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.
Sr Site Reliability Engineer, Platform
$148K - $261K *
Transform the infrastructure landscape by architecting and scaling a Kubernetes-based platform that enables rapid deployment of innovative robotics solutions while mentoring engineers across teams to...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Analyst, Program Cost Controls
$68K - $131K *
Shape program success by developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules, ensuring compliance with requirements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance goals and enha...
Yesterday
$98K - $164K *
Unlock potential by leading power system engineering efforts to design innovative electrification solutions for EHV/HV substations, ensuring project execution success and maximizing business developme...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$115K - $275K *
Manage the delivery of GPU clusters for AI workloads by coordinating teams across engineering, networking, and operations. Develop strategies, manage risks, and ensure timely, quality launches to scal...
Reposted yesterday
$100K - $140K *
Lead the charge in transforming healthcare through cloud solutions, driving modernization and interoperability initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design secure, scalable Azure arc...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Contribute to cloud migration efforts by designing secure, scalable Azure architectures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for mission-critical healthcare applica...
1 week ago
$87K - $160K *
Unlock potential by leading strategic PLM engagements, transforming systems, and guiding clients through complex landscapes. Collaborate across teams to design scalable architectures that align with e...
Today
$107K - $204K *
Drive the advancement of data and AI capabilities by designing and delivering scalable software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement AI/ML technologies, ensuring system reli...
Reposted 1 week ago
Program Chief Engineer, Cyclops (Remote considered)
$190K - $275K *
Elevate technical excellence as the Chief Engineer, guiding multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success through robust architecture, requirements management, and strategic decision-making in com...
2 weeks ago
Lead Software Engineer- full stack Java
$120K - $145K *
Lead a dynamic engineering team to design and develop complex enterprise applications, ensuring high-quality delivery and technical excellence while mentoring developers and driving modernization effo...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager, FEHRM Healthcare Technology Management - Deployment
$95K - $125K *
Drive the deployment of healthcare technology across multiple VA facilities, coordinating projects and ensuring readiness. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage timelines, resolve issues, and deliv...
2 weeks ago
$250K - $300K *
Join a team that's shaping the brand and product experience. You'll create visually compelling designs, develop marketing materials, and collaborate with engineers to enhance our product in a fast-pac...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$135K - $150K *
Champion innovation by enhancing our cloud infrastructure and automating operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive AI-powered solutions and ensure software reliability in a dynamic...
3 weeks ago
Substation Engineering: Principal Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Unlock your potential as a senior technical leader in utility substation engineering, driving quality standards and innovative solutions for complex projects while mentoring a growing team and collabo...
1 week ago
$200K - $225K *
Transform the future of cloud commerce by leading the design and evolution of scalable, resilient systems that enhance platform reliability and drive innovation across teams and products...
Yesterday
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in designing and building a robust Cluster management platform. Collaborate with distributed teams to enhance observability and optimize performance, utilizing Go and modern telemetry...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Field Sales Support Systems Engineer - E2
$88K - $163K *
Join a team that provides expert technical support for F-16 electrical systems, coordinates repair activities, and delivers innovative solutions to meet customer needs through collaboration and analys...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $225K *
Elevate project success by leading multidisciplinary teams in nuclear design and program management, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance across all phases of construction and operations for compl...
1 week ago
$120K - $150K *
Engineer innovative embedded systems solutions, driving design and optimization from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and performance in the power i...
3 days ago
Sr. Project Engineer, RSX (Remote considered)
$165K - $215K *
Empower the engineering team by driving project execution and integration for advanced vehicle development. Ensure alignment of resources, schedules, and technical goals while fostering collaboration...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Design robust distributed systems with zero-knowledge proofs. Contribute to building Rust-based rollup nodes and sequencers. Ensure security while enabling rapid development to scale smart contract ap...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$70K - $117K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in structural engineering to ensure the integrity and safety of marine vessels. Collaborate with a dynamic team to support critical naval operations and e...
1 week ago
Technical Program Manager, Industrial Controls, R&D
$144K - $211K *
Lead the charge in managing complex Industrial Controls workstreams, ensuring seamless execution of NPI programs. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative automation solutions on time and within...
Today
$125K - $150K *
Innovate core infrastructure and systems for agent-native applications, ensuring high availability and performance while enabling a culture of developer efficiency and confidence in delivery...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$131K - $237K *
Lead the charge in managing complex IT programs, ensuring product development and lifecycle management while coordinating multiple vendors and teams to meet customer needs and deliver on strategic obj...
Today
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.