with system architects/engineering teams to understand how their capabilities fit into and support the larger direction of the overall system
  • Lead architecture discussions to ensure consistency in how emerging designs and tradeoffs are managed across the ART, allowing frequent opportunities to steer implementation approaches
  • Collaborate with program management and key stakeholders on progress, budget, release strategy, and readiness
  • Work with government stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and ARTs to align the architectural direction with the solution context
  • Work with suppliers, making sure the technical characteristics for supplier-delivered capabilities are understood, assisting with the architectural integration of these concerns
  • Proven track record of working with internal and external customers to resolve technical and manufacturing issues
  • Possess excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team setting or integrated product team (IPT)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred education, experience, & skills

  • Background in ground radar, electro-optical, telemetry, and command destruct systems
  • Experience with implementation of government reference architectures (GRAs)
  • Experienced with air and space surveillance ground based radar systems
  • Familiarity with test range instrumentation radar or similar systems
  • Practical experience with development of investment proposals and execution of internal research and development projects.
  • Strong oral and written communications skills define subsystems and their interfaces, allocate responsibilities to subsystems
  • Management of systems requirements and outflow to product specifications
  • 10+ years of experience as a senior electrical engineer and leading a hardware development team
  • Experience with model based systems engineering (MBSE) and software tools like Cameo.
  • Practical experience with digital engineering and software design tools

Pay information full-time salary range: $122400 - $208080. Please note: this range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience. Employee benefits: at BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do—from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels. This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.


What BAE Systems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom