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.
$110K - $130K *
Drive the future of control systems by integrating diverse engineering domains, collaborating closely with clients to fulfill technical requirements and ensuring robust system validation. Your experti...
Reposted today
Sr. Electrical Design Engineer
$104K - $173K *
Innovate spacecraft solar array systems as a technical expert, leading development, testing, and integration efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance power systems for space mission...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $195K *
Champion the development of advanced space control systems by leading mission analysis, simulation, and system integration efforts. Drive engineering decisions across the program lifecycle to ensure m...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $195K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space control systems by developing simulation tools, conducting mission analyses, and supporting system-level engineering decisions throughout the program lif...
2 weeks ago
Senior GRC Engineer (Special Programs)
$110K - $130K *
Optimize client compliance engagements by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST CSF standards while driving operational excellence and fostering strong rel...
3 weeks ago
Principal Control Systems Engineer
$159K - $214K *
Advance your career by leading complex control systems projects, providing technical expertise in instrumentation and automation for diverse industries. Drive innovation and enhance client satisfactio...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the development and integration of flight software for hypersonic vehicle programs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful software implementation, testing, and compliance...
1 week ago
Missile Integration Lead Engineer
$110K - $191K *
Lead the charge in missile systems integration, managing complex interfaces and ensuring compatibility between DOE components and DoD platforms. Drive successful project lifecycle activities while col...
5 days ago
$135K - $180K *
Lead RF test strategy and automation for wireless spacecraft systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, develop validation infrastructure, and ensure reliability across d...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Manage and enhance enterprise payment systems with a focus on reliability, application stability, and performance tuning while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutio...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Champion the design and management of a robust corporate technology environment, focusing on Microsoft 365, identity management, and endpoint management. Contribute to operational excellence while imp...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading advanced troubleshooting and support for AI hardware platforms. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure reliability and performance of cutting-edge systems in a dynami...
1 week ago
Avionics Test Systems Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Execute design and validation of avionics test racks for satellite hardware. Ensure compliance with industry standards through thorough testing and calibration while collaborating with customers and s...
3 weeks ago
Senior Principal Systems Engineer (Systems Architect) (Hybrid)
$132K - $251K *
Champion the evolution of complex aerospace systems by leading technical direction and systems engineering efforts, establishing strategies that ensure successful implementation and collaboration acro...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $130K *
Champion the development of submarine communication models using Model-Based Systems Engineering. Collaborate with engineers to enhance digital engineering practices, ensuring accurate and maintainabl...
1 week ago
$80K - $120K *
Drive systems engineering excellence by translating operational needs into rigorous requirements and architectures for cutting-edge avionics software, ensuring safety and compliance throughout the dev...
Reposted today
$80K - $120K *
Tackle complex systems engineering challenges leading teams to develop military technology solutions, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and overseeing project lifecycles to deliver innova...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Create innovative solutions as a Systems Engineer, overseeing the lifecycle management and integration of Defense Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance while m...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead systems engineering efforts to integrate and sustain advanced Defense Systems for Electronic Warfare, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with DoD standards while collaborating with va...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive optimization and continuous improvement in engineering processes while collaborating with stakeholders to enhance program efficacy. Utilize systems-level thinking to ensure comprehensive lifecyc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Lead the charge in supporting IT Service Management initiatives by maintaining and enhancing system infrastructure, ensuring high availability, and collaborating with teams to implement effective tech...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Empower transformative change by leading systems engineering initiatives that enhance governance, drive modernization, and improve collaboration across mission-critical programs, directly influencing...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's focused on enhancing IT service management. You'll manage systems, ensure infrastructure reliability, and provide strategic support to optimize operations within a critical military...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion vital Systems Engineering initiatives that enhance governance, drive modernization, and foster collaboration across teams, ensuring alignment with national security objectives and delivering...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Architect solutions for aviation software engineering, focusing on requirements management, system architecture, and safety-critical standards. Collaborate in a dynamic team to ensure compliance with...
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.