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.
Principal Project Engineer (ONSITE)
$107K - $204K *
Unlock potential by leading engineering efforts for advanced communication systems. Oversee project execution, manage budgets, and ensure technical compliance while collaborating with multidisciplinar...
6 days ago
Principal Radar Systems Development Engineer
$140K - $280K *
Oversee the design and development of advanced radar systems, focusing on signal processing algorithms for target detection and tracking. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to optimize performa...
1 week ago
$134K - $181K *
Collaborate to ensure project design and compliance while leading teams and communicating effectively across departments. Drive innovation and support project development while mentoring less-experien...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform product and process quality through hands-on analysis and collaboration. Lead corrective actions, drive continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with industry standards across the produ...
2 weeks ago
$167K - $226K *
Join a team that's redefining AI-native products by blending cloud, ML, and hardware. As a Principal Engineer, you'll lead technical direction, influence architecture, and drive innovation across syst...
3 days ago
Principal Systems Integration Engineer
$140K - $170K *
Empower your career by shaping innovative access control solutions. Collaborate across teams to define architectures, prototype systems, and validate designs, all while tackling real-world challenges...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in defining and architecting SysOps software solutions for a critical program, ensuring alignment with operational requirements and security standards while fostering collaboration acr...
Today
Senior Systems Engineer, Mission Platforms
$201K - $220K *
Advance the holistic mission platform integration, ensuring seamless alignment of hardware, software, and operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and deliver high-perfo...
Reposted 5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Advance your career by architecting and implementing production-grade software systems for high-stakes operational tools, ensuring clarity and usability for critical decision-making processes...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Pioneer quality assurance initiatives by leading engineering teams to enhance product quality and compliance. Drive process improvements, develop quality systems, and interface with customers to resol...
2 weeks ago
Director of Systems Engineering
$247K - $276K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Systems Engineering team, driving technical excellence and innovation while establishing best practices for developing complex systems from concept to deployme...
3 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer - Advanced Simulation & Training Systems (Onsite)
$118K - $224K *
Transform complex training systems as a Principal Software Engineer, leading design and development efforts in a collaborative environment. Drive technical excellence and mentor peers while ensuring h...
1 week ago
Principal Software Engineer - Advanced Simulation & Training Systems (Onsite)
$118K - $224K *
Champion the development of advanced training systems by leading software design, implementation, and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-fidelity simulations, ensuring te...
1 week ago
Engineer Sr/Spec/Prin - Systems- Embedded Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovative ship construction on the COLUMBIA Program by collaborating with operations supervision and trades, facilitating problem-solving, and driving efficiency to achieve critical project...
Reposted 4 days ago
$120K - $160K *
Shape the future of mechanical engineering by leading innovative solutions for industrial facilities, ensuring compliance with standards, and mentoring junior engineers while collaborating with multid...
1 week ago
Senior Systems Engineer, On-Orbit Test Coordinator
$115K - $155K *
Join our dynamic team to enhance satellite operations through effective systems engineering and integration support, improving efficiency in a fast-paced, multi-satellite environment while collaborati...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer, On-Orbit Test Coordinator
$115K - $155K *
Shape the future of satellite operations by leading complex on-orbit testing and integration processes. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance operational efficiency and deliver reliable...
3 weeks ago
$175K - $200K *
Lead advanced systems engineering initiatives to enhance defense capabilities, overseeing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), requirements management, and integration efforts. Drive technical lead...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer, Principal - TS/SCI w/Poly
$134K - $241K *
Innovate solutions as a Systems Engineer, tackling complex challenges in server hardware and software integration. Collaborate with teams to ensure system integrity and security while supporting criti...
2 weeks ago
$161K - $184K *
Join a dynamic team to drive the design and development of advanced VLEO spacecraft, ensuring seamless integration and performance through collaboration, analysis, and innovative problem-solving acros...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform the future of advanced electro-optical systems by leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions on time and within budget. Drive engineering excellence while mentoring junio...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Drive the design and implementation of cutting-edge data centers, leading cross-functional teams to support scalable, sustainable solutions that align with operational excellence and compliance across...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Pioneer the design and implementation of innovative, sustainable data centers. Lead cross-functional teams to deliver efficient systems that support massive cloud operations, ensuring compliance with...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Transform large-scale data center projects by leading innovative structural engineering efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and sustainability in design, while managing...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Transform the future of data centers by leading sustainable structural designs. Drive innovation, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and deliver high-quality projects on time globally, ensuring...
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.