1

Senior System Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Senior Pega Developer

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$130K - $139K/yr

Pega Developer (Senior) Location: Remote Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident ... NET-based systems sufficient to understand integration points and collaborate with .NET developers ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior System Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$55.8K

$124.3K

$175.4K

How much do senior system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior system engineer in Madison, WI is $124,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,200.00 and $142,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior System Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSenior System EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNABachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like Cisco CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining IT systems and infrastructureDesigning, deploying, and managing network infrastructure and security
Industry UsageIT, technology, enterprise environmentsTelecommunications, IT, enterprise networks
Common Search/ComparisonSenior System Engineer vs Network Engineer

While both roles require networking knowledge and certifications, Senior System Engineers focus on overall system architecture and integration, whereas Network Engineers specialize in network infrastructure and security. The roles often overlap but serve different core functions within IT teams.

What is a senior system engineer?

Senior System Engineers are experienced IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining complex computer systems and networks within an organization. They play a critical role in ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of IT infrastructure. Their tasks often include troubleshooting system issues, optimizing performance, overseeing upgrades, and mentoring junior engineers. Senior System Engineers typically collaborate with other IT teams and departments to support business objectives and technological needs.

What are some common challenges faced by senior system engineers when managing large-scale IT infrastructure projects?

Senior System Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with cross-functional teams, ensuring system scalability, and maintaining high availability during upgrades or migrations. Managing complex environments requires balancing security, performance, and compliance, all while minimizing downtime. Effective communication and proactive planning are crucial to successfully navigating these challenges and delivering robust solutions that meet organizational needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior System Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of system architecture, network administration, and troubleshooting, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and several years of experience. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Linux/Windows servers, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and handle complex technical challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring system reliability, security, and efficient operation in dynamic IT environments.

How much money does a senior system engineer make?

A senior system engineer typically earns between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have specialized skills in network infrastructure, scripting, and certifications like Cisco or Microsoft, which can influence salary levels.

What are the most commonly searched types of System Engineer jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of System Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Senior System Engineer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Senior System Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior System Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,326 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Sr. Cloud Systems Engineer

American Transmission Company

Cottage Grove, WI โ€ข Hybrid

$119K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Summary of Responsibilities:

Build the Future of Cloud, Automation, and Hybrid Infrastructure
At ATC, we power the systems that keep the electric grid running. As a Technology System Engineer, you will help design, automate, and evolve secure, reliable, and scalable infrastructure platforms with a strong emphasis on cloud services, infrastructure as code, and operational automation.
This is a unique opportunity to work across modern hybrid environments that span Azure and on-prem systems, helping ensure cloud-forward designs remain practical, resilient, and aligned to mission-critical operational needs.
This role requires on-call rotation and you must live in or be willing to relocate to Wisconsin within two hours of an ATC control center, which are located in Pewaukee and Cottage Grove. This role is not available for remote work.

Essential Responsibilities:

What You'll Do
  • Lead and support infrastructure platforms across Azure and on-prem environments
  • Design secure, resilient, and scalable solutions that balance cloud adoption with hybrid operational requirements
  • Build and maintain automation for provisioning, configuration, deployment, and operational support using infrastructure as code and scripting
  • Engineer and support cloud services, virtual infrastructure, containers, and core platform services
  • Troubleshoot platform issues and lead root cause analysis with an emphasis on reliability, observability, and continuous improvement
  • Plan and support upgrades, patching, and lifecycle activities across hybrid environments in collaboration with operations, security, and application teams
  • Standardize platform patterns and reduce manual effort through automation, orchestration, and repeatable engineering practices
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, recovery procedures, and implementation standards for cloud and hybrid platforms
  • Partner with security teams to identify and mitigate risk across cloud and on-prem services
  • Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and response for business-critical infrastructure services
What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, MIS, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 3+ years supporting enterprise infrastructure, cloud platforms, or hybrid environments
  • Experience with Azure cloud services and core platform capabilities across IaaS, PaaS, and identity services
  • Experience with automation and scripting such as PowerShell, Python, Ansible, Terraform, or similar tools
  • Experience with infrastructure as code, configuration management, and repeatable deployment practices
  • Experience with Kubernetes, containers, or modern application platform technologies
  • Familiarity with virtualization technologies such as VMware or Nutanix and their role in hybrid platform design
  • Knowledge of Windows Server and/or Red Hat Enterprise Linux administration
  • Experience with identity platforms such as Active Directory, LDAP, or Entra ID
  • Understanding of networking fundamentals including DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, and connectivity across hybrid environments
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with infrastructure automation, DevOps pipelines, monitoring, or cloud operations tooling
  • Familiarity with VDI, load balancing, identity platforms, or other technologies that support hybrid end-user and infrastructure services
  • Experience in regulated, compliance-driven, or mission-critical environments
  • Relevant certifications such as Azure, RHCE, Kubernetes, Terraform, or virtualization credentials
Why ATC

At ATC, our mission is to operate, maintain, and protect the electric grid. Our technology teams play a vital role in delivering secure, resilient, and modern platform services that enable reliable energy delivery. You'll be part of a collaborative team advancing cloud adoption, automation, and engineering standardization while supporting the hybrid environments required for mission-critical operations.

The targeted base pay for this position is $119,500 to $139,400 annually.* Base pay is one component of our comprehensive total rewards package which includes an annual incentive bonus, employer-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) match, HSA contribution, life & disability insurance, health care benefits, generous time off plans, flexible work arrangements, and much more.

*The pay range is a general guideline. Employment offers are evaluated individually and consider qualifications, experience, academic achievements, internal equity, and business needs. Pay exceeding the posted range is considered for uniquely qualified candidates. Interested internal candidates, with questions, please consult your Human Resources Business Partner.

Number of Openings Available:

1

Posting Date:

2026-06-01

Time Type:

Full time

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Applicants have rights under employment laws.

ATC is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to foster diverse teams of talented people working safely together. We respect and embrace diversity of all aspects and hire, train and promote employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage women, minorities, veterans and individuals with a disability to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to anycharacteristic protected by law.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster | U.S. Department of Labor

Family and Medical Leave Act Poster

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster | U.S. Department of Labor

ERD-10861 Poster Honesty Testing poster

WISCONSIN FAIR EMPLOYMENT LAW