Explore Principal Systems Engineer jobs on Ladders, where you can find vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Principal systems engineers shape the architecture and evolution of complex systems, connecting technical strategy with practical engineering execution across an organization.
Principal systems engineers guide the design, integration, and performance of systems across their full lifecycle. They translate business and customer needs into system requirements, define architectures, assess technical risks, and coordinate work across engineering disciplines. Depending on the employer, roles may focus on software, hardware, cloud platforms, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, or other complex environments.
Employers often seek extensive systems engineering experience, strong architectural judgment, and a record of delivering complex programs. Useful skills include requirements management, systems modeling, integration and verification, technical leadership, risk analysis, and clear communication. Industry-specific credentials, tools, or security clearances may be required for certain positions.
Principal-level roles typically carry significant technical responsibility and may offer compensation above $100,000, though pay varies with industry, location, experience, and scope. Compare current openings to understand the qualifications and compensation offered by individual employers. Principal systems engineers can progress into distinguished engineering, chief architect, engineering management, or technical executive roles.
Browse vetted professional openings and identify opportunities that match your expertise and career goals. Use Ladders to explore Principal Systems Engineer positions paying $100,000 or more and take the next step in your senior engineering career.
$72K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as you collaborate on innovative electrical designs, progressing from basic tasks to complex projects while ensuring quality and efficiency in a supportive environment...
6 days ago
$88K - $154K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as you craft and execute comprehensive software test plans for mission-critical applications, ensuring quality and reliability in a fast-paced, innovative en...
3 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer (Platform and Execution Model)
$180K - $240K *
Transform the future of distributed systems by designing and building robust platform components. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and scalability in mission-critical environments, driving...
2 weeks ago
Manager II, Software Engineering, Infrastructure
$154K - $260K *
Join an innovative team to lead and evolve critical Core Infrastructure. Oversee infrastructure strategy, improve operational health, and drive automation to boost performance across a globally distri...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Remote Endpoint Engineering Senior Systems Architect (VA ESOM)
$145K - $185K *
Lead enterprise-level architectural initiatives to enhance endpoint technologies, guiding modernization efforts and integrating emerging solutions across multiple divisions while ensuring security and...
3 days ago
Senior Engineer - Desktop Application
$180K - $195K *
Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Drive the technical vision for mobile app development, mentoring a team while ensuring high-quality releases and innovative solutions aligned with public safety missions. Work on complex Android archi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$140K - $170K *
Execute complex, cross-functional initiatives while navigating ambiguity and redefining operational models. Your strategic insights and leadership will propel projects to success and enhance overall o...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Analog Layout Design Engineer/Lead
$150K - $180K *
Transform the future of optical communication systems by leading complex analog layout design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success while mentoring junior engin...
Yesterday
$135K - $160K *
Transform the Digital Engagement portfolio by leading technical initiatives, driving scalable architectures, and mentoring engineering teams to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance c...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineering Manager - SATCOM
$135K - $216K *
Lead the charge in managing a software engineering team, driving the design and delivery of secure satellite ground communication services while fostering best practices and ensuring alignment with mi...
2 weeks ago
$98K - $155K *
Optimize mission-critical satellite communications systems through installation, testing, and maintenance. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure operational readiness and reliability across global...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Drive your career with a Senior Site Reliability Engineer role focused on building secure AWS GovCloud foundations for FedRAMP High and IL5, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while mentor...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of OpenBMC firmware development, driving platform bring-up, feature implementation, and integration to enhance system functionality and reliability. Contribute your...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Engineer 4 (Commercial Nuclear)
$113K - $178K *
Drive your career with a senior role focused on software development for control room simulators, collaborating with engineers to enhance plant models and ensure high-quality deliverables in a dynamic...
1 week ago
$75K - $110K *
Engage in the successful delivery of automation projects, supporting execution through commissioning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, budget, and schedule adherence while de...
Today
$89K - $148K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your electrical engineering expertise to support military vessel operations. Collaborate with teams to ensure safe, reliable electrical systems while managing design and...
6 days ago
Senior Systems Engineer (Unix and Windows)
$125K - $185K *
Champion system administration by leveraging enterprise IT expertise, scripting skills, and a client-focused approach to enhance performance and satisfaction in diverse environments across scientific...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Drive cybersecurity solutions by managing security platforms, improving detection logic, and leading incident response efforts while ensuring operational health and compliance across diverse client en...
1 month ago
Senior Mechanical Application Engineer
$115K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative mechanical solutions for prefabricated platforms. Leverage your expertise in HVAC to lead the development and ensure alignment with customer and operational goals...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$187K - $253K *
Lead the development of innovative software solutions, driving impactful features and system improvements in a collaborative environment. Utilize advanced programming skills to tackle complex challeng...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform transportation infrastructure by leading electrical system design for highway and bridge projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance wi...
1 week ago
$108K - $130K *
Shape the future of Precision Guided Munitions by leading capture strategies, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with program objectives. Drive innovation and enhance program per...
3 days ago
Principal Analog Layout Design Engineer/Lead
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of high-speed analog design by leading layout development for complex analog and mixed-signal IP blocks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success w...
Yesterday
Principal Analog Layout Design Engineer/Lead
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in high-speed analog layout design for cutting-edge optical communication systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success while mentoring junior e...
Yesterday
What does a Principal Systems Engineer do?
A Principal Systems Engineer defines and guides the architecture, requirements, integration, and performance of complex systems. The role often includes technical leadership, risk management, cross-functional coordination, and mentoring.
What qualifications are commonly required for Principal Systems Engineer jobs?
Employers commonly look for substantial systems engineering experience, expertise in system architecture and integration, strong analytical and communication skills, and a record of leading complex technical work. Specific degrees, tools, certifications, or clearances depend on the industry and employer.
How much do Principal Systems Engineers earn?
Compensation varies by employer, location, industry, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more; review each listing for its specific compensation details.
What industries hire Principal Systems Engineers?
Principal Systems Engineers work in industries such as aerospace and defense, software, cloud computing, telecommunications, automotive, energy, and other fields that develop or operate complex systems.
What career paths can follow a Principal Systems Engineer role?
Experienced professionals may advance into distinguished engineering or chief architect positions, lead larger technical organizations, or move into engineering management and technical executive roles.