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.
$120K - $145K *
Lead engineering initiatives by translating complex operational needs into effective artifacts for a DoD intelligence program, ensuring alignment with senior leaders and supporting capability planning...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $175K *
Transform your career as a Lead Systems Engineer, defining architectures and managing requirements across complex military communication systems, ensuring alignment with program commitments while guid...
3 weeks ago
Space Systems Integration Engineer
$190K - $220K *
Lead critical integration efforts in advanced space systems, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance capabilities and ensure seamless operations across ground and mission segments while managing r...
Today
Sr Systems Engineer- Production Support
$110K - $130K *
Support the operational efficiency of complex application cloud systems. Collaborate with teams to detect, document, and resolve system outages, ensuring compliance with standards while utilizing cont...
4 weeks ago
Sr Systems Engineer- Production Support
$108K - $130K *
Advance cloud systems as a Systems Engineer, providing high-level operational support. Collaborate with teams to resolve issues, enhance performance, and ensure compliance within complex environments...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of embedded systems engineering by leading design, integration, and lifecycle management for military and aerospace products. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative solu...
3 weeks ago
Program Chief Engineer (Technical Lead)
$130K - $200K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative digital designs and architectures. Oversee a design team through all phases of hardware delivery, ensuring technical excellence and collaboration across discip...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Support the development of next-gen ICBM systems by collaborating with teams, ensuring deliverables meet requirements, and contributing to design reviews and data analysis for critical defense program...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of military intelligence by leading system integration efforts, ensuring seamless interoperability of advanced analytics and data platforms to enhance operational readiness and decisi...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Support critical integration tasks and troubleshoot workflows to enhance data sharing and interoperability within Army intelligence systems, ensuring seamless operations and modernization efforts...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in advancing terrestrial sensor integration for Army intelligence, ensuring seamless operational capabilities and strategic alignment across multiple defense sectors. Drive innovation...
Yesterday
$120K - $160K *
Elevate systems engineering excellence by leading critical activities for a high-priority defense program. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet stringent...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead critical systems engineering efforts for a high-priority nuclear modernization program, ensuring innovative solutions meet mission requirements while adhering to schedule and cost constraints. Co...
5 days ago
$100K - $140K *
Innovate with us to drive the development of advanced systems engineering solutions. Collaborate in a dynamic team to design, prototype, and transition cutting-edge technologies in undersea defense an...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by collaborating with a dynamic team to design, document, and test innovative systems for undersea defense and automated test equipment, ensuring successful prototype development a...
6 days ago
$198K - $320K *
Join a dynamic team as a Principal Systems Engineer, leading the development of an autonomous modular aircraft program. Drive technical decisions, establish MBSE practices, and ensure system integrity...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to empower systems engineering excellence in defense projects. Engage in comprehensive evaluations, technical documentation, and risk management to enhance system performance and s...
5 days ago
$120K - $144K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...
5 days ago
$124K - $238K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of spacecraft systems engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead cross-functional teams in developing complex spacecraft designs, ensuring compliance, and drivi...
1 week ago
$143K - $238K *
Accelerate progress at the system level by leading cross-functional teams in spacecraft design, requirements management, and fault analysis. Drive integration, verification, and validation activities...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development and integration of advanced hypersonic weapon systems, managing complex technical baselines and guiding risk management efforts. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensur...
2 weeks ago
Principal Systems Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and integrate advanced systems for dismounted Warfighter applications, ensuring seamless operation and compliance with technical performance standard...
4 weeks ago
Principal Systems & Product Design Engineer (UAS/Autonomous Systems)
$110K - $130K *
Lead a multi-disciplinary team to design and develop advanced UAS solutions, transforming operational needs into scalable architectures and ensuring successful product execution from concept to produc...
1 week ago
Principal Software Engineer - ACS
$166K - $250K *
Shape the future of technology by joining our Agile team to develop and integrate innovative software solutions. Leverage your expertise to enhance our PaaS platform while driving collaborative effort...
3 weeks ago
Principal Systems Engineer, Integration & Test Lead Onsite
$107K - $204K *
Lead the charge in integrated systems engineering for advanced radar programs. Drive collaboration and innovation across teams to ensure successful development, integration, and testing of air defense...
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.