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Chief Systems Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Final technical authority of the core product(s) and programs in alignment/coordination with Chief System Architect * Lead technical council in definition of and provide approval on SW/FW approaches ...

Yes What You'll Achieve As the Chief Systems Architect , you will drive the transformation of missioncritical systems for a highvisibility national security customer and their premier data ...

Chief Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team ... Support the analysis and allocation of requirements to systems architecture components and ...

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Laurel, MD ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

Chief Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team ... Support the analysis and allocation of requirements to systems architecture components and ...

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Bryans Road, MD ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Lothian, MD ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

Chief Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$213K - $260K/yr

Chief Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team ... Support the analysis and allocation of requirements to systems architecture components and ...

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Upper Marlboro, MD ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Springfield, VA ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Annandale, VA ยท On-site

$186K - $228K/yr

Summary You will serve as the Chief Systems Engineer in the Submarine Direct Reporting Portfolio ... TQ 2. Digital Engineering, System-of-Systems Architecture & Technical Risk Integration:

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Chief Systems Architect information

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$104.5K

$177.6K

$253K

How much do chief systems architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 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.

What is the highest paid architect job?

Chief Systems Architects are among the highest-paid roles in the architecture field, especially in industries like technology and engineering. Senior-level architects with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in complex systems can earn high six-figure salaries or more, often supplemented by bonuses and stock options.

What is the salary of a Chief Architect?

The salary of a Chief Systems Architect typically ranges from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles may include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits, especially in large organizations or tech companies.

What does a chief systems architect do?

A chief systems architect is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the overall architecture of complex IT systems within an organization. They analyze business needs, create technical strategies, and ensure system integration, often using tools like cloud platforms and modeling frameworks. Strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and certifications such as TOGAF or CISSP are typically required.

What is the highest salary for a System Architect?

The highest salaries for a Chief Systems Architect can exceed $150,000 to $200,000 annually, especially in large organizations or with extensive experience and advanced certifications. Senior roles involving complex system design and leadership responsibilities tend to offer the highest compensation in this field.

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.
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Infographic showing various Chief Systems Architect job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,571 per year, or $85.4 per hour.

Chief Systems Engineer/Architect Lead

DecisionPoint | Cortek

North Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

DecisionPoint Corporation is seeking an experienced Chief Systems Engineer/Architect Lead to serve as the senior technical advisor supporting the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) Enterprise Network for Lifecycle, Information Support, and Technology (ENLIST) program. 

The Chief Systems Engineer/Architect Lead will serve as the senior technical advisor and provide subject matter expertise to USMEPCOM leadership for systems engineering and technical innovation within the scope of the ENLIST Task Order. This individual will design and develop solutions to complex application problems, system administration issues, and network concerns while performing enterprise systems management and integration functions. 

Working closely with Government leadership, program management, engineering teams, and technical stakeholders, the Chief Systems Engineer/Architect Lead will drive modernization initiatives supporting cloud computing, enterprise networking, DevSecOps, cybersecurity, software engineering, virtualization, automation, and emerging technologies while ensuring scalable, secure, and resilient enterprise solutions. 

The successful candidate will possess exceptional technical leadership skills, strong enterprise architecture experience, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadership while leading multidisciplinary engineering teams supporting a large-scale Federal IT enterprise. 

This position is onsite at USMEPCOM Headquarters in North Chicago, Illinois. 

Note: By applying to this position, you acknowledge and consent to having your resume included in an active competitive Government contract bid.


The Chief Systems Engineer/Architect Lead will: 

