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.
$100K - $120K *
Drive success at the intersection of federal contracts and strategic initiatives, leading cross-functional teams to enhance performance, manage diverse portfolios, and foster client relationships whil...
2 weeks ago
Instrumentation & Controls Engineering Senior Consultant - Nuclear
$165K - $253K *
Join a dynamic team to lead complex instrumentation and controls engineering projects in nuclear power. Drive innovation, ensure compliance, and enhance safety through digital upgrades and strategic c...
2 weeks ago
Senior Web Experimentation Manager
$152K - $194K *
Advance your career by leading a high-impact web experimentation program, driving data-driven decisions across key website pages, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize user experie...
2 weeks ago
Senior Web Experimentation Manager
$114K - $145K *
Lead the charge in optimizing web experimentation across high-traffic pages. You'll set standards, design tests, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive impactful insights and enhance use...
2 weeks ago
Sr Mechanical Engineer (SRM - Ballistician) (Remote Option Available)
$95K - $129K *
Advance your career by leveraging your expertise in solid rocket motor ballistics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to perform detailed analyses, provide technical leadership, and drive innovat...
2 weeks ago
Senior Business Analyst, Professional Services (Req #1417)
$90K - $120K *
Analyze and enhance business processes across the services lifecycle. Develop reporting solutions and dashboards to drive informed decisions, improve revenue predictability, and support stakeholders i...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
DAI Data Integration/Replication Engineer
$75K - $158K *
Shape the future of federal data integration by leveraging Oracle EBS expertise to create actionable insights and advanced dashboards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and enhance government da...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director - Product Management (File Systems)
$160K - $200K *
Lead the strategic vision and execution of an enterprise file system portfolio, ensuring market leadership through effective product strategy, customer engagement, and a high-performing product manage...
4 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (.NET/C#/Azure)
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovation by leading the development of a modern auction platform, collaborating across teams to deliver scalable, maintainable software solutions that enhance digital marketplace operations...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Champion innovation by leading engineering efforts within established companies. Drive modernization, mentor teams, and enhance software delivery while leveraging diverse tech stacks to deliver impact...
5 days ago
Principal AI Transformation Consultant, Professional Services
$100K - $185K *
Transform complex workflows by leading AI-driven change initiatives, guiding senior leaders through redesign and adoption processes, and ensuring measurable outcomes in legal, tax, and trade sectors...
1 week ago
Forward Deployed Engineer - Kubernetes
$110K - $177K *
Transform enterprise infrastructure by embedding with client teams to optimize Kubernetes deployments, streamline migrations, and enhance AI capabilities, ensuring successful platform adoption and ope...
Yesterday
$150K - $180K *
Lead the development and operation of a cutting-edge Security Observability & Data Platform, enhancing endpoint security, threat detection, and incident response while driving innovation in security s...
Yesterday
Engineer - Thermal-Hydraulic Methods Development
$79K - $137K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of reactor physics through innovative computational methods and thermal-hydraulic modeling. Contribute to technical development, regulatory compliance, and custom...
Today
Senior Data Engineer - Data Platform
$130K - $160K *
Champion the migration to a modern Databricks lakehouse, designing robust data pipelines and ensuring data quality. Collaborate with teams to enhance analytics capabilities and set technical standards...
6 days ago
Senior Structural Engineer (Substation Focus) - Remote (US)
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of energy infrastructure by leading structural design projects for substations and electric systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to innovate solutions while supporting te...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion compliance and security excellence by driving NIST 800-53 and FedRAMP initiatives. Partner with clients to ensure federal authorization, author vital documents, and manage multiple A&A projec...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Virtual Machines (RD222)
$125K - $150K *
Transform your career by owning complex software features that integrate virtual machines into a secure platform. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions while establishing strong eng...
Today
Mechanical Engineering Lead, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by leading mechanical design for hyperscale data centers. Oversee HVAC, piping, and fire suppression systems while ensuring project success through collaboration and innovation. Jo...
2 weeks ago
Lead Enterprise Software Solution Consultant
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovative software solutions by providing technical sales support, leading product demonstrations, and addressing client needs. Collaborate with sales teams to enhance user experiences and d...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Transform customer engagement by delivering tailored product demonstrations, guiding technical discussions, and architecting solutions that meet unique educational needs across diverse sectors...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive the modernization of online platforms by leveraging .NET technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance consumer-facing websites, ensuring optimal user experience through agile...
Reposted yesterday
Colleague Modernization Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive modernization initiatives by leveraging AI and automation to enhance SaaS delivery processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline technical architecture and improve customer ou...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by leveraging your SOC expertise to triage alerts, analyze threats, and implement effective response actions, ensuring robust protection for clien...
3 days ago
Subject Matter Expert (SME) Requirements Engineer
$190K - $230K *
Transform complex requirements into actionable insights for a federal modernization program. Collaborate with diverse teams, conduct hands-on elicitation, and ensure high-quality documentation through...
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.