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.
Principal Physical Verification Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Drive full-chip physical verification efforts, ensuring quality and readiness for tapeout. Collaborate cross-functionally to influence design strategies and deliver clean IP, while leading execution p...
Yesterday
Senior Engineer - System Protection and Control (Remote)
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering expert engineering solutions while managing projects safely and efficiently. Leverage your technical expertise to mentor others and drive innovation in gener...
1 week ago
$162K - $290K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge AI-driven safety solutions, leading firmware and full-stack initiatives. Collaborate across teams to shape technology strategy and deliver impactful products that...
2 weeks ago
Staff Systems Engineer (Remote)
$80K - $160K *
Lead the charge in designing and supporting critical technical infrastructure, collaborating across teams to implement innovative solutions, optimize performance, and mentor junior engineers while dri...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Quality Engineer (U.S. Army Program Office)
$82K - $172K *
Lead the charge in ensuring product quality for critical defense programs, overseeing quality management throughout the lifecycle, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving compliance with industry...
Reposted 1 week ago
$140K - $170K *
Transform complex Federal consulting engagements by leading diverse teams, establishing strategies, and ensuring practical outcomes that enhance government capabilities and client trust...
2 weeks ago
Principal Subcontract Administrator
$112K - $196K *
Lead subcontract administration efforts, ensuring compliance and effective negotiation while fostering relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Drive strategic procurement initiatives within the...
6 days ago
Technical Executive - Integrated Grid Engineering, Simulation and Advisory Services
$166K - $200K *
Lead the charge in advancing power system simulation and grid engineering. Drive innovative research and advisory services while establishing EPRI's technical vision in grid modernization and DER inte...
2 weeks ago
Distribution Engineering Manager
$92K - $166K *
Elevate your career by managing a dynamic engineering team to design electric distribution systems, ensuring high-quality project deliverables while fostering client relationships and team collaborati...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Optimize creative production through advanced AI and dynamic workflows, empowering a high-velocity studio to deliver personalized, high-performing marketing assets on a global scale while maintaining...
3 weeks ago
Staff Product Manager, AGSE Service
$135K - $160K *
Transform the future of autonomous ground support equipment by leading product strategy and roadmap development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, performance, and reliability...
3 days ago
Member of Technical Staff, Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining theoretical physics through innovative AI tools. Collaborate to develop groundbreaking technology solutions that enhance research, streamline processes, and drive scienti...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing theoretical physics through innovative tech development. Contribute to creating the AI Physicist, enhancing research capabilities with cutting-edge tools and algorit...
4 weeks ago
$82K - $172K *
Advance your career as an Embedded Linux Software Developer, contributing to the evolution of mission-critical devices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance networking capabilities and d...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager - Software Engineering (REF# ME0826)
$170K - $180K *
Lead the charge in overseeing complex software development initiatives, driving Agile sprint teams, and ensuring seamless integration of web services and databases to meet organizational goals while e...
3 weeks ago
$161K - $218K *
Join a team that's redefining cybersecurity by leading the architecture and integration of Zero Trust solutions for crucial defense initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver st...
3 weeks ago
Principal Enterprise Architect
$177K - $290K *
Transform enterprise architecture by defining and implementing core frameworks, driving AI integration, and building consensus across teams. Lead the development of standards and strategies to support...
3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$84K - $129K *
Lead the design and analysis of electrical systems for nuclear power plants. Collaborate with engineers and vendors to ensure project success, focusing on reliability and compliance. Engage in trouble...
1 week ago
$106K - $147K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative software solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams, shaping product roadmaps, and delivering high-quality user interfaces and APIs that enhance us...
Yesterday
$130K - $155K *
Lead the modernization of HPC infrastructure, enhancing simulation-driven product development and optimizing engineering productivity across diverse environments and accounts...
1 week ago
Senior Remote Services Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Elevate customer satisfaction by providing expert remote technical support. Leverage your engineering skills to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues, ensuring optimal system performance and adheren...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate your career by shaping innovative workflows and AI-driven experiences. Join a dynamic team where ownership, speed, and user-focused product development are paramount. Contribute across the...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform order management processes by leading cross-functional teams in large-scale commerce projects. Drive system design and integration across regions, ensuring seamless order lifecycle and fulfi...
2 weeks ago
Electronic Security Systems Engineer
$88K - $154K *
Engineer innovative Electronic Security Systems solutions for diverse clients, guiding projects from concept to construction. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with specifications and delive...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Support our Energy Resources team by conducting EMT studies and developing power system models. Collaborate with leadership to enhance staff expertise and deliver high-quality advisory services to cli...
1 week 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.