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 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
$150K - $180K *
Transform the Kubernetes and AI/ML infrastructure landscape by leading cross-team initiatives, defining architecture, and enhancing platform reliability for scalable, secure cloud solutions...
2 weeks ago
$174K - $273K *
Build innovative AI-native products by merging technical expertise with product vision. Own customer-facing features across full stack and drive designs through data insights, ensuring impactful engin...
1 month ago
Senior Engineer, Back-End (Security Controls)
$199K - $270K *
Tackle the complexities of backend engineering by developing robust API integrations, building ETL pipelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performanc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$59K - $106K *
Empower the future of energy by designing innovative transmission systems. Lead projects from concept to execution, ensuring compliance with industry standards while integrating renewable energy solut...
Today
Senior Software Engineer - Open Source (RD217)
$148K - $201K *
Empower the development of our open source software solutions while collaborating with engineers and community contributors. Leverage your cloud native expertise to enhance mission outcomes through in...
Reposted 3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate client success by managing complex projects, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining budget integrity. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive engagement and optimize project outcomes from i...
2 weeks ago
Data Center Structural Engineer
$113K - $142K *
Design and develop structural engineering solutions for modular data centers. Oversee vendor collaboration, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance with local codes, delivering repeatable desi...
3 weeks ago
Regional Manufacturing Engineering Lead (Remote)
$126K - $227K *
Lead the charge in manufacturing excellence by providing expert DFM and NPI support. Collaborate with teams to resolve technical issues, enhance processes, and drive continuous improvement while ensur...
4 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Join us to develop and enhance algorithms for cutting-edge AI solutions. Collaborate with engineers and architects to transform innovative ideas into production-ready code, ensuring high-quality stand...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Public Sector
$180K - $200K *
Champion innovation by developing scalable backend solutions and troubleshooting complex issues within our Cyber-Physical Systems platform. Collaborate with global teams to enhance performance and ens...
Yesterday
Software Engineering Technical Leader (Remote)
$177K - $257K *
Pioneer the transformation of our C++ testing ecosystem, enhancing software quality and developer practices. Lead initiatives for reusable testing frameworks and CI/CD integration, driving consistency...
Reposted yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of AI integration by leading complex projects, bridging technical teams and leadership. Drive Agile methodologies, manage risks, and ensure timely deliverables in a dynamic environmen...
2 days ago
Project Manager - Capital Planning
$90K - $120K *
Optimize building assessments and capital projects while leading teams and managing client relationships. Oversee project scopes, budgets, and timelines to deliver impactful outcomes in a collaborativ...
Reposted today
$120K - $145K *
Develop strategic sourcing initiatives for IT software and services, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness. Drive negotiations and manage supplier relat...
Today
Solutions Integration Engineer IV
$105K - $160K *
Take ownership of B2B integrations as a key technical leader, collaborating across teams to deliver effective solutions that drive customer success and evolve with innovative IoT technology. Expect a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Application Engineer (Switchgear)
$95K - $115K *
Empower your career by bridging sales and engineering as a key technical resource. You'll scope, quote, and support customer needs for low and medium-voltage switchgear solutions, ensuring alignment w...
1 week ago
Lead Substation Engineer – Technical Project Lead
$107K - $195K *
Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-voltage substation EPC projects, ensuring integrated design and technical excellence from concept to energization while mentoring future engineering leader...
Today
Senior Foundry Integration Engineer
$126K - $173K *
Drive integration strategies to enhance silicon photonic fabrication, collaborating with foundries to evolve processes from development to production while ensuring robust performance and reproducibil...
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.