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Software System Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System Architect

San Diego, CA · On-site

$258K/yr

As a System Architect, you will own the end-to-end software system architecture, ensuring coherent integration of product definitions, manufacturing software, and automation layers. Responsibilities ...

System Architect

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$264K/yr

System Architect Location: Sacramento, CA (Hybrid) Duration: 12+ Months Minimum Technical ... and/or software application designer/developer, etc. · At least ten years of experience ...

System Architect

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$252K/yr

... software application designer/developer, etc. 2. At least ten (10) years of experience ... system architect, planning and guiding the technical implementation of large/complex software ...

System Architect

Littleton, CO · On-site

$140K - $225K/yr

System Architect Location-Type: Onsite, Waterton, CO | Relo available for Non-local candidates ... TS/SCI eligibility required for long-term employment) • Proficiency in Python for software ...

System Architect

Littleton, CO · On-site

$140K - $225K/yr

System Architect Location-Type: Onsite, Waterton, CO | Relo available for Non-local candidates ... TS/SCI eligibility required for long-term employment) • Proficiency in Python for software ...

System Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$284K/yr

System Architect Location: San Jose, CA Duration: Full-time Department: Architect Come and work in ... Develop innovative platform, hardware, software level specifications * Work with industry ...

System Architect

Madison, WI · On-site

$244K/yr

The System Architect is a highly influential technical leader who will define the end-to-end system ... Stay close to the hardware and software-leading from the front during integration, debug, and ...

System Architect

Madison, WI · On-site

$244K/yr

The System Architect is a highly influential technical leader who will define the end-to-end system ... Stay close to the hardware and software-leading from the front during integration, debug, and ...

System Architect

Arlington, VA · On-site

$279K/yr

Role We are building a software-based system to support coordination and orchestration of cyber missions. As a systems architect, you will define and communicate a shared technical and architectural ...

System Architect

Dayton, OH · On-site

$236K/yr

System Architect Position Type: Full-time, On-Site Location: Dayton, OH Clearance: Active TS/SCI ... As a member of the engineering team, you will work alongside engineers and software developers to ...

System Architect

Dayton, OH · On-site

$236K/yr

System Architect Position Type: Full-time, On-Site Location: Dayton, OH Clearance: Active TS/SCI ... As a member of the engineering team, you will work alongside engineers and software developers to ...

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Software System Architect information

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How much do software system architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for software system architect in the United States is $71.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.74 and $74.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do software architects make?

Software architects typically earn between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in cloud computing or enterprise systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits based on project scope and company size.

What is the difference between Software System Architect vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware System ArchitectSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, certifications like TOGAF or AWSBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesigning system architecture, collaborating with stakeholders, high-level planningWriting, testing, and maintaining code, implementing features
Industry UsageUsed across tech, finance, healthcare for system designCommon in software companies, startups, tech firms

The Software System Architect focuses on designing overall system structures and ensuring scalability, while the Software Developer implements these designs through coding. Both roles require technical expertise, but the architect has a broader strategic focus, whereas the developer concentrates on building and maintaining software components.

What's the salary of a software architect?

The salary of a software system architect typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior architects with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher compensation, often exceeding $180,000. Salaries may also include bonuses and benefits based on company size and performance.

What is a Software System Architect?

A Software System Architect is a professional responsible for designing the overall structure and high-level components of complex software systems. They define the system's architecture, make key technical decisions, and ensure that solutions meet both technical and business requirements. Software System Architects work closely with stakeholders, developers, and other IT professionals to create scalable, reliable, and secure systems. Their role often involves evaluating new technologies, setting standards, and providing technical guidance throughout a project's lifecycle.

What does a software system architect do?

A software system architect designs and oversees the structure of complex software systems, ensuring they meet technical requirements and business goals. They analyze system needs, select appropriate technologies, create architecture diagrams, and collaborate with development teams to implement scalable and maintainable solutions. Strong knowledge of software design principles, modeling tools, and communication skills are essential for this role.

