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 Security Engineer (Infrastructure)
$137K - $160K *
Engineer secure and resilient multi-cloud environments while collaborating with product teams. Adapt designs to support rapid change in a late-stage startup, ensuring safety and performance in AI-driv...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $168K *
Shape strategic sourcing initiatives by collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive savings and efficiencies in the Mechanical category. Manage supplier relationships and execute OneLM Agreemen...
2 days ago
Digital Solutions Integration Engineer II
$95K - $115K *
Drive the design and support of operational Active Network Management Systems, ensuring seamless integration and functionality throughout their lifecycle while collaborating with internal teams and cu...
Today
$126K - $200K *
Lead technical solutions architecture for HPE storage platforms, guiding partners and sales teams in developing resilient infrastructure solutions. Drive engagement, enablement, and strategic initiati...
Yesterday
$111K - $200K *
Champion innovative networking solutions by providing technical leadership and architectural expertise to channel partners, driving sales engagement and opportunity closure across enterprise environme...
3 weeks ago
Director of Business Development and Capture, National Security Space
$164K - $314K *
Lead strategic initiatives to capture new business opportunities in National Security Space, leveraging technical expertise and stakeholder collaboration to drive growth and deliver innovative solutio...
2 days ago
Product Success Technical Director
$199K - $348K *
Transform complex agentic AI escalations into stable outcomes by diagnosing root causes, creating robust architectures, and enhancing team technical excellence while ensuring customer confidence and s...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovative system designs for security, video, access, and fire alarm solutions. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored solutions, support junior members, and ensure project success through...
1 week ago
Federal Systems Integrator Sales Director
$157K - $203K *
Drive strategic growth by managing Federal Systems Integrator accounts, leveraging relationships and market insights to deliver compliant technology solutions that align with federal missions and fund...
1 week ago
Senior Data & AI Platform Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to design and build a robust data platform that enhances product performance and supports AI initiatives, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for internal and customer-facing...
2 weeks ago
Senior Site Reliability Engineer - Infra Ops
$152K - $205K *
Join a team that's designing and operating secure, scalable platform infrastructure for critical digital assets. Leverage your SRE expertise to enhance reliability, performance, and security across hy...
1 week ago
$90K - $100K *
Elevate public safety solutions by implementing and supporting Emergency Call Handling systems. This remote role requires extensive travel and expertise in cloud technologies, ensuring seamless deploy...
3 weeks ago
Senior Principal Engineer - Space Technology Development
$135K - $160K *
Inspire a high-performing engineering team in the U.S. space industry, driving technological advancements and ensuring compliance with safety and mission assurance standards while fostering talent and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Substation Physical Project Designer - Grid
$85K - $129K *
Lead the charge in substation design by preparing detailed drawings and overseeing project teams. Engage with clients and contractors to ensure compliance with standards while mentoring designers and...
2 weeks ago
Principal Technical Program Manager,
$204K - $266K *
Join us to lead complex technical programs, driving cross-functional collaboration and ensuring system reliability. You'll manage project lifecycles, influence engineering decisions, and create effect...
1 week ago
Senior Technical Account Manager
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing customer success through expert guidance in Privilege Access Management. Leverage your technical skills to support enterprise clients, ensuring seamless deplo...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Shape strategic customer engagements by delivering tightly scoped projects. Collaborate with executive sponsors to translate complex business problems into concrete solutions. Drive technical adoption...
4 weeks ago
Project Administration and Correspondence Lead
$74K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to oversee project administration and correspondence management, ensuring effective communication and compliance. Support project policies and enhance documentation workflows to dr...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Technical Solutions - Quantum
$240K - $310K *
Elevate your career as you lead a team of technical experts to develop innovative strategies that drive customer engagement and support business growth across diverse sectors...
3 weeks ago
Structural Engineer - Asset Integrity - REMOTE WORK
$90K - $140K *
Unlock potential by leading structural evaluations and repair engineering for asset integrity. Collaborate with teams to ensure sound engineering solutions and support long-term asset management in a...
Today
Senior Project Manager, Marketing PMO
$110K - $130K *
Lead complex, cross-functional marketing initiatives from planning to execution, driving accountability and collaboration across teams while enhancing project management processes and methodologies fo...
1 week ago
Senior S/4 Transition Data Architect
$132K - $251K *
Lead the charge in shaping the enterprise data architecture for a multi-year SAP transition, ensuring seamless integration and insightful reporting across systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to def...
5 days ago
C5ISR and Acquisition Strategist
$120K - $175K *
Shape the future of defense solutions by leveraging C5ISR expertise to develop mission-focused strategies for the U.S. Army and Department of War, ensuring alignment with customer priorities and acqui...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Cloud Engineering
$163K - $224K *
Help us lead and develop a senior Cloud Engineering team focused on operational excellence, infrastructure stability, and impactful migration programs that drive growth and efficiency within our cloud...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer II - Platform
$154K - $260K *
Join a forward-thinking team to enhance user experiences through innovative AI solutions and full-stack development, impacting industries worldwide by improving workflows within the Samsara dashboard...
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.