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.
Security Engineering Team Lead
$150K - $225K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Security Engineering team. Drive technical direction, own security architecture, and collaborate closely with operations to build robust security platforms and...
5 days ago
$92K - $166K *
Empower engineering teams to excel in electric utility projects nationwide while optimizing project performance through strategic leadership and client collaboration. Drive business growth by managing...
Reposted 1 week ago
$210K - $265K *
Transform engineering excellence by redefining AI paradigms, driving innovation, and shaping technical strategies to elevate performance across teams while enhancing the educational experience for stu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$83K - $124K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of CI/CD pipelines, enhancing software delivery and operational stability for enterprise applications while collaborating with cross-functiona...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate your career by partnering with leaders to develop innovative solutions, guide engineering best practices, and ensure high-quality infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to achieve technical...
Reposted 5 days ago
Integrated Program Planner Stf - E4
$111K - $206K *
Lead cross-functional teams to develop and manage integrated program schedules, ensuring effective execution and performance through Earned Value Management and critical path analysis. Drive collabora...
3 days ago
Principal Technical Consultant - Forward Deployed Engineer, AI Security
$200K - $230K *
Lead a team that operationalizes advanced AI security solutions for enterprises, ensuring integration and compliance across environments. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into e...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Architect robust AI infrastructure to detect and mitigate emerging threats. Drive innovation in data ingestion and model tuning while managing complex pipelines in a high-stakes environment that evolv...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive your career with impactful identity and access management solutions. Collaborate with teams and clients to enhance security and efficiency through innovative technology implementations and opera...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
DAF365 JML Lead Engineer (Study 3) (REMOTE)
$120K - $145K *
Transform the DAF365 JML process by leading the design and implementation of an automated identity management framework, enhancing operational efficiency and security through innovative architecture a...
Today
Engineering Team Lead, Electrical
$126K - $167K *
Transform your future by leading a dynamic team of electrical engineers in our Mission Critical Department. Elevate project outcomes while driving accountability, fostering growth, and cultivating inn...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer - AI & Developer Platform
$115K - $185K *
Lead the charge in transforming developer workflows and API architecture for enterprise AI applications. Collaborate with engineering teams to eliminate friction and enhance the developer experience a...
Yesterday
Senior Manager, Network Operations
$115K - $125K *
Champion operational excellence by managing cross-regional teams, ensuring consistent performance standards, and facilitating effective agent execution. Drive strategic initiatives and resolve conflic...
Today
Sr. Director of Business Development - Aerospace
$160K - $200K *
Drive strategic revenue growth by identifying and capturing new business opportunities in aerospace. Lead complex pursuits, develop executive relationships, and execute account strategies to enhance m...
1 week ago
$170K - $234K *
Drive the architecture and development of audio signal processing technology, leading complex engineering efforts and ensuring high-quality, reusable DSP components across multiple product lines...
2 days ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Core Engineering, Trusted Data Platform
$209K - $273K *
Advance your career by leading a high-performing engineering team, driving strategic execution and operational excellence while ensuring a reliable data platform aligns with enterprise goals and custo...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$102K - $170K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative data engineering solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define scalable architectures and drive AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with enterpr...
Today
$102K - $170K *
Unlock innovative data solutions by leading integration strategies and architectural decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure data and AI solutions while driving...
1 week ago
Senior Lead Electrical Engineer, Datacenter
$162K - $220K *
Drive innovation in electrical engineering for hyperscale data centers. Lead design activities, manage project teams, and ensure quality assurance while collaborating with stakeholders to deliver resi...
1 week ago
$103K - $138K *
Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for Field Engineering projects, acting as the key liaison among internal teams and customers. Oversee inspections, audits, and corrective actions to meet...
Today
$103K - $138K *
Lead the charge in deploying and managing complex network installations, ensuring quality control and effective project execution while collaborating with internal teams and subcontractors to meet ope...
Yesterday
$103K - $138K *
Engineer and oversee site implementations, ensuring quality control and effective project management for network installations. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and maintain operational standard...
2 days ago
Senior Relay Settings Engineer
$107K - $195K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of relay settings for utility substations and renewable energy projects, collaborating with engineers and clients to solve complex engineering...
1 week ago
Journeyman Marine Propulsion Engineer
$90K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing marine propulsion systems through innovative engineering solutions. Provide lifecycle support for U.S. Coast Guard vessels, ensuring operational effectiveness...
Today
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Mission Critical
$118K - $180K *
Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects, mentoring junior engineers while designing complex systems and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams t...
3 days ago
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.