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.
$200K - $250K *
Shape innovative software solutions by collaborating across teams to develop scalable, robust systems. Tackle complex challenges while taking ownership of significant features to enhance user experien...
3 weeks ago
$200K - $250K *
Unlock potential by leading cross-functional engineering teams to build robust systems that tackle complex challenges while ensuring user-centered solutions and scalable infrastructure. Drive innovati...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive excellence in network infrastructure by designing, supporting, and enhancing enterprise environments. Ensure seamless operations and introduce innovative solutions that empower sustainable growt...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Systems Engineering
$130K - $195K *
Lead the charge in advancing optical metrology technology through innovative product development and engineering leadership, driving cross-functional collaboration and ensuring customer satisfaction t...
5 days ago
Senior Electrical Engineer (Onsite)
$86K - $165K *
Engineer innovative solutions for complex military electronic systems, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure high-quality production. Work independently and creatively to troubleshoot and optimiz...
Reposted 3 days ago
$88K - $154K *
Explore a pivotal role in advancing nuclear engineering through research and collaboration. Lead innovative projects, enhance safety protocols, and drive improvements in fuel cycle technology while ma...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Systems Engineer - SM-3 Test Qualification Lead
$95K - $181K *
Lead the charge in environmental test qualification, ensuring compliance with rigorous standards. Oversee planning, execution, and documentation of test campaigns while mentoring junior engineers and...
Reposted today
$104K - $194K *
Manage engineering projects by coordinating planning, execution, and integration across teams. Drive technical solutions, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with standards while enhancing team effi...
5 days ago
Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Systems Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Drive the implementation of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to enhance submarine design processes. Collaborate with stakeholders, assess best practices, and develop innovative solutions to meet...
1 week ago
$129K - $193K *
Drive product support excellence by managing configuration processes and logistics analysis for unmanned systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance supportability and ensure complianc...
6 days ago
$150K - $270K *
Drive advanced systems engineering and program management support for a high-visibility Air Force program, ensuring effective decision-making across aerospace and C2 technologies while collaborating w...
1 week ago
$150K - $270K *
Unlock advanced systems engineering expertise to support high-visibility Air Force programs. Collaborate with teams to enhance decision-making across aerospace and C2 technologies, ensuring compliance...
1 week ago
Principal Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Software Engineer
$111K - $206K *
Lead the design and evolution of reusable software platforms for automated electronic test systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure system robustness, reliability, and support for multiple engineer...
3 weeks ago
Systems Integration and Requirements Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Empower aviation systems by translating operational needs into measurable requirements. Collaborate on integration, testing, and operational readiness for ground-based air traffic management and airpo...
3 days ago
Expert Systems Engineer (Requirements)
$170K - $230K *
Shape advanced technical solutions as a senior authority, guiding complex capabilities from concept to mission deployment. Lead requirement development, risk assessment, and project planning to meet c...
3 weeks ago
$58K - $108K *
Drive innovation in system engineering by managing technical documentation, overseeing compliance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance flight test planning and execution for stra...
5 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive innovative solutions as a Software Engineer, collaborating within an Agile Scrum team to analyze data, develop algorithms, and enhance missile threat prediction capabilities. Your expertise will...
Yesterday
$100K - $120K *
Elevate your career as a Software Engineer, supporting critical testing and integration tasks for advanced microprocessor systems. Collaborate on software testing, scripting, and hardware/software int...
1 week ago
Senior Systems Design Engineer
$136K - $258K *
Transform the future of technology by collaborating with engineers to develop cutting-edge GPU/CPU/SoC products across various industries, ensuring optimal performance, cost, and schedule while leadin...
4 days ago
Lead Cyber Systems Engineer - Level 4
$149K - $223K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the development of cyber technical products, ensuring a secure environment through collaboration with cross-functional teams. Drive innovation and technical excellence in a...
4 days ago
Engineer II, Systems Engineering
$86K - $129K *
Deliver innovative control systems for liquid cooling products, integrating engineering expertise and collaboration across teams to enhance product development and customer satisfaction in a dynamic e...
5 days ago
Principal Systems Engineer, Radar Analyst
$118K - $224K *
Shape the future of radar technology by leading systems integration and data analysis efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and enhance capabilities while managing proj...
2 weeks ago
416 - Principal Software Engineer
$216K - $241K *
Empower our mission by designing and deploying advanced Business Intelligence solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to create a robust data environment using cutting-edge technologies, enhancing an...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Propulsion Systems and Integration
$140K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining defense technology by integrating advanced propulsion systems into next-gen platforms. Collaborate across disciplines to transform concepts into reliable, manufacturable...
5 days ago
Senior Air Vehicle Systems Engineer
$112K - $179K *
Lead the future of Naval Aviation by providing expert systems engineering support. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage air vehicle projects, ensuring airworthiness and technical excellence in a d...
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.