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.
$135K - $160K *
Unlock your potential as a Principal Software Developer, driving the design and deployment of cutting-edge AI platforms. Collaborate across the full stack to create intelligent applications that enhan...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the design and management of robust and scalable network infrastructure for hyperscale data centers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high performance and reliability in support...
3 weeks ago
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer
$145K - $175K *
Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...
2 days ago
$90K - $100K *
Contribute to the development and integration of mission-critical systems, applying systems engineering principles to ensure high reliability and security. Collaborate across teams to support the enti...
Today
Senior Engineer, Constellation Systems
$135K - $150K *
Develop and expand advanced orbit design processes for satellite constellations, applying expertise in orbital mechanics. Collaborate with teams to enhance modeling tools and support mission planning...
4 weeks ago
$148K - $263K *
Drive the design and implementation of AI-First operational environments, architecting resilient multi-cloud networks and building autonomous orchestration layers to enhance security and efficiency ac...
1 week ago
Senior Design Engineer, Broadcast, XTG
$100K - $125K *
Lead innovative design solutions as a Senior Design Engineer, transforming client needs into actionable broadcast system designs. Collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure pro...
Today
$74K - $130K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Agile team to develop critical enterprise software applications, leveraging modern technologies in a fast-paced environment for mission success...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Engineer, Project Engineering
$100K - $130K *
Partner with us to design and implement secure, scalable network solutions. Leverage your expertise in networking technologies to enhance performance and reliability while collaborating with cross-fun...
1 week ago
Senior Cyber Software Engineer
$179K - $228K *
Join a team of engineers solving complex networking and security challenges through low-level software development for critical communication systems. Engage in hands-on programming that directly impa...
3 weeks ago
Senior GRC Engineer (Special Programs)
$110K - $130K *
Optimize client compliance engagements by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST CSF standards while driving operational excellence and fostering strong rel...
3 weeks ago
Avionics/ Staff Command and Data Handling Engineer
$117K - $195K *
Join a team that's developing cutting-edge avionics architectures for diverse missions. Leverage your expertise in command and data handling to optimize system performance and ensure seamless integrat...
2 weeks ago
Principal System Architect (Remote)
$154K - $231K *
Transform the future of high-speed data communication by leading system architecture initiatives, engaging with customers, and driving innovative solutions in compute, AI, and networking to meet evolv...
1 week ago
$160K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading technical direction in autonomy systems. Drive ownership of advanced perception, prediction, and planning components with cross-stack influence, facilitating innovation and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$88K - $154K *
Explore a pivotal role in advancing nuclear engineering through research and collaboration. Lead innovative projects, enhance safety protocols, and drive improvements in fuel cycle technology while ma...
1 month ago
Senior Parts and Reliability Engineer
$120K - $200K *
Champion parts engineering and reliability assurance for space missions. Lead selection, qualification, and reliability analysis of components, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure miss...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $200K *
Transform backend services and REST APIs in a collaborative environment. Leverage your software engineering skills to support cyber training initiatives, utilizing modern technologies and cloud infras...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Play a key role in designing and optimizing enterprise-scale cloud environments and CI/CD pipelines, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance operations, automate processes, and support mission-cri...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and testing systems-level software. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet operational specifications and enhance SAP functionali...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing and optimizing enterprise network solutions, mentoring engineers, and managing key projects. Collaborate with clients to enhance their network infrastructure while ensurin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Technical Program Manager
$164K - $295K *
Optimize the delivery of advanced server rack solutions by leading cross-functional teams, managing complex hardware programs, and ensuring alignment with hyperscale data center requirements for next...
Today
Director, Features System Engineering
$220K - $290K *
Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...
1 week ago
Chief Engineer Principal - Software
$118K - $204K *
Empower innovation as you lead software architecture for a cloud-native connected vehicle platform, driving engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful solutions for...
Yesterday
$120K - $130K *
Lead the modernization of fire control platforms as an Advanced Systems Engineer, driving cross-functional collaboration and innovative solutions while managing the systems development life cycle and...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineering Lead/Manager - KSA C4I
$161K - $299K *
Transform the future of C4I systems as a Systems Engineering Manager, leading design initiatives and managing a team to ensure alignment with customer requirements. Drive modernization efforts through...
6 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.