Principal Systems Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Principal Systems Engineer Do?

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.

Common Responsibilities

  • Set system architecture, technical direction, and engineering standards.
  • Convert stakeholder needs into verifiable requirements and design specifications.
  • Coordinate interfaces and integration across hardware, software, networks, and operations.
  • Evaluate system performance, reliability, security, scalability, and safety.
  • Lead technical reviews, resolve complex engineering issues, and manage risk.
  • Mentor engineers and collaborate with product, program, and leadership teams.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Principal Systems Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$128K - $188K *

Drive your career with impactful technical sales in the medical device sector. Lead customer engagements, identify new business opportunities, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance pr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$134K - $205K *

Shape the future of power systems by optimizing control strategies and integrating various energy technologies. Lead engineering design reviews and provide technical oversight for large isolated power...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in designing and enhancing infrastructure solutions across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Collaborate with teams and vendors to ensure security, reliability, and performa...

St. Louis, MORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Lead customer engagement and service delivery in cloud and compliance projects. Manage project lifecycles, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while main...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$76K - $145K *

Unlock your potential by leading cost estimating efforts for complex aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop accurate estimates and support both commercial and government...

Palo Alto, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $125K *

Elevate cybersecurity measures by designing and implementing robust controls for enterprise applications and infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with federal s...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Pioneer the integration of AI solutions within product development, leading the charge on an AI-native framework. Collaborate across teams to transform SDLC practices, delivering cutting-edge automati...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Support the design and development of electronic hardware systems for Navy undersea warfare programs. Collaborate on circuit design, testing, and integration efforts while ensuring compliance with tec...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $150K *

Drive the technical direction and hands-on leadership of a diverse Business Systems Development team, focusing on Salesforce and integration development to deliver scalable business solutions across o...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic portfolio of Cybersecurity Services, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes. Collaborate with stakeholders to manage budgets, risks, and project lifec...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead product strategy and execution for a suite of wargaming tools, collaborating with users and engineers to transform complex technical capabilities into impactful solutions in high-stakes environme...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead transmission engineering projects, providing technical direction and project oversight while mentoring a high-performing team. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure safe...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $180K *

Shape the future of cloud technology by leading the design and operation of secure, scalable services. Drive architectural decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance our clou...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead innovative plumbing design for hyperscale data centers, ensuring high-quality solutions and collaboration with stakeholders. Drive project success through technical expertise and effective commun...

Los Angeles, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Innovate plumbing systems for hyperscale data centers, leading design efforts and collaborating with engineers. Drive technical solutions, ensure quality control, and manage project budgets while work...

Dallas, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$131K - $243K *

Join a team that's reshaping operations by supporting the Hyperion system and Oracle Planning tool conversion. Play a crucial role in data integration and foster cross-functional collaboration to meet...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $193K *

Engineer and enhance observability platforms to deliver actionable insights into user experience. Lead cross-functional teams to optimize performance, reliability, and automation across diverse techno...

Eden Prairie, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Transform large-scale data center plumbing systems as a lead engineer. Collaborate with teams, provide technical expertise, and ensure quality control while delivering innovative solutions to meet cli...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$160K - $200K *

Empower clients by leading the implementation of innovative solutions, ensuring successful adoption and integration of Omnissa Workspace ONE. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive business outcomes...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$138K - $173K *

Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-quality software delivery. Lead and mentor a team of engineers while optimizing processes and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous impro...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform customer engagement as a Solutions Engineer, driving technical strategy and growth within existing accounts. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to optimize solutions and strengt...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $160K *

Drive operational excellence by leading process and manufacturing engineering initiatives. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency, product quality, and scalability while fostering a culture of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $240K *

Elevate your career by designing and building robust distributed systems. Lead architectural decisions, ensure reliability, and mentor engineers while tackling complex challenges in regulated environm...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$133K - $209K *

Join a dynamic IT team as you safeguard cloud infrastructure, enhance security measures, and lead incident response efforts. Your expertise will drive continuous improvement and ensure robust protecti...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$101K - $188K *

Unlock potential by driving advancements in AI and machine learning for autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, optimize, and prototype cutting-edge algorithms that enh...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Principal Systems Engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Experienced professionals may advance into distinguished engineering or chief architect positions, lead larger technical organizations, or move into engineering management and technical executive roles.