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.
Senior Product Security Engineer
$150K - $200K *
Engage in hands-on security initiatives across the platform, collaborating with engineering and product teams to identify vulnerabilities, develop security tools, and enhance secure development practi...
1 week ago
Senior Learning Systems Administrator
$90K - $110K *
Champion the optimization of learning systems by managing Workday Learning, providing enterprise support, and leading technology projects. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance governance, complian...
1 week ago
$104K - $155K *
Lead the charge in customer-focused project management, ensuring effective delivery of technical solutions while coordinating with diverse stakeholders and fostering strong relationships for successfu...
Reposted today
Senior System Protection Engineer - Transmission Line
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading the development of protection and control systems. Utilize your expertise to analyze complex power system challenges, ensuring compliance and delivering innovative solut...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Agent Platform & Growth
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining the onboarding experience for human and AI agents by leading innovative UX and engineering teams. Drive growth through strategic roadmap ownership, hands-on leadership, a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in developing and supporting PLC control systems in critical infrastructure. Collaborate with experts to ensure reliable automation across diverse facility systems while meeting client...
3 weeks ago
SOC/IP Integration Engineer (eInfochips)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading SoC integration efforts, optimizing designs, and ensuring quality checks. Collaborate with teams to enhance processes and deliver exceptional results while maintaining cust...
Today
Forward Deployed Engineer (SPECTR) - Clearance Required
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's transforming mission-critical operations by deploying and integrating advanced asset visibility solutions. Collaborate with DoD users to deliver tailored technical solutions that en...
3 weeks ago
Product Owner / Senior Product Owner - Engineering Tools
$78K - $98K *
Shape the future of AEC workflows by leading product ownership and Agile delivery for an Engineering Tools team. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to prioritize needs, validate outcomes...
4 days ago
Physical Design Engineer - Synth, Senior
$200K - $300K *
Unlock potential by leading synthesis and timing closure for complex AI accelerator designs. Collaborate across teams to optimize implementations, ensuring high-quality netlists while driving innovati...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $150K *
Take ownership of the SAP Concur platform, ensuring efficient travel and expense processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system functionality, resolve issues, and support complia...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the successful delivery of customer projects through all phases, ensuring alignment with business goals by coordinating teams and resources while managing risks and transacting key communicat...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Data Platform
$225K - $265K *
Unlock potential by leading a transformative data engineering team focused on building robust, high-performance data platforms. Drive innovation, foster a culture of learning, and ensure impactful out...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to transform enterprise OS infrastructure through modern practices, leveraging your Python expertise and operational skills to drive modernization, package migrations, and effective CI/CD impl...
3 weeks ago
$203K - $366K *
Innovate and lead a high-performing software development team to deliver scalable enterprise Time and Pay solutions. Collaborate with HR and Finance to drive strategy and enhance operational efficienc...
Today
Central Engineering Team Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team, driving innovation and product development while ensuring quality and efficiency in facility design and technical support for sales initiatives...
1 week ago
Staff Engineer, Software - GenAI
$126K - $215K *
Transform AI experiences by architecting LLM-based agents that integrate with real-world tools, orchestrate tasks, and scale in production. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and ensure high...
1 week ago
Computer System Quality Validation Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Drive quality assurance initiatives by overseeing computer system validation processes, ensuring compliance with GxP regulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance validation pr...
2 weeks ago
$155K - $200K *
Engage as a Senior Backend Software Engineer, driving innovation in Go-based backend systems and contributing to the OpenTDF project, ensuring data security solutions for enterprise and federal client...
3 weeks ago
VP, Engineering, Network Observability
$175K - $210K *
Unlock potential by leading engineering for a data-intensive network observability platform, partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on customer experience and business goals while...
3 weeks ago
Sr Field Application Engineer (TOLA)
$160K - $250K *
Transform customer experiences by leading technical sales solutions for wireless routers and managed services. Collaborate with partners and clients across diverse industries, ensuring optimal connect...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize CI/CD pipelines and improve Azure infrastructure to enhance deployment and observability. Collaborate with teams, addressing performance issues while deploying critical products that elevate...
1 month ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion a high-performing engineering team, guiding their growth while actively contributing to software development. Collaborate across functions to align goals and foster an inclusive culture, driv...
Yesterday
$120K - $165K *
Unlock potential by leading hydro turbine design and engineering projects, optimizing asset performance, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enh...
2 weeks ago
$250K - $300K *
Accelerate progress at a forward-thinking company by leading a dynamic engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence while delivering innovative product features and driving technical growth. Co...
Reposted 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.