Principal Systems Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Principal Systems Engineer Do?

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.

Common Responsibilities

  • Set system architecture, technical direction, and engineering standards.
  • Convert stakeholder needs into verifiable requirements and design specifications.
  • Coordinate interfaces and integration across hardware, software, networks, and operations.
  • Evaluate system performance, reliability, security, scalability, and safety.
  • Lead technical reviews, resolve complex engineering issues, and manage risk.
  • Mentor engineers and collaborate with product, program, and leadership teams.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Principal Systems Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$110K - $130K *

Transform critical power systems by overseeing installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of backup generators in data centers, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and optimal uptime for mission-c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$125K - $175K *

Lead and optimize project management efforts, ensuring safety and efficiency while fostering strong relationships with clients and teams. Drive strategic improvements and mentor diverse teams to achie...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$125K - $175K *

Elevate project outcomes by leading diverse teams, ensuring safety, and driving effective communication. Leverage your expertise in construction management to enhance processes and foster strong clien...

Dallas, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Transform enterprise IT projects by leading cloud migration and infrastructure modernization initiatives. Drive cross-functional collaboration, manage project lifecycles, and ensure alignment with str...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $400K *

Engineer cutting-edge media and broadcast systems by transforming complex client needs into scalable solutions. Oversee architecture and integration while collaborating with teams, ensuring seamless p...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$160K - $190K *

Transform your career by managing data center acquisitions and infrastructure transactions. Drive negotiations, provide legal guidance, and support operational transitions, while deepening expertise i...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career by providing expert E175 engineering support, analyzing technical problems, coordinating maintenance solutions, and delivering training to enhance operational excellence and client...

Dallas, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Grow expertise in advanced BAS applications while mentoring peers, troubleshooting complex systems, and supporting projects throughout their lifecycle to drive success and foster innovation in buildin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$69K - $125K *

Join a team that's pivotal in supporting the FAA's new Air Traffic Control System. As an RSR Field Engineer, you'll oversee installations at critical airports, ensuring timely execution and high-quali...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$170K - $210K *

Empower Federal agencies by architecting and delivering AI-assisted software solutions. Responsible for client engagement, technology integration, and ensuring that production-ready solutions meet ope...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Build high-performing software teams that drive critical project success while managing technical architecture and mentorship. Collaborate with leadership to align solutions with business needs and en...

Overland Park, KSRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$141K - $236K *

Lead the charge in defining technical standards for secure, scalable Windows and macOS endpoints. Mentor engineers, manage projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance an...

San Diego, CARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$64K - $102K *

Elevate network performance by deploying and optimizing voice solutions, ensuring 99.999% uptime. Collaborate on network planning and security, while providing expert support and documentation for com...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$195K - $362K *

Transform complex customer needs into scalable solutions by leading technical deployments, integrations, and automation. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive value and enhance operational efficiency...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $205K *

Champion technical sales for our EO satellite portfolio, focusing on international defense and intelligence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions, drive customer engag...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $130K *

Transform your career by designing and delivering complex full-stack solutions using Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate with teams to enhance engineering quality and lead technical initiative...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Elevate cloud solutions by designing, deploying, and managing scalable Azure infrastructures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance, security, and compliance while driv...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance the design and implementation of electrical distribution systems for autonomous vehicles, ensuring robust architectures and seamless integration across teams from concept to production...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$101K - $206K *

Join a team that's redefining AI product development by leading high-performing engineering teams. Drive innovation and collaboration across functions to deliver scalable AI solutions, while fostering...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Empower customer success as a Senior Strategic Program Manager, overseeing major contracts, driving growth strategies, and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with teams to ensure excellence...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$122K - $227K *

Develop and secure AI/ML evaluation infrastructure, ensuring robust testing and validation of systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security practices and methodologies, driving...

New Jersey, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $100K *

Transform complex network systems by leading design, implementation, and support efforts. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance telecommunications infrastructures and ensure compliance with cybers...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Design Manager, overseeing design delivery, coordinating projects, and leading a talented team to ensure high-quality results while fostering strong relationships with...

Indianapolis, INRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in delivering outstanding technical support and case management for complex escalated issues, ensuring customer success and trust while collaborating with teams to provide timely, high...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $241K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable data solutions, optimize performance, and enhance software architecture while adhering to coding standards and leveraging AI to...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Principal Systems Engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Experienced professionals may advance into distinguished engineering or chief architect positions, lead larger technical organizations, or move into engineering management and technical executive roles.