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Chief Systems Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SIGINT Systems Architect

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description The SIGINT Systems Architect is a member of a high performing team supporting the customer Chief Architect by providing expert advice and performing activities and tasks ...

SIGINT Systems Architect

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Description The SIGINT Systems Architect is a member of a high performing team supporting the customer Chief Architect by providing expert advice and performing activities and tasks necessary to ...

Chief Systems Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

The CSE holds the highest technical authority in the Space Systems Organization below the CTO. This ... System architecture -- requirements decomposition, allocation to subsystem budgets, ICD development ...

Chief Systems Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

The CSE holds the highest technical authority in the Space Systems Organization below the CTO. This ... System architecture - requirements decomposition, allocation to subsystem budgets, ICD development ...

Chief Systems Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

The CSE holds the highest technical authority in the Space Systems Organization below the CTO. This ... System architecture - requirements decomposition, allocation to subsystem budgets, ICD development ...

$300 - $385/hr

Chief Architect Remote - US Legion Technologies is building the AI-powered operating system for the hourly workforce. We are hiring a Chief Architect to serve as Legion's most senior hands‑on ...

Enterprise Systems Architect

IN · Remote

$115K - $175K/yr

Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer, the Enterprise Systems Architect serves as the bridge between business strategy and technology execution. This position partners with business ...

Enterprise Systems Architect

TN · Remote

$115K - $175K/yr

Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer, the Enterprise Systems Architect serves as the bridge between business strategy and technology execution. This position partners with business ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 7, 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 is a chief systems architect?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief systems architect?

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.
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:

Infographic showing various Chief Systems Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,571 per year, or $85.4 per hour.

Systems Engineer Sr Principal - Chief Systems Engineer - Sign On with Security Clearance

BAE Systems

Westminster, CO • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description Minimum $10,000 Sign on Bonus being offered for external hires. BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (SMS) is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer to provide program-level systems engineering leadership for advanced technological system development. This role is responsible for ensuring alignment between mission needs, system architecture, and subsystem performance while guiding the program through design, integration, and validation. This position is for an experienced individual who can work in and lead a multi-disciplinary team through every stage of program's lifecycle to develop, maintain, verify and communicate the technical baseline for a Mission-scoped program that includes Segment, Element. and/or Subsystems level ownership. You'll coordinate with Customers, the Program Management Office, the Chief Engineer and other engineering disciplines, suppliers, and partners to lead the architectural development, technical integration, and verification of space systems and their associated ground and launch systems as necessary. The Systems Engineering Department is part of the Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit (SCU) that comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact, discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution. What You'll Do: * The Chief Systems engineer is the technical authority for the technical requirements baseline of a program and will supervise and lead a team of Systems Engineers to define mission objectives, identify stakeholders, and establish system architecture during the development, design, integration, and V&V of a mission.
* Work with Engineering Management and the PMO to manage the staffing assignments for a team of Systems Engineers and Lead Systems Engineers depending on Mission complexity.
* Work closely together with the PMO to balance technical performance with programmatic constraints.
* Provide systems engineering leadership of technical teams in the development, verification, delivery, and operations of Missions, Segments, Elements, and Subsystems.
* Support the proper allocation, traceability, and verification of requirements at all levels through the lifecycle of the program.
* Interact with our teams of subject matter experts to develop the required allocation analysis and verification artifacts.
* Interface with and support the program's stakeholders including the Customer, PMO, suppliers, and internal SBUs.
* Coordinate and own trade studies and their impact to the technical baseline while working cross-functional teams.
* Own the activities and products, including setting expectations, preparations, and delivery, for major gate reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, PSR) and other technical interchanges throughout the program lifecycle.
* Own and delegate requirements and interface verification with I&T activities according to company processes to ensure a successful V&V campaign.
* Use Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for architecture to requirements traceability and interface development in coordination with Customers
* Own the System-level technical budgets.
* Mentor other system engineers assigned to the team.
* Support the program Risk & Opportunity Management and ERB processes.
* Prepare and give presentations to peers, management, and customers.
* Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
* Perform other duties as necessary. On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required. Working Conditions: * Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
* May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
* May access other facilities in various weather conditions. Required Education, Experience, & Skills * BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 8 or more years related experience. * Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education. * A current, active Top Secret security clearance is required with ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Polygraph.
* Experience using requirements database tools (DOORS, Jama, Cameo Requirements Modeler, e.g.).
* Experience with Cameo Enterprise Architecture, SysML and DoDAF/UAF/UPDM.
* Demonstrated ability to manage effective and verifiable requirements - detail oriented.
* Demonstrated experience in systems engineering processes, including requirements development, requirement allocation, change management, verification and validation - a self-starter that will own this activity.
* Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary teams including meeting schedule and performance goals.
* Customer Relationships: extensive knowledge of missions and customers across core technologies areas. Knowledge/experience working with critical customer base, established relationships with key personnel within customer community.
* Good presentation skills with experience to senior decision making and technical audiences. #LI-MB2 Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills * BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field plus 15 or more years related experience. * Demonstrated experience as a Chief or Lead Systems Engineer on space-based development and manufacturing programs.
* Demonstrated experience on Mission-scope programs requiring the management and coordination of teams spanning all Mission Segments.
* Demonstrated experience in new business and architecture development including BOE and schedule development.
* Related experience in either mission operations, mission systems, spacecraft systems, ground systems or payloads. Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035 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 Space & Mission Systems BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support. Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters. 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.

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About BAE Systems

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At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US