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 Model-Based Systems Engineer
$105K - $175K *
Drive innovation by leading complex engineering tasks and guiding cross-functional teams in model-based systems engineering, ensuring successful integration and performance across aircraft and weapons...
1 week ago
Senior Systems Engineering Leader 6
$164K - $305K *
Contribute to systems engineering ownership for launch systems, driving technical integration, establishing processes, and ensuring balanced solutions against performance, schedule, cost, and risk whi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineering Leader 6
$164K - $305K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Systems Engineering Leader, driving technical integration and fostering collaboration across departments to ensure robust systems engineering practices, risk management...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Partner with us to provide vital engineering support for Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions systems, ensuring successful development and sustainment for U.S. military forces through collaboration...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
System Engineer - Infrastructure Sustainment
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, tackling complex technical challenges while optimizing mission-critical infrastructure across multiple locations. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance se...
Today
$127K - $190K *
Champion innovative solutions as a Systems Engineering Manager, leading diverse teams in the Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications program. Drive technical performance while foste...
1 week ago
Associate Autonomous Systems Engineer
$97K - $146K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI and robotics. Collaborate on innovative projects, enhance autonomous systems, and support cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced environment focused on rea...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's redefining data center architecture with innovative design and sustainable solutions while leading cross-functional projects globally to support cloud operations...
3 weeks ago
Senior Embedded Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading embedded firmware development for cutting-edge optical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, production-ready solutions while mentoring...
1 week ago
$120K - $166K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a diverse team, managing project execution, and ensuring customer satisfaction through effective planning and collaboration. Mentor junior engineers while overs...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Actuators & Control Systems)
$160K - $280K *
Design and develop embedded software for advanced actuators and control systems, ensuring reliable operation in demanding environments. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and safety in ae...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Wireless and Digital Design
$169K - $266K *
Engage in the development of advanced wireless algorithms enabling seamless connectivity between Bluetooth® devices and satellites. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on system design, analysis...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal System Architect (Remote)
$154K - $231K *
Transform the future of high-speed data communication by leading system architecture initiatives, engaging with customers, and driving innovative solutions in compute, AI, and networking to meet evolv...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Architect and manage the technical aspects of defense programs, ensuring integration across disciplines, compliance with requirements, and alignment of overall product solutions throughout the program...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Help us drive innovation by leading a diverse engineering team to successfully deliver complex projects while aligning technical strategies with organizational goals and fostering a collaborative envi...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative engineering solutions by integrating model-based systems engineering to enhance national security and healthcare access. Collaborate with clients to translate needs into technical spe...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Systems Engineer – Space Missions
$142K - $213K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced spacecraft systems for national security missions. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate and test complex systems, ensuring mission success in a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal System Safety Engineer
$107K - $204K *
Architect pivotal safety programs ensuring adherence to MIL-STD-882E while managing risk and mentoring engineers. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance system design and promote a robust safety cu...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Contribute to innovative systems engineering for cutting-edge server designs, ensuring high-quality and reliable products. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and manage project deadlines while...
Reposted yesterday
Space Payload Systems/Principal Systems Engineer
$87K - $131K *
Champion systems engineering efforts for space subsystems and payloads, overseeing full lifecycle processes from mission design to operational support, ensuring integration, verification, and validati...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovation by designing and developing embedded firmware, collaborating with engineering teams, and utilizing advanced tools for validation and debugging. Drive progress in circuit design and...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion the development of advanced Human Machine Integrated Formations by translating operational needs into systems requirements. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful prototyping for...
5 days ago
Engineering Execution Manager - BNATCS Architecture & Systems Engineering (BASE)
$135K - $216K *
Lead the charge in engineering operations by supervising a diverse team of 30 engineers, ensuring effective performance management, resource allocation, and workforce planning to support the moderniza...
4 days ago
$91K - $181K *
Drive software development excellence by leading Agile teams in creating innovative, mission-critical solutions. Collaborate with experts to ensure seamless integration and long-term sustainment of cu...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineering Manager
$138K - $165K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of avionics systems by leading software development initiatives. You'll manage a talented group of engineers, ensuring project success from inception to completio...
Today
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.