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 Systems Engineer (NSGS)
$120K - $145K *
Engineer critical systems for mission success, ensuring operational readiness and performance. Collaborate with teams to maintain and optimize infrastructure while providing hands-on support at remote...
4 weeks ago
Principal System Engineer - Patriot IPTL (Onsite)
$107K - $204K *
Join a team that's leading system engineering efforts for a major defense program. Drive architecture, requirements, and proposal support while ensuring project execution and collaboration across mult...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal System Engineer - Patriot IPTL (Onsite)
$107K - $204K *
Unlock potential by leading system engineering efforts for a major defense program. Oversee architecture, requirements, and project execution while collaborating with diverse teams and managing propos...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal/Sr Principal Satellite Systems Engineer (AHT)
$103K - $155K *
Champion satellite communication operations by providing expert technical support for AEHF/Milstar payloads. Collaborate with teams to resolve issues, enhance system performance, and ensure mission su...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team of engineers to develop innovative software solutions across diverse technologies, enhancing systems for data processing, AI, and real-time analytics while fostering collaboration...
6 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of technology by developing scalable Python microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design secure, reliable systems while leveraging tools like...
1 week ago
Ground Systems Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by designing and deploying backend services for satellite mission operations. Lead the development of innovative APIs and microservices while integrating complex ground station sys...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Modeling and Simulation Systems Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading advanced modeling and simulation initiatives for underground facility assessments, integrating high-fidelity simulations to safeguard defense operations and enhance joint f...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Principal Software Engineer - DevOps / Infrastructure (Onsite)
$145K - $276K *
Drive innovation by leading the design and development of integrated simulation solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance CI/CD pipelines and automate processes, ensuring reliability and performanc...
Yesterday
Sr. Model Based Systems Engineer
$150K - $170K *
Unlock potential by driving Model-Based Systems Engineering efforts for multi-mission helicopters. Collaborate with engineers to develop standardized MBSE architectures, ensure digital baselines, and...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $180K *
Take ownership of innovative systems engineering projects that span the entire product lifecycle for military and commercial aircraft, focusing on design, development, verification, and cross-function...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$130K - $140K *
Transform military systems engineering with innovative MBSE practices. Drive collaborative efforts to enhance capabilities within a dynamic team. Engage in vital program support and contribute to the...
3 weeks ago
Principal/Sr. Principal DevOps Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance cyber operations through DevOps practices, collaborating with engineers and operators to develop, secure, and sustain mission-critical applications in a fast-paced envir...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform complex systems into effective solutions for national defense. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, integrate, and maintain systems, ensuring compliance and performance through...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive system design and integration by collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure stakeholder needs are met and security, performance, and compliance standards are upheld throughout the syste...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize system performance and reliability through design, implementation, and maintenance. Collaborate with stakeholders to align technologies and processes with organizational goals across the syst...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Applications Engineer
$129K - $210K *
Elevate your career by leading critical systems engineering efforts, optimizing diverse technologies, and enhancing multi-national information-sharing capabilities while ensuring a secure, scalable in...
Reposted yesterday
Principal Aerospace Engineer - Autonomous System
$115K - $160K *
Transform autonomous systems development by integrating advanced technologies and optimizing performance for unmanned aerial platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance capabilities...
5 days ago
$81K - $151K *
Join a team that's driving Cyber Resiliency initiatives by managing workforce planning, metrics analysis, and resource allocation. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met wh...
6 days ago
Senior Electrical Technology Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative low voltage technology design projects. You'll apply advanced engineering principles, collaborate with teams, and ensure high-quality standards in electrical...
Today
$177K - $265K *
Lead cybersecurity execution across systems engineering and development programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to identify cybersecurity risks, implement improvements, and support compliance, enhanc...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join our dynamic team to design innovative electrical systems for the biotech and pharma sectors, leveraging your expertise in clean room and laboratory facilities to deliver exceptional engineering s...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer, Hardware Integration
$95K - $115K *
Drive the integration of complex defense systems by supporting design, requirements development, and testing. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure the successful deployment of hardware...
3 weeks ago
Lead Systems Engineer / Systems Engineer III
$135K - $155K *
Architect innovative solutions as a Lead Systems Engineer, driving system-level requirements and integration for Navy C4I capabilities while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-fun...
4 days ago
Manager Systems Engineering 2 - Logistics Program Mgmt
$153K - $230K *
Shape strategic success by leading a diverse Product Support team, driving program management excellence and fostering cross-functional collaboration for mission-critical systems within the defense re...
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.