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.
$125K - $150K *
Champion security excellence by driving secure SDLC practices, managing compliance, and leading incident response. Collaborate with DevOps and ensure robust risk management practices to protect vital...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$99K - $120K *
Build innovative building automation systems in a fast-paced, remote environment. Lead design projects while mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure high-quality deliver...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape and support enterprise networking solutions by delivering pre-sales technical leadership and post-sales support. Leverage deep expertise in Wi-Fi, LAN, cloud, and Zero Trust security to ensure o...
4 weeks ago
$88K - $163K *
Transform the future of C4I modernization by shaping system architecture and capabilities. Collaborate with an international team to define requirements, develop documentation, and ensure alignment wi...
Yesterday
$125K - $155K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on designing and implementing scalable systems. Collaborate on complex projects, mentor peers, and drive technical excellence while contributing to impactf...
3 days ago
Systems Engineer - Research Infrastructure & Lab Platforms - Government Customer
$120K - $140K *
Unlock potential by architecting and enhancing next-gen research platforms, driving automation and reliability to provide researchers with cutting-edge tools. Collaborate in a dynamic environment brid...
Reposted 3 days ago
Integrated Program Planner Stf - E4
$111K - $206K *
Join a team that's driving mission success through innovative program planning. Collaborate across functions to develop and maintain schedules, ensuring on-time, in-budget delivery of complex projects...
Today
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Liquid Cooling Systems
$137K - $171K *
Engineer cutting-edge mechanical cooling and hydraulic systems for modular AI data centers. Drive design, integration, and commissioning of innovative solutions, ensuring efficiency and reliability ac...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving project excellence by leading a diverse group of Project Managers. You'll optimize resources, enhance delivery outcomes, and foster high performance across critical VA initi...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of rail vehicles by designing innovative structures and components. Leverage your expertise in 3D CAD and materials to create efficient, compliant designs that en...
1 week ago
Principal Physical Design Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of ASIC physical design, leading complex SoC implementations, optimizing performance, and ensuring design integrity through collaboration and innovative methodolog...
Yesterday
Sr Project Engineer (SRM) (Remote Option Available)
$95K - $125K *
Lead and coordinate engineering projects, ensuring technical quality and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while managing resources, schedules, and bu...
2 weeks ago
Senior Field Software Engineer, Advanced Missions Group
$140K - $190K *
Innovate software solutions in dynamic environments, collaborating with operators and engineers to rapidly prototype and deploy mission-critical capabilities. Leverage your technical expertise to inte...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading power systems engineering for transmission protection. Drive compliance, enhance reliability, and guide teams in innovative solutions to shape the future of energy with adv...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Engineer innovative power systems for utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects. Conduct critical electrical studies, collaborate with teams, and ensure safe grid connections while advancing clean ener...
Yesterday
Sr Principal Program Mgr, PIC Data Eng
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in developing next-gen data platforms, driving strategic insights and AI solutions. Oversee data architecture, governance, and quality, while mentoring a high-performing team to foster...
6 days ago
Principal Orchestration Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Lead innovative software solutions as a Technical Lead in a dynamic environment. Drive strategic technical vision, mentor developers, and deliver complex applications while addressing critical busines...
4 weeks ago
Senior Advanced Project Engineer - Electronics Supplier Development
$135K - $182K *
Lead the charge in enhancing supplier performance and quality for electronic components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with...
Today
$90K - $110K *
Transform enterprise technology initiatives by connecting business goals with technical solutions. Collaborate in an Agile environment to analyze requirements, support Medicare systems, and ensure eff...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Embedded Software Engineer, Robotics Platform
$130K - $155K *
Drive the design and development of robotics middleware and frameworks on embedded Linux. Engage in cross-functional collaboration, technical design, and system-level troubleshooting to enhance softwa...
3 weeks ago
Senior Optical Transport Implementation Engineer - Pub Sec
$93K - $124K *
Unlock potential by joining a team focused on advanced Tier II support for network devices in a fiber optic transport network, ensuring operational excellence and 100% service availability across mult...
Reposted 1 week ago
$133K - $146K *
Analyze and enhance quality processes in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating cross-functionally to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in...
Yesterday
$103K - $181K *
Empower a dynamic Agile team in developing critical mission applications, utilizing your expertise in enterprise software development and fostering effective collaboration to enhance solutions for com...
3 weeks ago
$87K - $135K *
Drive your career forward by leading systems engineering for a cloud-based enterprise system. Engage in architecture development, integration, and modernization efforts while ensuring security and ope...
6 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Empower cross-functional collaboration by aligning technology with business priorities. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance cybersecurity compliance, and foster trusted relationships to optimize ente...
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.