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.
$100K - $120K *
Optimize contract management processes while collaborating across teams to drive business success. Leverage strong analytical skills and contracting expertise for international and commercial projects...
3 weeks ago
$131K - $160K *
Elevate your career as a Technical Product Owner, bridging business goals with engineering execution across Salesforce and integrated systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the GT...
Yesterday
$127K - $191K *
Create robust, scalable solutions that enhance user experiences for bank administrators and customers. Lead the charge in system design and architecture while guiding and mentoring peers to elevate co...
4 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager | Applied AI
$135K - $160K *
Contribute to the vision and strategy of AI-powered products, managing their lifecycle and delivery. Leverage AI tools for decision-making and mentor fellow Product Managers to enhance team capabiliti...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager | Applied AI
$135K - $160K *
Champion the vision and strategy for AI-powered products, driving their roadmap and delivery while mentoring peers. Leverage AI tools to enhance decision-making and product lifecycle management, ensur...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, C++ | NMS
$150K - $220K *
Deliver high-performance C++ solutions for network management, focusing on device discovery and monitoring across Windows and Linux. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliabili...
3 weeks ago
Sr Infrastructure Engineer I (Kubernetes EKS Engineer)
$105K - $165K *
Drive the design and management of AWS EKS Kubernetes clusters, ensuring high availability and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize cloud infrastructure and automate processes...
Yesterday
$151K - $216K *
Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative solutions, drive technical excellence, and foster collaboration while serving the U.S. Government in a hybrid work env...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$117K - $143K *
Empower small businesses by developing AI solutions that streamline workflows. Collaborate closely with customers to identify challenges and create impactful software that enhances efficiency and driv...
Yesterday
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by driving client success through expert system configuration, data analysis, and consultative training. Ensure timely project delivery while enhancing user experience and satisfactio...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Technical Product Manager - (Electronic Warfare (EW) & Sensing Solutions)
$180K - $220K *
Transform complex defense requirements into actionable product strategies, driving technical execution and market adoption for cutting-edge Electronic Warfare and Sensing Solutions. Collaborate with c...
1 week ago
Member of Technical Staff, Design Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Engage as a Design Engineer, bridging design and engineering to create user-centric interfaces. Architect smooth interactions within our platform while implementing a robust design system that enhance...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate your career by designing and optimizing secure, scalable cloud infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure high availability for glo...
2 weeks ago
Managing Engineer (Java Engineering)
$120K - $193K *
Join a team that's redefining software engineering excellence by leading high-performing teams in building and modernizing enterprise applications. Drive technical strategy, foster innovation, and ens...
1 week ago
Product Manager - Enterprise Imaging
$115K - $150K *
Shape the future of healthcare connectivity by leading product strategy and delivery for advanced imaging solutions. Leverage your expertise in DICOM, FHIR, and cloud technologies to drive innovation...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager (Remote)
$150K - $170K *
Transform your career by leading mechanical design projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and mentoring junior staff while ensuring compliance with industry standards and delivering high...
2 days ago
Senior Security Controls Assessor
$160K - $190K *
Deliver strategic assessments and solutions for federal information systems, ensuring compliance with NIST RMF and related standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify security gaps and provid...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining enterprise asset management by architecting innovative solutions on the IBM Maximo platform. Leverage your expertise to enhance facility maintenance operations and drive...
3 weeks ago
Associate Director - Senior Construction Program Manager
$140K - $197K *
Lead the charge in managing strategic client relationships and projects, leveraging your extensive cost management expertise in the data centre sector. Empower teams through mentorship while driving b...
1 week ago
$140K - $200K *
Join a team that drives mission success in aerospace program management, overseeing the entire payload lifecycle from planning to execution. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and governm...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in providing expert environmental consulting solutions for industrial clients across the U.S., focusing on permitting, compliance, and risk-reduction while nurturing client relationshi...
3 weeks ago
Senior Windows Engineer - Managed Services
$106K - $150K *
Unlock potential by providing expert operational support for Windows environments. Manage complex incidents, ensure service availability, and collaborate across teams to enhance customer experiences i...
1 week ago
$92K - $166K *
Transform supply chain efficiency by managing purchase orders, resolving delays, and driving supplier accountability. Collaborate with teams to mitigate risks and ensure timely delivery, contributing...
Today
Engineering Manager, Active Sensors (LiDAR)
$135K - $160K *
Drive the development of advanced machine learning systems for autonomous trucks, leading a team in perception capabilities. Oversee the complete lifecycle from data requirements to deployment, ensuri...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform your career by leading proposal strategies and managing a dynamic team. Drive compliance and quality in project proposals while collaborating with stakeholders to ensure timely and effective...
3 days 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.