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.
Control System Designer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of data center automation. In this role, you'll design cutting-edge control systems for critical infrastructure projects globally, collaborating with diverse team...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $117K *
Champion software quality by analyzing healthcare data, developing test cases, and executing both manual and automated tests. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with clinical...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$180K - $240K *
Empower teams to innovate in residential construction software by leading high-performing engineering groups, fostering Agile practices, and enhancing project management for builders and homeowners al...
2 weeks ago
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of customer relationships by driving value and retention for large organizations, collaborating closely with sales and product teams to ensure success and growth through data-driven i...
4 weeks ago
$153K - $213K *
Take ownership of a customer-facing product area, driving strategy and execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance user experience, leverage AI, and achieve key performance metrics while deli...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $155K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by designing innovative fluid and power systems. As a Process Engineer, you'll drive the development and optimization of cutting-edge technologies in a f...
6 days ago
$69K - $101K *
Champion the reliability of automated systems by providing expert technical support, troubleshooting complex issues, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure operational excellence and seamless...
Today
Solution Architect - Autonomous Systems & Industrial Base (ComS058)
$135K - $160K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of autonomous systems and cloud-native technologies, driving integration and architecture solutions for defense and commercial sectors. Engage with stakeholders...
1 week ago
Software Engineer - Development
$63K - $114K *
Join a dynamic team focused on designing and implementing innovative software solutions. Utilize your coding skills to address complex challenges, contributing to robust product development and ensuri...
Reposted 1 month ago
Research Engineer - Data and Evaluation
$150K - $350K *
Transform the landscape of reinforcement learning by designing evaluations and environments that enhance model training and performance. Collaborate with researchers to identify and address model fail...
6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel
$120K - $195K *
Drive innovation by developing and maintaining Linux kernel features, collaborating with hardware teams, and contributing to the upstream community. Own projects from definition to deployment while me...
2 weeks ago
Senior Hardware Engineer - AI & Server Compute Design
$214K - $220K *
Join a team that's redefining hardware design for high-performance systems. Lead innovative projects from concept to production, collaborating with top-tier partners to ensure reliability and manufact...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's focused on delivering successful project outcomes by building comprehensive schedules, defining responsibilities, and managing timelines effectively to ensure client satisfaction an...
1 week ago
Senior Structural Designer 1 - Nuclear
$77K - $118K *
Join our structural design team to lead innovative projects, utilizing 3D modeling software to create structural layouts and solve complex design challenges. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams...
6 days ago
$100K - $170K *
Unlock potential by providing architectural engineering support for DOJ/BOP facilities. Collaborate on technical analyses, document reviews, and design recommendations to enhance decision-making and p...
1 week ago
Full Stack GAIAA Software Engineer
$112K - $125K *
Unlock your potential as a software engineer, driving innovation in AI solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop and deploy cutting-edge software that enhances productivity and automates w...
1 week ago
$218K - $256K *
Lead the charge in shaping IT strategy and operations for a remote-first SaaS company. Drive service delivery, enhance employee technology experiences, and build a high-performing IT organization whil...
1 week ago
Platform Site Reliability Engineer
$165K *
Champion innovative solutions as a Platform Site Reliability Engineer, enhancing infrastructure, optimizing deployment pipelines, and ensuring system reliability, scalability, and security in collabor...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (Performance & Bare-Metal)
$140K - $252K *
Unlock potential by leading test strategies for hypervisor performance and VM quality. Collaborate with teams to design automated benchmarks and validate deployment safety, ensuring high standards acr...
6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Reimagine your career as a Solutions Engineer, collaborating with Sales to craft tailored product demonstrations addressing aviation sector challenges, while influencing product development through cu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Team Lead, Simulation Infrastructure
$200K - $275K *
Lead and optimize cloud infrastructure for simulation frameworks, driving team performance and technical strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance validation processes and ensure robust soft...
Reposted 2 days ago
$171K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of scalable data platforms. Drive innovation in cloud data architecture and pipeline automation, collaborating across teams to deliver impactf...
2 weeks ago
$181K - $226K *
Join our dynamic team as a Software Engineer, where you'll enhance internal tools, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive improvements in cloud infrastructure and observability, all while working in...
1 week ago
$92K - $134K *
Pioneer innovative building automation designs, enhancing efficiency and quality. Collaborate with teams to deliver optimized solutions while mentoring junior staff and driving process improvements in...
3 weeks ago
$116K - $210K *
Elevate manufacturing capabilities by leading enterprise MES initiatives, ensuring system performance, configuration, and integration while driving continuous improvement and technical expertise acros...
4 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.