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 - $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
$83K - $125K *
Drive the operational health of mission-critical Appian environments, ensuring reliability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage configurations, deployments, and incident...
Today
Principal Backend Engineer (Remote)
$133K - $179K *
Pioneer innovative backend solutions by designing scalable microservices for eCommerce platforms. Lead architecture, optimize integrations, and mentor engineers while driving best practices in API des...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $170K *
Engineer innovative mechanical solutions for DOJ/BOP facilities, providing expert analysis and support for HVAC systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance decision-making through technical docu...
1 week ago
$108K - $163K *
Shape the future of our Elastic SIEM solution by leading design, operation, and optimization efforts. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance security, availability, and performance while drivin...
2 weeks ago
Principal AI Solutions Architect, Customer Success
$135K - $178K *
Unlock your potential by leading innovative AI-driven bot solutions, enhancing customer experiences through advanced digital applications. Collaborate with teams to design, develop, and deliver cuttin...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Transform healthcare project management by leading complex construction initiatives. Collaborate with clients to ensure project success from planning to completion, while managing resources, budgets...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team to shape the future of software engineering by leading architectural decisions, driving product modernization, and enhancing operational excellence while mentoring others and foste...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Engage in a dynamic role overseeing large projects and teams, ensuring successful delivery through effective stakeholder coordination and project management. Contribute to innovative power delivery so...
5 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Virtualization and Linux Kernel
$224K - $431K *
Champion the advancement of open-source Linux kernel support for NVIDIA GPUs. Collaborate with global teams to develop virtualization features in Rust and C, driving technical proposals and enhancing...
Today
Senior Epic BMDI Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining healthcare integration by leading innovative solutions in Epic BMDI. Leverage your expertise to enhance clinical workflows, ensure data integrity, and drive project succe...
2 weeks ago
Senior Epic BMDI Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading integration efforts in healthcare technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance clinical workflows and ensure seamless data exchange, while maintaining hig...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $140K *
Take ownership of building intelligent, cloud-native solutions that streamline radiology workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable software, ensuring quality and security...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize IT operations by managing day-to-day support for macOS and Windows environments, ensuring seamless onboarding/offboarding, and administering SaaS platforms while enhancing user experience and...
Yesterday
$115K - $140K *
Oversee large-scale industrial automation projects from concept to commissioning. Lead cross-functional teams, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and quality standards while mentoring future...
2 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's driving innovative launch campaigns, managing complex schedules, and enhancing internal processes. This role requires a proactive leader to oversee launch operations and foster rela...
2 weeks ago
$131K - $237K *
Drive enterprise cloud infrastructure design and optimization, ensuring high availability, security, and scalability. Collaborate with diverse teams in a dynamic environment to enhance cloud adoption...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Technical Application Engineer - Industrial Communications products (MDS and Lentronics)
$89K - $148K *
Drive technical solutions by collaborating with sales teams and customers to enhance industrial communications products. Develop sales strategies, manage customer relationships, and ensure compliance...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Engineer - Agentic Security Operations (remote)
$170K - $227K *
Drive innovation in cybersecurity by leading the development of agent capabilities within our Security Operations Center, enhancing threat detection, response, and operational efficiency while ensurin...
1 week ago
Senior ServiceNow Technical Architect
$125K - $150K *
Elevate your career by leading architectural strategies for CSM, ITSM, and ITOM solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, scalable ServiceNow environments that enhance oper...
Yesterday
Vice President, Quality and Commissioning (Dallas, Tulsa or Kansas City)
$290K - $320K *
Pioneer the future of quality and commissioning, ensuring operational excellence in high-stakes environments. Lead a talented team, define strategic goals, and optimize processes for seamless project...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $170K *
Lead the charge in delivering high-impact project management services, overseeing a remote PMO team to ensure alignment with organizational goals, while driving stakeholder communication and adapting...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Infrastructure Engineer
$166K - $230K *
Empower your career as a Senior Infrastructure Engineer focusing on enhancing Lakehouse infrastructure, security, and cost efficiency while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize data p...
3 weeks ago
$68K - $113K *
Join our Field Engineering Program to develop technical expertise and leadership skills. Gain hands-on experience in supporting power generation installations and maintenance while traveling to custom...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Help us lead complex capital projects by overseeing technical and operational management, ensuring timely delivery, and mentoring a talented team for excellence in bulk material handling and construct...
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.