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.
$95K - $115K *
Drive procurement excellence by analyzing data, managing suppliers, and optimizing sourcing strategies to enhance cost, quality, and delivery in a dynamic environment...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Develop and implement sourcing strategies for indirect products and services, collaborating with internal stakeholders to optimize supplier relationships and drive value. Lead proposal and contract ma...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping procurement excellence in a billion-dollar business area. Oversee cradle-to-grave procurement activities, lead a diverse team, and enhance supplier relationships to optimize...
1 month ago
Site Reliability Engineering Manager
$130K - $160K *
Lead and enhance the SRE team, ensuring reliable operations across deployments. Collaborate with various engineering units to uphold security and performance, while implementing improvements in high-d...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$129K - $177K *
Shape the future of developer tooling by leading strategy and governance for an enterprise ecosystem. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance developer experience, drive automation, and ens...
Today
Senior Penetration Tester & Assessments Lead
$90K - $189K *
Lead, shape, and execute advanced penetration testing assessments, overseeing scoping, planning, and reporting. Collaborate with teams to enhance cybersecurity measures across various platforms, ensur...
Reposted 1 week ago
Forward Deployed Agile Software Engineer (Washington, D.C.)
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by collaborating with clients to design and deploy AI-driven solutions. This role blends engineering and client engagement, enabling you to tackle complex challenges and deliver...
1 week ago
$80K - $90K *
Oversee and coordinate complex construction projects nationwide, managing documentation, submittals, and scheduling while ensuring quality and cost control. Collaborate with project teams to deliver p...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Staff Engineer - Connectors Power BU
$120K - $145K *
Lead product development initiatives in power connectors and cable assemblies. Drive innovation, mentor engineering talent, and ensure high-quality solutions that meet market demands while collaborati...
2 weeks ago
Technical Leader, SIte Reliability Engineer
$214K - $309K *
Optimize our Kubernetes platform as you lead initiatives that enhance reliability and scalability across cloud and on-premises settings. Collaborate with teams to achieve critical goals while mentorin...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Engineering Manager - Enterprise Tools - (Remote)
$141K - $262K *
Empower your career by leading a dynamic team in software development, ensuring best practices and innovative solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive project success and foster a high-perfor...
4 days ago
Senior Underground Transmission Line Engineer 1 - Grid
$84K - $129K *
Engineer underground transmission lines up to 500kV, overseeing design, cost analysis, and project coordination. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with standards and specifications while man...
3 days ago
$180K - $229K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of insurance technology by leading engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance product effectiven...
4 days ago
Senior Project Manager - SYGMA- US
$108K - $180K *
Execute complex, cross-functional projects that align with strategic objectives. Collaborate with stakeholders and teams to ensure timely delivery, budget adherence, and successful outcomes while driv...
2 days ago
Manager - ASG Presales Engineering
$180K - $370K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of technical sales professionals to deliver innovative solutions. Engage with clients to drive results, enhance collaboration, and optimize sales strategies...
3 weeks ago
Lead Transmission Line Engineer - Grid
$146K - $192K *
Shape the future of transmission design by leading projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards. Collaborate with clients to deliver high-quality solutions for transmi...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Technical Lead
$190K - $280K *
Engage with us to lead complex software initiatives, driving technical excellence and mentoring teams. You'll shape architecture, tackle challenges, and deliver high-performance solutions that support...
2 weeks ago
Application Engineer (Technical Sales) - Defense
$108K - $181K *
Create impactful technical solutions in military electrification projects. Collaborate with defense clients and provide expertise throughout the proposal process, ensuring compliance and mission effec...
Reposted today
Senior Engineering Manager, Grafana Frontend | Canada | Remote
$211K - $253K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing user experience through innovative frontend solutions. As a leader, drive performance, development, and cross-team collaboration to deliver impactful customer...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior Technical Program Manager, Services Operations
$132K - $182K *
Drive program execution across high-priority workstreams in Customer Outcomes, managing threat intelligence partnerships and AI model initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure tim...
3 weeks ago
$112K - $196K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and validation of complex electrical systems, driving hardware lifecycle efforts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure production readiness an...
4 weeks ago
$112K - $196K *
Join a team that's advancing the design and validation of intricate electrical systems for mission-critical hardware, owning the hardware lifecycle while tackling challenges in RF integration, mechani...
4 weeks ago
$112K - $196K *
Develop innovative electrical systems for mission-critical devices, overseeing the entire hardware lifecycle. Lead design and validation efforts to ensure seamless integration, performance, and reliab...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $130K *
Take ownership of developing innovative software solutions, leveraging new technologies and processes. Collaborate closely with customers to create high-quality applications while adapting to evolving...
4 days ago
$95K - $149K *
Lead the charge in delivering complex product development projects by managing cross-functional teams, ensuring customer satisfaction, and driving operational excellence from initiation to delivery in...
2 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.