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.
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to design innovative HVAC systems for data centers, ensuring efficiency and reliability. Collaborate globally on high-profile projects while enjoying remote flexibility and opportu...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative HVAC designs for data centers. Collaborate globally on high-impact projects, ensuring energy efficiency and system reliability while advancing your career in a d...
3 weeks ago
Director, Global Value Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Champion the evolution of Business Value Engineering by leading a global team, optimizing practices, and driving strategic initiatives across sales and customer engagement to enhance operational succe...
2 days ago
Principal Product Manager, Compute Platform - Cloud Infrastructure
$500K+*
Pioneer the evolution of Netflix's Compute Platform, driving innovation in distributed systems and AI integration. Lead product strategy, enhance efficiency, and collaborate across teams to ensure rob...
2 weeks ago
Lead Data Integration Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Transform data solutions by architecting enterprise-grade pipelines, leading a high-performing team, and embedding best practices to create scalable, robust data environments for analysis and insights...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Materials Modeling (Remote)
$107K - $204K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of advanced materials modeling tools for gas turbine engines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing processes and drive innovatio...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development of advanced simulation capabilities to validate technology and services, ensuring alignment with internal teams and managing customer requests while integrating external tools for...
2 weeks ago
$166K - $187K *
Champion program operations by overseeing business development, quality, logistics, and financial performance. Collaborate with clients and manage resources to enhance efficiency and drive new busines...
Today
$154K - $260K *
Transform edge AI solutions by leading a talented engineering team. Drive the strategy for embedded systems and machine learning, ensuring impactful deployment of intelligent safety features for real...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Technical Services Engineer - Federal
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing exceptional post-sales technical support for federal clients. You'll troubleshoot complex systems, collaborate with engineering teams, and ensure seamless ope...
2 days ago
Building Systems Project Manager (Remote)
$100K - $120K *
Transform project delivery by managing multiple building systems initiatives, ensuring that projects align with company standards, budget constraints, and critical timelines. Serve as a key liaison am...
3 weeks ago
Senior Security Advisor - Lead Control Assessor
$110K - $150K *
Seeking an experienced cybersecurity professional to lead control assessments, ensuring consistent application of methodologies and quality oversight across multiple clients while mentoring assessors...
2 weeks ago
Lead Device Software Engineer, Embedded & Firmware
$155K - $209K *
Drive the future of device software as a hands-on technical lead, overseeing architecture and delivery for a team of firmware engineers. Own critical subsystems, ensuring safety and performance while...
1 week ago
Senior Partner Success Implementation Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Drive partner success by providing expert technical guidance, leading complex implementations, and mentoring junior engineers. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product adoption and ensure opt...
Yesterday
Software Engineer II, Gov Systems
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development of high-security software solutions for government clients, ensuring seamless deployment and compliance by integrating innovative technologies in air-gapped environments while col...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Engineer, Systems Development
$123K - $173K *
Reimagine thermal management system design for data centers and semiconductors, leveraging expertise in HVAC systems. Collaborate to enhance engineering solutions, analyze complex issues, and drive in...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Architect (AWS/Azure)
$93K - $125K *
Explore your potential as a Software Architect, designing and enhancing build systems and delivery platforms. Collaborate with teams to implement CI/CD practices and ensure high-quality software deliv...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform the future of AI systems by building robust data pipelines and APIs. Collaborate with Product to refine specifications and enhance user experience, ensuring high-quality delivery and continu...
2 weeks ago
Lead AWS Cloud DevOps Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Drive the design and optimization of AWS cloud environments, leading migration strategies while fostering collaboration and technical excellence across DevOps teams. Shape the future of automation and...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Containers
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to drive technical vision and operational excellence in cloud-native platforms. Lead engineering efforts, champion security practices, and empower talent while ensuring system stab...
2 weeks ago
Senior Owners Engineer - Civil Structural
$110K - $130K *
Lead a team to design and oversee civil structural projects, ensuring quality and technical excellence across all phases. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior engineers while managing diverse pr...
2 days ago
$114K - $252K *
Shape the future of cloud infrastructure by optimizing AWS GovCloud environments. Leverage your expertise in architecture and security compliance while empowering technical teams toward innovation and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Distinguished Engineer - AI & Engineering Transformation
$240K - $320K *
Transform AI adoption and engineering efficiency by leading cross-functional initiatives and driving the strategic integration of innovative technologies across products, ensuring measurable outcomes...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering - AI
$190K - $215K *
Transform cloud-based engineering strategies as you lead teams in creating innovative AI-powered automation solutions, ensuring quality and scalability while promoting a dynamic and collaborative cult...
Reposted 3 days ago
$180K - $250K *
Tackle systemic challenges by building tools and practices that enhance performance, scalability, and decision-making across engineering teams, fostering collaboration and driving solutions that bridg...
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.