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.
$165K - $180K *
Transform healthcare solutions by leading the design and development of scalable, high-performance systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers to drive innovation and...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's redefining network solutions by designing, implementing, and supporting advanced LAN, WAN, and wireless systems. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to enhance network strateg...
6 days ago
$131K - $237K *
Lead the charge in designing and deploying innovative cloud solutions, enhancing user experiences while modernizing the DoD environment through strategic cloud migrations and security best practices...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Innovate as you guide Fortune 500 clients in leveraging AI solutions. Collaborate with sales teams, deliver dynamic presentations, and serve as trusted technical advisor to modernize legacy systems an...
Reposted 6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Engineer high-quality software solutions while mentoring teams and setting technical standards. Drive innovation in cloud-native products and enhance developer capabilities through hands-on leadership...
3 days ago
Senior Design Engineer Energy - Remote
$146K - $244K *
Champion innovative solutions as a Senior Design Engineer in nuclear facilities. Lead complex projects, enhance engineering processes, and drive technical excellence while collaborating with multidisc...
Reposted 4 days ago
$120K - $125K *
Lead the charge in managing complex projects for a federal data analytics platform, ensuring operational excellence through effective communication, risk management, and collaboration across teams whi...
1 month ago
$130K - $200K *
Join our team to shape the future of construction tech by building impactful tools for professionals. Leverage your expertise to create user-focused solutions that enhance productivity, reliability, a...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage with our dynamic engineering team as you design and model innovative refrigerant and water piping systems using Solidworks, ensuring precision in product documentation and lifecycle management...
3 weeks ago
Senior Quality Systems Software Architect
$125K - $150K *
Lead the design and implementation of GxP-compliant Quality applications, ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance while mentoring junior team members and driving continuous improvement in a...
4 weeks ago
$113K - $169K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of software applications by providing technical expertise and customer solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product development and enhance...
1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in architecting innovative End User Computing solutions, collaborating with account teams and clients to drive strategy, deliver presentations, and enhance customer experiences while e...
6 days ago
Mechanical Engineer V - Team Manager
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advanced mechanical design for controllable propulsion systems. Manage a talented engineering team, tackle complex design challenges, and ensure alignment of mission goals with engi...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of VDC delivery by managing project execution from start to finish. Collaborate across teams, develop budgets, ensure quality and timely deliverables, while being the key point of con...
4 weeks ago
Principal Information Security Engineer
$60K - $211K *
Advance security engineering by defining strategies, solving complex challenges, and building scalable solutions. Collaborate with leaders to enhance security across enterprise environments while ment...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Tech Lead - NetBox Delivery
$135K - $160K *
Unlock the potential of NetBox Delivery by leading software design, enhancing production reliability, and mentoring engineers. Shape the technical direction and ensure seamless deployment on Cloud and...
1 week ago
$180K - $200K *
Elevate the engineering department by driving delivery, managing teams, and ensuring production quality. Lead hands-on development while fostering innovation in AI-driven systems to enhance operationa...
1 week ago
$66K - $106K *
Champion advanced testing and engineering support for healthcare systems, ensuring operational effectiveness and compliance throughout the system lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...
Reposted 1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform AI agent systems by owning technical decisions and delivery from design to production. Collaborate with stakeholders, develop workflows, and ensure reliability while mentoring engineers and...
3 weeks ago
Field Application Engineer - Data Center Solutions
$96K - $205K *
Empower the Data Center Solutions team by providing expert technical support, evaluating customer needs, and leading strategic projects across the Central US and Latin America, ensuring optimal produc...
Yesterday
Senior Software Security Engineer
$130K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team to build and enhance security practices, ensuring robust protection of sensitive data. Collaborate across engineering to create secure frameworks, manage identities, and fortify cl...
1 week ago
Principal, Data Center Supply Chain Lead
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of datacenter procurement by driving strategies for critical infrastructure, leading negotiations, and partnering cross-functionally to ensure seamless project execution and cost-effe...
3 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager (Intuitial)
$158K *
Lead the charge in delivering impactful solutions for Veterans by managing a cross-functional agile team, driving product direction, and fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders to enhance...
Today
Staff Engineer - Connectors Power BU
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of power connector innovation, leading product development initiatives while driving cross-functional collaboration and mentoring engineering talent to deliver hig...
3 days ago
$88K - $120K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions through leadership in commissioning. Lead complex projects, mentor talent, and ensure seamless integration across systems while engaging directly with cl...
1 month 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.