Principal Systems Engineer Jobs

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.

What Does a Principal Systems Engineer Do?

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.

Common Responsibilities

  • Set system architecture, technical direction, and engineering standards.
  • Convert stakeholder needs into verifiable requirements and design specifications.
  • Coordinate interfaces and integration across hardware, software, networks, and operations.
  • Evaluate system performance, reliability, security, scalability, and safety.
  • Lead technical reviews, resolve complex engineering issues, and manage risk.
  • Mentor engineers and collaborate with product, program, and leadership teams.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Principal Systems Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$98K - $147K *

Drive your career with a critical role in shaping E3 strategies across aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and robust design, leading initiatives from conce...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's pivotal in developing and sustaining mission-critical ground systems for space operations. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure system readiness and operational exce...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $120K *

Join a team that's transforming innovative software prototypes into robust, operational systems. Drive full-stack development, ensure data security, and support mission-critical applications in a dyna...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $155K *

Lead the charge in developing custom space electronics, overseeing project execution, and managing cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery of innovative avionics solutions for spaceflight...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform aerospace engineering by leading multidisciplinary teams in avionics and mission hardware development, ensuring integration across the hardware lifecycle while advancing digital engineering...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in multidisciplinary aerospace engineering, integrating avionics and mission hardware across the lifecycle. Drive innovation in design, analysis, and verification while ensuring compli...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $160K *

Champion system integration and modernization efforts for space launch ranges, ensuring mission success through advanced engineering practices and stakeholder collaboration. Drive digital transformati...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Optimize integration processes by leveraging engineering expertise to modernize space launch systems, ensuring mission success and enhancing operational capabilities for future spaceport initiatives...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $163K *

Drive the development and integration of embedded computing platforms, collaborating across teams to ensure robust system performance and applying Model-Based Systems Engineering principles throughout...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $227K *

Innovate cutting-edge SATCOM solutions as a systems engineer, tackling diverse technical challenges. Collaborate with a top-tier team to enhance signal intelligence capabilities through engineering, i...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $171K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative Ground System architectures, integrating advanced technologies, and ensuring seamless operations within the Avionics Integration Organization, while collaborat...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $163K *

Lead the charge in supporting the SLCM-N program by providing technical expertise in design, proposal development, and technology maturation, ensuring efficient and effective systems for U.S. deterren...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $285K *

Transform complex spacecraft systems through leadership in integration, architecture, and verification, ensuring mission success. Collaborate across disciplines to define strategic requirements and fo...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$142K - $212K *

Transform cloud integration and DevOps practices, owning CI/CD pipelines, designing Kubernetes deployments, and troubleshooting cloud environments for successful project outcomes...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$101K - $206K *

Optimize data systems and network engineering for flight operations. Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate and test critical telemetry systems, ensuring mission success through effective ove...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $150K *

Innovate and lead as a Senior Electrical Engineer, driving design and integration for advanced Battle Management Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and deliver cut...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$122K - $184K *

Lead the charge in developing and managing system architectures and requirements for complex aerospace systems, utilizing model-based systems engineering to ensure mission effectiveness and design int...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $269K *

Transform the future of defense by leading a team of Systems Engineers in managing the FBM Ground Test Program, ensuring successful pre-production and deployment system testing while collaborating acr...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $200K *

Lead the design and integration of satellite bus systems, ensuring performance and compliance for mission-critical satellites. Collaborate with teams, conduct risk assessments, and mentor junior engin...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer Cloud SME, guiding cloud strategies and ensuring optimal configuration and security in environments supporting DoD operations. Thrive in a dynamic role, lev...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $195K *

Empower innovation by developing MBSE processes and collaborating on systems engineering solutions. Guide teams in implementing methodologies and assessing artifacts, ensuring alignment with enterpris...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $225K *

Lead the charge in space vehicle systems engineering, driving design, development, and integration efforts. Collaborate with clients and teams to innovate and enhance advanced technology solutions for...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$115K - $172K *

Champion innovation by leading system characterization and validation efforts, ensuring the integration of core engineering modules into capital equipment. Drive product development with advanced meth...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $210K *

Unlock your potential in satellite design by collaborating closely with teams to create robust mechanical structures. Experience hands-on involvement in every phase, from CAD modeling to testing fligh...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Discover innovative solutions by providing remote and on-site client support. Tackle technical challenges, optimize platforms, and enhance customer satisfaction through expert troubleshooting in a dyn...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Principal Systems Engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Experienced professionals may advance into distinguished engineering or chief architect positions, lead larger technical organizations, or move into engineering management and technical executive roles.