  • Serve as the senior technical advisor to USMEPCOM leadership for enterprise systems engineering, architecture, and technical innovation. 
  • Design enterprise IT architectures supporting cloud, network, infrastructure, virtualization, software engineering, cybersecurity, and enterprise modernization initiatives. 
  • Design and develop solutions to complex application problems, system administration issues, and network concerns. 
  • Perform enterprise systems management and systems integration functions across multiple technology domains. 
  • Develop technical solutions supporting cloud migration, infrastructure modernization, DevSecOps, automation, and digital transformation initiatives. 
  • Perform engineering trade studies, technical analyses, technology evaluations, and solution assessments to support Government decision making. 
  • Develop high-level technical designs, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), architecture documentation, and systems engineering artifacts. 
  • Lead enterprise systems integration efforts across cloud, network, application, cybersecurity, and infrastructure environments. 
  • Provide technical oversight for engineering activities supporting software development, infrastructure modernization, and lifecycle management. 
  • Collaborate with program management, engineering teams, cybersecurity personnel, and Government stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of enterprise solutions. 
  • Support architecture reviews, technical planning sessions, modernization strategy development, and technology roadmaps. 
  • Prepare and deliver executive-level technical briefings, presentations, recommendations, and architectural strategies to senior Government leadership. 
  • Identify emerging technologies and recommend innovative solutions that improve scalability, security, performance, resilience, and operational efficiency. 
  • Foster continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with Federal Government and Department of Defense technical standards, cybersecurity requirements, and engineering best practices.

Clearance Requirement

  • Active Secret Clearance required.

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline is preferred.

Experience (Required)

  • Minimum of five (5) years of recent experience providing enterprise-level IT architecture and engineering services similar in scope to this Task Order across network domains.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of recent experience providing executive-level technical briefings and presentations to senior Government personnel.
  • Demonstrated experience designing enterprise architectures supporting cloud computing, networking, systems integration, infrastructure modernization, and enterprise engineering.
  • Experience developing technical strategies, engineering roadmaps, systems designs, and architecture documentation.
  • Demonstrated experience evaluating emerging technologies and recommending innovative enterprise IT solutions.
  • Experience supporting complex Federal Government or Department of Defense IT environments is preferred.

Technical Knowledge

  • Enterprise architecture principles and systems engineering methodologies.
  • Cloud architecture, cloud security, and cloud migration strategies.
  • Infrastructure modernization and enterprise systems integration.
  • Networking, virtualization, storage, and enterprise infrastructure technologies.
  • DevSecOps, automation, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and systems lifecycle management.
  • Cybersecurity architecture, Zero Trust principles, and Risk Management Framework (RMF).
  • Requirements analysis, technical documentation, engineering trade studies, and solution design.
  • Strong analytical, architectural, and enterprise technical planning skills.

Certifications

Required at Time of Hire

Candidates must possess one of the following active certifications:

  • One cloud security certification (e.g., CompTIA Cloud+, Cloud Security Alliance CCSK, or equivalent); or
  • One cloud-related technology certification (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, VMware, IBM, or equivalent).
  • Required Within One Month of Employment

Candidates who do not currently possess the following certifications must obtain them within one month of hire. DecisionPoint will sponsor certification training and examination costs as needed.

  • Two or more cloud-related technology certifications (e.g., Microsoft, AWS, Google, VMware, IBM, or equivalent).
  • One or more ITIL certifications.
  • DoDI 8570.01 Information Assurance System Architect and Engineer (IASAE) Level III certification.
  • Department of Defense Manual (DoDM) 8140 Foundational Qualifications โ€“ Advanced Standard.

Skills

  • Exceptional enterprise architecture and systems engineering expertise.
  • Strong technical leadership and engineering decision-making abilities.
  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and executive-level communication skills.
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business and mission impacts.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems integration skills.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Strong planning, architecture, and modernization strategy development capabilities.
  • Ability to balance innovation with operational stability and mission requirements.
  • Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills across technical and executive organizations.
  • Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality, technical excellence, accountability, and mission success.

  • EEO and Affirmative Action Policy: DecisionPoint Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. It is the policy of DecisionPoint Corporation to provide equal employment opportunity in accordance with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action laws, directives and regulations to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected status under Federal, State or Local laws.
  • Pay Transparency Policy: In accordance with Presidential Executive Order 13665, DecisionPoint Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
  • Authorization to Share Resume and Personal Information: By expressing your interest and submitting your resume for this position, you authorize DecisionPoint Corporation to share your resume, as well as personal information included on the resume, with its subsidiaries, affiliates and teaming partners for the purpose of considering you for this position and other available positions requiring comparable skills, education and experience. Should DecisionPoint Corporation. or its affiliates and teaming partners wish to initiate pre-employment discussions, you will be asked to complete an employment application and related employment documents.