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.
$98K - $206K *
Lead the technical direction of software systems engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to streamline development, verification, and operational support of software application...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior Project Integrator Specialist
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of aerospace by managing complex flight test projects, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with scope, schedule, and budget. Drive risk mitigation and enhance orga...
2 weeks ago
Principal Reliability Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Champion the development of optical systems by leading qualification testing, ensuring compliance with global standards, and driving reliability analysis to enhance product performance and safety in t...
2 days ago
Principal Reliability Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive product qualification and compliance in the optical device industry. Collaborate with experts to ensure regulatory adherence and lead testing initiatives. Utilize your experience in reliability...
2 days ago
Principal Reliability Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Help us drive product excellence by leading qualification testing and compliance for optical systems. Collaborate with experts to ensure regulatory adherence and enhance reliability through innovative...
2 days ago
ENGINEER IV - SYSTEMS ENGINEER
$115K - $135K *
Contribute to multidisciplinary systems engineering, driving technical scope to completion. Oversee integration and verification across various domains, ensuring quality and collaboration in deliverin...
3 weeks ago
$148K - $263K *
Drive the design and implementation of AI-First operational environments, architecting resilient multi-cloud networks and building autonomous orchestration layers to enhance security and efficiency ac...
6 days ago
$97K - $146K *
Champion the design and management of cloud network infrastructure, ensuring the availability and functionality of applications while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive secure, reliabl...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Security Engineer
$108K - $130K *
Champion advanced systems security engineering to enhance USAF weapon systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity and resilience throughout the acquisition life cycle while collaborating with diverse teams...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Installation Engineer
$109K - $150K *
Transform your career with expertise in aircraft electrical design, ensuring compliance with FAA and quality standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge electrica...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Installation Engineer
$109K - $150K *
Design and implement advanced electrical solutions for aircraft interiors, ensuring compliance with FAA standards and customer specifications while managing budgets and project schedules using cutting...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $100K *
Drive innovative solutions for complex network challenges while enhancing system performance and security. Collaborate with clients to troubleshoot and implement effective network configurations in a...
6 days ago
Lead Systems Engineer Future Sealift
$120K - $145K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading multidisciplinary teams in U.S. Navy ship design, ensuring technical integration and compliance with program objectives, while fostering collaboration and innov...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer - Systems (Unix Systems Administrator)
$75K - $232K *
Elevate your career by engineering and securing critical Linux and FreeBSD infrastructures. As a key technical authority, you'll ensure compliance with federal standards while managing both on-premise...
2 weeks ago
Principal Hardware Integration and Test Engineer
$95K - $245K *
Take ownership of advanced integration and testing of multi-domain electro-mechanical systems. Collaboratively lead teams and provide expert guidance in verification strategies for hardware and softwa...
3 weeks ago
Senior Power Systems Engineer (Datacenter)
$146K - $175K *
Engineer innovative high-frequency power solutions for AI and data centers. Collaborate with teams to develop cutting-edge power architectures, ensuring performance and reliability while addressing cr...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer, supporting critical Linux-based systems. Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure operational excellence, manage system administration, and enhance user...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's driving digital innovation through software development and web content management, leveraging your expertise in Core Java and Adobe Experience Manager to create impactful web solut...
3 weeks ago
$93K - $117K *
Unlock potential by leading complex software and firmware projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality. Collaborate with teams to shape product architecture while mentoring engineers and driving inn...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of platform architecture by driving strategic vision, guiding technical direction, and fostering innovation. Collaborate across teams to enhance product delivery and developer experie...
1 week ago
Power Delivery Engineering Team Lead
$108K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative electric utility projects while supervising a dynamic team of engineers. Drive quality, foster collaboration, and enhance client relationships to ensure succes...
1 week ago
Deputy Chief Engineer Systems (Government)
$143K - $276K *
Join a team that's redefining systems architecture for large-scale IT and communications solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers to ensure scalable, secure, and resilient infrastructur...
6 days ago
$120K - $160K *
Shape the future of space systems by leading integration efforts for advanced satellite and ground systems, ensuring seamless development and operational success across the entire lifecycle...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Engage in comprehensive systems engineering for advanced space systems, supporting integration and lifecycle management of cutting-edge satellite and ground systems. Collaborate with contractors and g...
1 week ago
Principal Software Development Engineer
$188K - $296K *
Advance the development of innovative software solutions, integrating scalable and secure applications while mentoring teams. Drive technical leadership and ensure quality assurance throughout the sof...
Reposted 2 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.