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.
$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...
5 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...
2 days ago
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 2 days ago
$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...
Yesterday
Platform Engineer (ServiceNow)
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer the administration and development of core business systems, focusing on ServiceNow. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable solutions that enhance operations, service, and...
Reposted 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
Principal Cost Engineer - Design to Value
$96K - $192K *
Join a dynamic team to drive cost reduction initiatives and enhance material productivity across global business units. Collaborate with stakeholders to influence design and manufacturing changes, ens...
1 week ago
Sr. DevOps Engineer - Federal Customer
$125K - $150K *
Take ownership of next-generation IT infrastructure innovation. Collaborate with a diverse team to design, deploy, and secure tools that enhance operational capabilities using leading technologies in...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Structural Engineer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Structural Engineer, leading innovative design for hyperscale data centers. Leverage your expertise in concrete and steel structures to deliver impactful projects while...
2 weeks ago
Lead Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Lead a team in tackling complex electrical engineering projects, ensuring successful delivery through effective coordination, technical oversight, and client engagement. Drive innovation and mentor te...
1 week ago
$145K - $175K *
Deliver innovative datacenter, cloud, and network solutions by leading architecture design, client engagement, and technical governance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape complex infras...
Today
$125K - $150K *
Transform business development in C4ISR systems by driving growth strategies, fostering customer relationships, and identifying new opportunities to enhance mission capabilities for warfighters across...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Engineer AI-driven integrations and enhance platform capabilities while independently managing client engagements from discovery to certification. Collaborate with sales, design solutions, and ensure...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Data Streaming
$225K - $265K *
Accelerate progress at a mission-critical team, leading Data Streaming to enhance data ingestion pipelines. Build a skilled team, ensure pipeline reliability, and collaborate cross-functionally to sup...
Today
$132K - $251K *
Drive enterprise-wide DMSMS management by establishing standardized processes and frameworks to mitigate supplier risks and enhance operational stability, ensuring compliance with government standards...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior VDC Engineer, driving innovative design solutions and enhancing project delivery through advanced BIM technologies and collaboration with diverse teams in a dynamic e...
4 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Interoperability
$169K - $220K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming healthcare through innovative software solutions. Collaborate with engineers and healthcare professionals to build systems that enhance patient care and st...
2 weeks ago
Principal AI Solutions Engineer
$132K - $173K *
Architect AI-driven solutions that enhance business processes and decision-making. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and deploy scalable applications, ensuring compliance wit...
2 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.