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.
Solutions Design Engineer, D&F
$100K - $120K *
As a Systems Engineer, you will leverage your expertise in material handling systems to develop functional layouts that meet client processing goals. You will collaborate with the Sales and Pre-Contra...
Reposted 1 week ago
$185K *
Accelerate software development by leading a team of engineers, driving technical strategy, and ensuring delivery of scalable, customer-focused solutions with operational excellence...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$142K - $196K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative software solutions that enhance healthcare efficiency and resilience. Collaborate with diverse teams to design and deliver optimal cloud-native applications whil...
4 weeks ago
$228K - $423K *
Lead the charge in advancing national cybersecurity initiatives, overseeing program execution and stakeholder engagement. Drive strategic objectives into actionable plans while ensuring technical perf...
2 weeks ago
$200K - $240K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in mechanical engineering and program management. Leverage your expertise to lead projects from concept to production, ensuring quality and efficiency while colla...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive the commissioning process for multiple data center projects, ensuring all systems are tested and operational. Collaborate with stakeholders to meet client specifications and maintain compliance...
Today
Cyber Systems Security Engineering - E2
$72K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and implementing innovative Cyber solutions, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance throughout the lifecycle. Collaborate with architects and de...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform legacy systems into modern applications, leveraging your expertise in IBMi and collaborating with international teams to meet diverse client needs. Drive innovation and excellence in system...
3 weeks ago
Senior Cloud Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
$104K - $166K *
Champion cloud reliability by designing Python-based AWS solutions and engineering tools. Leverage Infrastructure-as-Code with Terraform to enhance platform reliability and automate processes across t...
Yesterday
Customer Quality Engineer - Integration
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in ensuring quality and compliance for mechanical and electrical systems. Collaborate across teams to uphold standards, conduct inspections, and drive continuous improvement in mission...
Today
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's focused on delivering mission-critical solutions. Contribute as a systems integrator, managing projects and advising leadership while ensuring technical excellence and effective com...
3 weeks ago
$111K - $125K *
Elevate your career by leading impactful engineering projects, ensuring quality and budget adherence while leveraging advanced AI tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to shape sustainable built envi...
3 weeks ago
Manufacturing Process Engineer-Heavy Equipment (Remote)
$107K - $147K *
Optimize manufacturing processes in heavy equipment production by leveraging Lean principles and advanced technologies; ensure efficiency and safety throughout the product lifecycle while collaboratin...
4 weeks ago
$122K - $183K *
Transform the aerospace certification landscape by leading process development, ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality softwa...
Today
Site Reliability Engineering Team Lead (Principal SRE)
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading our Site Reliability Engineering team, ensuring the reliability and performance of our cloud-native platform. Drive technical excellence, cultivate a high-performance cultu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Network Engineer - Edge & Customer Connectivity
$150K - $180K *
Unlock your potential as a senior technical authority, leading enterprise connectivity solutions and driving network modernization initiatives. Collaborate with teams to enhance B2B connectivity and o...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the technical health of a claims platform by enhancing applications, ensuring system stability, and bridging engineering with business needs. This hybrid role combines hands-on development with s...
Today
$105K - $126K *
Lead and optimize subcontract management by negotiating agreements, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive successful federal contracting outcomes while mentoring junior sta...
2 weeks ago
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)
$170K - $205K *
Join a dynamic team to lead AI agent deployments in healthcare. Leverage your software engineering expertise and client-facing skills to drive technical delivery, influence product development, and en...
3 days ago
$80K - $110K *
Transform your career by developing innovative software solutions in a collaborative Agile environment. Engage in all phases of the software development lifecycle while enhancing cybersecurity and ide...
Yesterday
Prin Mechanical Engineer (SRM - Structural Analyst) (Remote Option Available)
$114K - $154K *
Champion the structural design and analysis of solid rocket motors, leading integration and verification efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with engineering specific...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate project execution by leading a team of Control Technicians, ensuring quality, timely completion, and effective communication across all stakeholders while providing technical support and mento...
1 week ago
$98K - $206K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior CSfC Systems Engineer, deploying cutting-edge networking solutions across the U.S. and globally. Leverage your expertise in virtualization and data center architecture...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal SerDes Design Engineer
$200K - $300K *
Transform high-speed interconnect technology by architecting and designing next-gen SerDes for AI applications, overseeing development, validation, and optimization to ensure seamless integration and...
3 days ago
Remote Services Portfolio Program Manager
$167K - $188K *
Unlock potential by leading a complex portfolio of services projects, driving customer value and business outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish priorities, manage dependencies...
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.