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.
Senior Generator Systems Specialist
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Broadcast Design Engineer
$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...
4 weeks ago
Senior Counsel, Data Center & Infrastructure
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (Technical Architect)
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Sr Staff Endpoint Systems Engineer
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Lead Forward Deployed Engineer
$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...
3 weeks ago
Staff Mission Solutions Engineer
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Principal Cloud Computing Engineer
$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...
1 week ago
Staff Hardware Engineer, Electrical Distribution System / Harness
$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...
1 week ago
Software Engineering Manager (R37)
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Strategic Program Manager
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks 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.