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 Fullstack Software Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Innovate cloud-based software solutions for the energy sector, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance power systems engineering processes. Leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive pro...
2 days ago
Senior Security Risk Management Framework Engineer
$110K - $125K *
Join our cybersecurity surge team to bridge security and engineering for VA.gov. Assess compliance, automate controls, support ATO readiness, and improve security posture across platforms to enhance r...
4 weeks ago
$200K - $240K *
Join a dynamic team as you provide technical expertise, drive enterprise opportunities, and architect innovative solutions that meet client needs while showcasing the value of our cutting-edge product...
Yesterday
Vice President of Business Development, Navy & Marine Corps
$200K - $240K *
Drive strategic growth initiatives for Navy & Marine Corps, leading business development efforts and fostering partnerships to enhance tactical networking solutions across diverse operational domains...
6 days ago
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Lead customer engagement through technical discovery and deployment, integrating AI solutions while collaborating with Sales, Product, and Engineering teams. Drive implementation efficiency and bridge...
3 weeks ago
$134K - $241K *
Champion project success by managing complex construction portfolios through all phases, from planning and execution to closeout, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and facilitating stak...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Build and automate security solutions within the software development lifecycle, enhancing application and cloud security through hands-on collaboration and systemic risk evaluation. Lead initiatives...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Interoperability Architect
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in developing interoperability specifications for Veteran health information exchange, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance standards and ensure compliance with federal...
3 weeks ago
Senior Computer Systems Validation Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform validation processes by ensuring compliance and data integrity for computerized systems in a regulated environment. Collaborate with teams to develop strategies and mentor junior members whi...
1 week ago
Sr. Flight Software Verification Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Optimize the verification of embedded software within aviation systems. Collaborate closely across teams to enhance safety and compliance, ensuring robust performance on flight hardware and complete i...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Engineer innovative power system solutions by conducting EMT studies and developing models. Collaborate with leadership to enhance team expertise and deliver quality advisory support to clients in the...
2 weeks ago
$124K - $170K *
Lead the charge in innovative software solutions for healthcare, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance patient care and meet customer needs through cutting-edge technology and creative problem-s...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Optimize program delivery by leading complex projects from proposal to execution. Drive cross-functional collaboration, manage budgets, and ensure customer commitments are met while mentoring junior p...
6 days ago
$88K - $154K *
Optimize and integrate the manufacturing process for hazardous materials, taking ownership from design through commissioning. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and efficiency i...
3 weeks ago
Project Engineer (junior career)
$70K - $130K *
Join our dynamic team as we drive AI adoption forward! You'll coordinate training engagements, manage events, and enhance team communications, all while supporting our mission to innovate and improve...
Yesterday
$157K - $242K *
Join as a founding leader to define and drive hardware system architecture, ensuring technical integration across multiple domains. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, validate, and sc...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$157K - $242K *
Transform your career by driving system architecture and integration in the development of mission-critical hardware. Partner with engineering leads to define requirements and ensure cohesive subsyste...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$157K - $242K *
Join a team that's shaping groundbreaking hardware solutions by defining system architecture, integrating cross-functional requirements, and leading technical direction for complex, production-ready d...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$157K - $242K *
Pioneer system architecture and integration across multiple engineering domains. Drive the design and validation of complex hardware systems, ensuring cohesive production readiness by collaborating wi...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Technical Services Project Management
$129K - $193K *
Empower your career by leading complex IT initiatives, ensuring disciplined execution and governance across cross-functional projects. Drive operational readiness and enhance delivery rigor while coll...
3 days ago
$106K - $198K *
Lead the transformation of 1LMX product solutions across the enterprise, collaborating with stakeholders to align capabilities with business needs, manage risks, and ensure successful deployment while...
1 week ago
Senior Project Control Analyst
$88K - $147K *
Oversee project financial performance and analytics, ensuring effective management across complex contracts. Collaborate with teams to enhance processes and deliver actionable insights, driving operat...
2 days ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer (Starship)
$130K - $155K *
Engineer cutting-edge mechanical systems for revolutionary aerospace projects. Collaborate across disciplines to design, test, and iterate on flight hardware while empowering hands-on engagement with...
4 weeks ago
$72K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as you collaborate on innovative electrical designs, progressing from basic tasks to complex projects while ensuring quality and efficiency in a supportive environment...
6 days ago
$88K - $154K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as you craft and execute comprehensive software test plans for mission-critical applications, ensuring quality and reliability in a fast-paced, innovative en...
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.