How does a Software System Architect typically collaborate with development and operations teams during a project?

A Software System Architect works closely with both development and operations teams throughout the lifecycle of a project. They facilitate communication by translating business requirements into technical designs and ensuring all teams understand the system architecture. Architects often lead design reviews, provide technical guidance during implementation, and oversee system integration to ensure alignment with architectural standards. This collaborative approach helps prevent miscommunication, promotes scalability, and ensures that deployment and maintenance processes are efficient and reliable.

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

To thrive as a Software System Architect, you need deep expertise in software engineering, systems design, and architectural frameworks, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with modeling tools (e.g., UML), cloud platforms, and certifications like TOGAF or AWS Certified Solutions Architect are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate across technical and business teams distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for designing robust, scalable systems that align with organizational goals and adapt to evolving technology landscapes.

Is software architect a high paying job?

Software architects typically earn high salaries due to their advanced technical skills, experience, and responsibility for designing complex systems. Salaries can vary based on location, industry, and company size but generally rank among the higher-paying roles in the tech field. Certifications and expertise in tools like cloud platforms or architecture frameworks can also influence compensation.
What states have the most Software System Architect jobs? States with the most job openings for Software System Architect jobs include:
Infographic showing various Software System Architect job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Full Time, and 72% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,055 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

System Architect

Firestorm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$258K/yr

Full-time

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


Job description

Job Summary:
Firestorm is building the next generation of uncrewed aircraft and advanced manufacturing systems. As a System Architect, you will own the end-to-end software system architecture, ensuring coherent integration of product definitions, manufacturing software, and automation layers.
Responsibilities:
• Own the reference architecture for the manufacturing software system end-to-end: product definition, platform, edge, automation, intelligence modules, and the integration contracts between them.
• Define and evolve the canonical domain model — how product definitions, work orders, engineering changes, effectivity, and operational feedback are represented across the system.
• Author the system-level design documents that engineers build against — reference architectures, canonical data models, API contracts, integration specifications.
• Serve as technical authority on cross-program architectural questions: how the system absorbs a new product program, a new manufacturing cell, a new module, or a new deployment topology without accumulating fragmentation.
• Write production code where it matters — proof-of-concept implementations that prove a design works, critical path contributions when the architecture is load-bearing, and reviews that hold the line on system coherence.
• Partner closely with the Principal Engineer on how architecture lands in engineering execution, and with the department head on how architecture informs roadmap and strategy.
• Partner with Applied AI engineers to devise optimization models, and with Full Stack engineers to redesign data schemas.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations
• 10+ years of software engineering experience, with a substantial portion of that time spent architecting, implementing, and shipping integrated software systems
• Demonstrated track record of success as a hands-on architect, with software solutions delivered in the past
• Deep software breadth — you are fluent across application, data, distributed systems, and integration concerns, and you can go deep on any of them when required.
• Strong applied math or algorithmic literacy — you can partner with an optimization engineer on problem formulation and reason about the math, not just the code around it.
• Exceptional written communication. The reference architecture document is your primary artifact, and engineers should actually use it.
• Demonstrated ability to influence across engineering without formal authority: design reviews, technical decisions, and cross-team alignment.
• Demonstrated history of holding yourself and your teammates to a high standard, even when it creates discomfort.
Preferred:
• Prior experience architecting software systems for manufacturing, aerospace, defense, industrial IoT, or other hardware-connected domains.
• Hands-on experience with scheduling, planning, or resource allocation optimization — MILP, constraint programming, or heuristic approaches.
• Familiarity with MES, PLM, ERP, or similar enterprise manufacturing systems and their integration patterns.
• Experience designing systems for regulated deployment environments (FedRAMP, ITAR, air-gapped DoD).
Company:
Firestorm develops modular, mission-adaptable unmanned aerial systems (UAS) designed for military applications. Founded in 2022, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.