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.
$150K - $180K *
Champion enterprise systems diligence and value creation engagements, assessing technology, processes, and infrastructure to drive operational excellence and strategic insights for investors and manag...
6 days ago
Support Engineering Manager - Americas
$120K - $145K *
The Technical Support Engineering Manager will lead a team of Support Engineers and Product Experts to resolve complex technical issues and enhance customer experience. This role involves collaboratin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Supervisor, Software Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in software innovation while mentoring a high-performing engineering team. Drive technical solutions and ensure project success through hands-on involvement, fostering a culture of con...
3 weeks ago
Thermal Systems Technical Documentation Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Optimize technical documentation processes for complex thermal management solutions. Join us in bridging engineering concepts with practical applications, enhancing customer understanding while suppor...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Business System Strategy & Transformation
$180K - $215K *
Lead the charge in transforming supply chain technology strategies, driving innovation and operational excellence across S2P and O2C value streams. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance d...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$128K - $177K *
Innovate solutions as a System Architect, leading design and implementation of ASTRO systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance communication technologies, ensuring seamless integrati...
Yesterday
Senior Electrical Engineer - Microgrid Controls & Automation Architecture
$154K - $223K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by leading the development of advanced control systems for microgrids and distributed energy resources, ensuring seamless integration and operational exc...
3 weeks ago
Senior Cyber Security Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the enhancement of security measures for cloud-based healthcare solutions, focusing on vulnerability management, incident response, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensu...
3 days ago
$80K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to drive strategic contracts management and proposal development for high-stakes federal bids. Collaborate across functions to balance risk and compliance while ensuring financial...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion strategic contract management and proposal development for high-stakes federal bids. Collaborate across teams to balance risk and compliance while driving growth through effective negotiation...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of IT infrastructure and security operations, driving the migration to a Nutanix-based IaaS environment. Collaborate with teams to enhance security, compliance, and automation, utilizin...
2 weeks ago
Senior Technical Lead / Solution Architect
$130K - $216K *
Lead the technical implementation of a large-scale platform modernization program, ensuring adherence to architectural standards and providing hands-on guidance across multiple teams and vendors for s...
2 days ago
Field Application Engineer - Aerospace and Defense
$117K - $146K *
Join us to drive growth in the Aerospace and Defense sector by developing sales strategies, providing technical expertise, and building strong customer relationships that enhance profitability and mar...
2 weeks ago
Senior Application Security Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by enhancing application security across web apps and APIs. Collaborate with engineering teams to assess risks, conduct reviews, and drive secure software practices throughout the dev...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Governance & Access
$150K - $180K *
Empower our team to build innovative security and governance solutions, shaping access management for both human and agent users. Lead a small, dynamic group as we define architectural foundations and...
1 week ago
Senior Project Manager - Engineering Design
$110K - $130K *
Lead the delivery of complex projects across multifaceted industries by managing teams, budgets, and schedules while ensuring quality, safety, and client satisfaction in regulated environments...
3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer (USA)
$120K - $145K *
Empower your career as a Senior Electrical Engineer, leading cutting-edge designs for high-capacity data centers, while collaborating with top industry professionals on impactful, mission-critical pro...
4 weeks ago
Implementation Technical Engineer
$96K - $132K *
Drive impactful technical implementations by managing projects and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure successful deployment of solutions, enhancing client satisfaction and operational efficien...
2 weeks ago
Principal Supplier Assurance Specialist - Remote
$86K - $165K *
Lead the charge in enhancing supplier performance through hands-on diagnostics, assessments, and corrective actions. Collaborate with international suppliers to ensure quality and efficiency in manufa...
Reposted 6 days ago
$100K - $140K *
Deliver impactful project leadership in a multi-phase AI integration program, ensuring timely execution and alignment with strategic goals while fostering collaboration across technical and leadership...
Yesterday
Senior or Senior II Engineer - Market Services (Remote Eligible)
$108K - $137K *
Empower operations by ensuring data integrity for market systems. Partner to verify service reservations and regulatory compliance while providing analytical insights to enhance stakeholder engagement...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Subcontract Administrator (Remote)
$112K - $196K *
Lead the Subcontracts team in managing complex agreements, ensuring compliance and fostering relationships with suppliers and clients. Drive negotiations, oversee proposal evaluations, and provide str...
1 week ago
Site Reliability Engineer - Grid Orchestration Software
$93K - $140K *
Optimize system reliability and performance by integrating GridOS solutions, managing incidents, and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure high-quality deploym...
1 week ago
$250K - $350K *
Empower enterprise clients by leading executive technology strategy, driving transformation initiatives that connect business priorities with major technology shifts, and building long-term, trust-bas...
3 weeks ago
F135 Field Service Eng. Expat Nevatim AB, Israel (Onsite)
$107K - $204K *
Serve as a Field Service Engineer supporting F-35 propulsion systems at Nevatim Air Base. Engage directly with the Israeli Air Force, ensuring optimal operation, maintenance, and technical support in...
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.