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.
Lead Platform Engineer, AI and DevSecOps
$155K - $175K *
Empower engineering teams by leading the evolution of cloud, security, and AI operations. Drive platform reliability and DevSecOps practices while mentoring others to foster a collaborative, innovativ...
1 week ago
$144K - $170K *
Transform critical business applications by developing robust software solutions. Collaborate with clients and government leads to gather requirements, ensuring high-quality delivery in a dynamic, Agi...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage your expertise to lead bridge and structural projects from planning to completion. Manage multidisciplinary teams, maintain client relationships, and drive practice growth across Massachusetts...
2 days ago
$74K - $95K *
Elevate project delivery by leveraging VDC expertise in design analysis, coordination, and BIM technologies. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes throughout the design-build cycle, ensuring su...
3 days ago
$112K - $179K *
Reimagine the future of ServiceNow development by designing and supporting custom applications. Leverage your expertise to solve complex problems, mentor junior developers, and drive innovative soluti...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $180K *
Innovate your career by leading product strategy and execution in AI-driven simulation and autonomy. Collaborate with customers and technical teams to transform complex needs into impactful product so...
1 week ago
AI Systems Engineer, Hardware Architecture
$160K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading the architectural strategy for AI systems in next-gen computing. Shape the roadmap for AI inference and training across immersive devices, driving cross-functional collabor...
2 weeks ago
Executive Vice President (Remote)
$190K - $218K *
Transform your career by leading strategic growth initiatives and operational excellence in a dynamic environment. Inspire a talented executive team while driving customer satisfaction and achieving f...
3 days ago
Senior Forward Deployed Data Engineer, Data Modernizaton
$180K - $230K *
Transform healthcare data ecosystems as a Senior Forward Deployed Engineer, leading platform-specific builds to modernize legacy systems into AI-ready lakehouses while collaborating with client data t...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Infrastructure Engineer- Secure Developer Platforms (Azure/VDI)
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in building a secure, self-service developer sandbox on Azure, delivering non-persistent desktops and managing the entire stack from landing zone to golden image while ensuring complia...
Yesterday
$135K - $160K *
Unlock your leadership potential by guiding product engineers in creating exceptional developer experiences. This role blends technical expertise and product vision, enabling you to drive impactful in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Change Management Lead - R&D Advisory
$100K - $120K *
Help us drive change management initiatives in life sciences R&D, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness across research, clinical, and regulatory operations while leading stakeholder engagement and a...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead and architect innovative AI-driven financial solutions, collaborating with elite engineers to design, implement, and optimize cutting-edge tools for global clients in a dynamic, startup environme...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Innovate cutting-edge AI financial solutions by architecting and deploying advanced chat interfaces and reporting systems. Collaborate with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows for global c...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate software solutions by architecting AI-driven financial tools, collaborating with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows, and ensuring high standards in quality and security within a d...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI solutions by leading design and implementation of robust enterprise systems, driving innovation, and establishing engineering excellence while mentoring developers and collabora...
3 weeks ago
$132K - $251K *
Lead the charge in driving modernization for National and DoD communications, influencing policies and cultivating industry partnerships to enhance strategic deterrence capabilities and resilient comm...
2 weeks ago
Senior Cost Manager: Pre-Con (Data Centers)
$108K - $145K *
Shape the future of project management as a Senior Cost Manager, driving cost efficiency and strategic decision-making. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance client value and foster strong relatio...
1 week ago
$90K - $189K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Scrum Master, facilitating Agile execution, coaching teams, and removing obstacles to ensure high-quality software delivery while aligning business needs with technical...
4 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Innovate and build across multiple surfaces, enhancing developer tools and agent products. Collaborate closely with a small team to deliver high-quality software solutions that drive enterprise adopti...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager/Senior Financial System Analyst
$140K - $160K *
Deliver impactful financial management solutions by leading a team of 8-10 professionals in federal financial systems. Engage with stakeholders to analyze data, support decision-making, and ensure suc...
2 days ago
Supply Chain Program Manager (PMO)
$155K - $185K *
Pioneer effective supply chain management by coordinating program activities, ensuring timely material deliverables, and consolidating data for decision-making across cross-functional teams to meet pe...
3 days ago
Senior Manager, Cloud Storage Engineering
$160K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team driving innovative cloud storage solutions. Lead engineering efforts to design and maintain high-performance storage services globally, ensuring reliability and scalability for div...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - AI Discovery & Posture
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in building AI agent discovery across cloud platforms and endpoints. Develop security assessments for AI agents that enhance the overall governance within our AI security framework, re...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Subcontract Administrator (Remote)
$88K - $154K *
Join a team that's dedicated to excellence in subcontract management. Leverage your expertise in procurement to ensure compliance and foster collaboration, driving successful outcomes in our dynamic d...
6 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.