Principal Systems Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Principal Systems Engineer Do?

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.

Common Responsibilities

  • Set system architecture, technical direction, and engineering standards.
  • Convert stakeholder needs into verifiable requirements and design specifications.
  • Coordinate interfaces and integration across hardware, software, networks, and operations.
  • Evaluate system performance, reliability, security, scalability, and safety.
  • Lead technical reviews, resolve complex engineering issues, and manage risk.
  • Mentor engineers and collaborate with product, program, and leadership teams.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Principal Systems Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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1
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$206K - $310K *

Join us to lead the development of high-performance, low-latency applications in a multi-tenant B2B SaaS environment, enhancing security and efficiency through innovative AI tools and collaborative ar...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $120K *

Innovate and enhance platform operations as a technical expert, driving implementation and administration of HaloPSA. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes, improve visibility, and ensure sea...

Napa, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $213K *

Champion the development of a key platform, driving strategy, success metrics, and technical depth while collaborating across teams to deliver impactful solutions that meet customer needs and enhance...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive technical leadership in software development, ensuring high-quality design, testing, and modernization of enterprise applications while mentoring teams in Agile and DevSecOps environments...

Sterling, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$73K - $132K *

Engineer innovative telecommunications solutions in a dynamic team environment. Provide hands-on technical support for installations, testing, and troubleshooting, ensuring operational readiness and h...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Lead the execution of VDC deliverables, ensuring quality standards while coordinating across various project phases. Collaborate with teams to enhance workflows and deliver optimal results in BIM, con...

Henderson, NVRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$157K - $283K *

Lead the charge in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, managing client relationships, overseeing construction management efforts, and ensuring program success through strategic planning an...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

Lead the technical execution of VDC deliverables, ensuring quality standards across all project phases. Collaborate with teams to enhance construction workflows and support field operations through in...

Henderson, NVRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$150K - $180K *

Join the Platform Engineering Team to design and implement innovative solutions across infrastructure, data, and security platforms, leveraging modern technologies to enhance efficiency and security i...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $195K *

Engineer innovative solutions for Arista's EOS software, enhancing data center networks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and debug features, ensuring high-quality softwar...

Vancouver, BCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$212K - $222K *

Champion client success as you lead Aera solution deployments, building trusted relationships with executives to drive value and Decision Intelligence roadmaps while managing project delivery and fost...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $170K *

Lead the evolution of our design system by building accessible, reusable components and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and streamline adoption across products...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$190K - $215K *

Drive security innovation by architecting robust DevSecOps solutions for cloud and on-premises systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure cybersecurity compliance and enhance BlackSky’s leadership in...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $170K *

Drive excellence in program execution by mentoring leaders, optimizing performance, and ensuring compliance. Transform data into insights for proactive decision-making, enhancing customer satisfaction...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of configuration management by overseeing hardware inventory, documentation, and product releases. Collaborate with teams to implement effective change management processes throughout...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform client challenges into innovative solutions while mentoring teammates and driving tech excellence. Collaborate in a dynamic, non-hierarchical environment to inspire and elevate product engin...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$232K - $368K *

Partner with us to shape innovative production test solutions for complex networking systems. Collaborate across teams to align strategies, enhance capabilities, and drive efficiency in testing proces...

California, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Develop technical requirements for utility-scale battery energy storage systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and project specifications while drivin...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$117K - $156K *

Elevate strategic decision-making by managing integrated program plans, ensuring accurate portfolio data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced...

Cambridge, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$131K - $222K *

Shape the future of logistics by developing intelligent planning platforms that optimize freight movement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable solutions that enhance supply chai...

Eden Prairie, MNRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$92K - $166K *

Transform electric transmission design by leading a dynamic team in delivering innovative solutions for major utilities. Drive project execution, client relations, and staff development in a fast-pace...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$245K - $260K *

Lead technical solutions for U.S. Army accounts, enhancing digital performance and visibility. Collaborate with executives to develop strategies, conduct presentations, and address complex challenges...

Abell, MDRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$72K - $115K *

Elevate your career as a Network Engineer II. Support and manage our network infrastructure while troubleshooting issues and ensuring effective communication for a seamless production experience. Join...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive the evolution of our design system by building foundational infrastructure that empowers designers, engineers, and AI agents to create cohesive, high-quality experiences while leading a growing...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive operational excellence by designing and maintaining secure, scalable infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance deployment processes and system observability, ensuring re...

Hoboken, NJRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Principal Systems Engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Experienced professionals may advance into distinguished engineering or chief architect positions, lead larger technical organizations, or move into engineering management and technical executive roles.