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.
3D Electrical Design Engineer III
$95K - $115K *
Transform the future of renewable energy by leading 3D design for utility-scale battery and solar projects. Collaborate with engineers, mentor designers, and ensure project success through innovative...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Database Platform Engineering & SRE
$152K - $223K *
Drive operational transformation and cloud readiness by leading database modernization initiatives, improving reliability and engineering excellence through automation and best practices while mentori...
Reposted 3 days ago
$101K - $188K *
Drive the innovation of semi- and fully autonomous systems. Engage in research, algorithm development, and optimization to enhance AI and machine learning applications for diverse mission challenges...
3 weeks ago
SailPoint Engineering lead, IAM
$140K - $180K *
Transform identity governance at scale by leading the SailPoint ISC platform. Drive strategy, architecture, and compliance across global operations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Take ownership of the software development lifecycle, designing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance global health and environmental outcomes while collaborating with cross-functional te...
Today
Senior Software Engineer, Observability
$120K - $145K *
Champion the development of innovative observability solutions, leveraging your expertise in Go and network protocols to enhance network automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver...
2 weeks ago
High Speed Data (HSD) Systems Engineer (Remote)
$80K - $95K *
Advance your career by ensuring the stability and performance of core network systems. Collaborate on innovative projects while using your expertise in Linux and network troubleshooting to support cri...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Engineer, Geometric Modeling/CAD
$120K - $150K *
Shape the future of geometric modeling by developing innovative algorithmic solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior developers, and focus on delivering quality code while enh...
4 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in managing and optimizing cloud infrastructure across multiple platforms. Collaborate with teams to enhance product reliability and streamline operations while ensuring security and c...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Behavior Planning
$130K - $155K *
Drive the innovation of behavior planning systems for autonomous vehicles, owning key design and implementation tasks while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure peak performance in dyna...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer (Security & Policy Platform) (Remote)
$250K - $362K *
Drive innovation and develop cutting-edge technology solutions that impact a global market. Collaborate with teams to shape product strategies, mentor experts, and influence industry standards while e...
Reposted 1 month ago
Sr Staff Software Engineer- Access Security - Veza
$171K - $300K *
Take ownership of architecting and developing AI-driven backend solutions for Access Security, enhancing identity intelligence and risk detection while collaborating with cross-functional teams to del...
6 days ago
Senior Grid Interconnection Consultant
$111K - $153K *
Unlock potential by leading utility planning and advisory projects, focusing on transmission system analysis, generator interconnection applications, and client guidance for ISO feasibility studies. J...
1 week ago
$113K - $169K *
Lead the charge in quality engineering by designing automation frameworks, mentoring teams, and driving innovative testing strategies to ensure high-performing software delivery across multiple Agile...
Yesterday
$131K - $237K *
Optimize multi-cloud architectures and lead technical initiatives to enhance application performance, security, and cost-efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize systems and en...
3 days ago
$130K - $135K *
Drive project success by managing all phases from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Lead cross-functional teams, maintain client communication, and uphold qualit...
2 weeks ago
Principal Structural & Mechanical Analysis Engineer - Remote within the U.S.
$158K - $197K *
Join a team that's redefining engineering innovation through advanced structural and thermal-mechanical modeling. Lead high-fidelity simulations to drive next-gen interconnect technology, collaboratin...
1 week ago
Manager, District Systems Engineering
$232K - $320K *
Champion the technical leadership of your district team, guiding them to deliver innovative cybersecurity solutions while fostering customer relationships and ensuring value realization from investmen...
3 days ago
Senior AI Software Engineer, Agentic Systems & Data Fabric
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by joining a cross-functional team to design and implement scalable AI workflows on a multi-cloud data platform, ensuring secure data governance and integration for enterprise applica...
2 weeks ago
Senior Assurance and Cyber Security Engineer
$135K - $155K *
Drive enterprise-wide security initiatives by managing complex cybersecurity challenges, ensuring compliance with regulations, and protecting critical information assets through strategic planning and...
2 weeks ago
Senior Power Engineer - Physical Electrical
$165K - $185K *
Innovate your career by driving the physical electrical design of high-voltage substations and utility-scale facilities while collaborating with diverse teams to deliver quality engineering solutions...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Engineering Manager - Data Platform
$220K - $291K *
Lead the charge in shaping data infrastructure and strategy, managing a high-performing engineering team to drive robust, scalable solutions that optimize insights and empower data-intensive initiativ...
4 weeks ago
$114K - $252K *
Transform national security oversight by leading AI engineering initiatives that enhance investigative and audit operations within government settings, leveraging enterprise AI solutions to shape stra...
4 weeks ago
$140K - $155K *
Deliver your expertise to enhance the security posture of Cloud Service Providers. Engage in comprehensive architecture reviews, compliance assessments, and technical consultations within a collaborat...
3 weeks ago
Simulations Software Developer
$82K - $156K *
Join us to design and implement advanced software for spacecraft simulators, enhancing simulation capabilities through collaboration, innovation, and adherence to industry best practices in a fast-pac...
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.