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.
$134K - $205K *
Analyze complex power systems by conducting electromagnetic transient analysis, optimizing performance, and collaborating with teams to solve technical challenges in electrical engineering...
3 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer - DevSecOps
$118K - $224K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing national security through innovative DevSecOps solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive excellence in software development, ensuring robust...
1 week ago
Principal Acquisition Program Manager (DevSecOps)
$175K - $195K *
Join our team to transition manual classification systems to AI-driven solutions, enhancing data sharing for national security. Leverage your experience to streamline processes while collaborating on...
3 weeks ago
Requirements Management and System Engineer
$97K - $159K *
Drive the management of nuclear project requirements, ensuring alignment across engineering disciplines while overseeing documentation, compliance, and stakeholder collaboration throughout project del...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Lead Fires Systems Engineer (Joint and Services Center)
$146K - $219K *
Shape the future of military operations by leading systems engineering efforts for integrated fires initiatives, enhancing collaboration across services, and driving innovation in command and control...
1 week ago
Systems Engineer Space Systems Development
$126K - $152K *
Drive the future of remote sensing by supporting mission design and system integration for a proliferated spacecraft constellation. Collaborate across teams to enhance monitoring and reporting capabil...
6 days ago
Sr. Principal Engineer (TRMC/ CAM Lead)
$129K - $193K *
Champion quality lifecycle development and logistics for RQ-4 programs. Collaborate with teams to meet budget, schedule, and quality objectives while leading project performance and ensuring complianc...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Principal Engineer (TRMC/ CAM Lead)
$129K - $193K *
Take ownership of product support integration for RQ-4 programs, ensuring quality lifecycle development and logistics services are delivered on time and within budget while collaborating with diverse...
1 week ago
Ground Systems Engineer (Lead/Senior) - Millennium Space Systems
$111K - $202K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead the design and development of ground systems for satellite missions, ensuring mission success from inception through launch and beyond. Collaborate with engineers and c...
Today
Ground Systems Engineer (Lead/Senior) - Millennium Space Systems
$111K - $202K *
Unlock your potential by leading the design and development of ground systems for satellite missions. Collaborate with teams to ensure mission success from inception through launch and beyond, while m...
1 week ago
$110K - $154K *
Deliver innovative electrical designs supporting DOD projects. Collaborate with teams and mentor engineers while ensuring compliance with security standards and applicable codes. Utilize advanced soft...
3 weeks ago
Technical Project Management, Senior Advisor
$146K - $234K *
Join us in driving strategic plans and managing advanced tech projects, ensuring oversight and alignment with corporate goals. Leverage your communications and analytical skills to support leadership...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$85K - $105K *
Partner with us to ensure project efficiency and clarity by maintaining documentation, tracking decisions, and supporting construction teams. Your attention to detail will help prevent critical oversi...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineering - Software Engineer - P2
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by driving the design, development, and maintenance of software modules while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions through the ful...
4 weeks ago
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
$107K - $204K *
Lead the charge in mechanical design, collaborating with engineers to create innovative electromechanical systems. Drive projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality and efficiency in a fast...
2 weeks ago
Lead Automotive E/E Systems Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative E/E systems engineering efforts, collaborating with teams to develop and maintain complex schematics. Represent the company with professionalism while ensurin...
3 weeks ago
Business Systems Technical Lead
$90K - $120K *
Join our team to lead the technical direction for business systems implementation, integrating applications, optimizing performance, and mentoring junior members to enhance operational efficiency and...
3 weeks ago
Integration & Test Systems Engineer
$91K - $137K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in systems engineering. Collaborate on test solutions, develop comprehensive plans, and automate testing processes while ensuring data integrity and managing cust...
2 weeks ago
Integration & Test Systems Engineer
$87K - $131K *
Elevate your career by leading integration and testing for advanced RF radar systems, working with cross-functional teams to ensure hardware and software meet stringent performance requirements throug...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Integration & Test Engineer
$107K - $195K *
Lead the verification and validation of advanced systems in a dynamic team, focusing on testing methodologies and systems integration for Air Traffic Control modernization. Utilize AI and ML technique...
Yesterday
$140K - $190K *
Advance your career by designing cutting-edge RF subsystems for innovative products. Collaborate with a talented team to enhance performance and ensure compliance, while tackling complex engineering c...
1 week ago
Sr Principal Engineering Program Manager
$181K - $345K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in engineering program management. Lead complex, cross-functional programs through the entire product lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence whi...
Yesterday
Sr Principal Engineering Program Manager
$168K - $319K *
Transform your career by leading complex engineering programs from concept to completion. Drive cross-functional collaboration, manage schedules, and ensure timely delivery while enhancing product lif...
Yesterday
Sr Principal Engineering Program Manager
$159K - $367K *
Elevate your career by managing complex, cross-functional engineering programs. Drive execution excellence from concept to product lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while collab...
Yesterday
$115K - $140K *
Lead the charge in process engineering, driving the end-to-end lifecycle from development to full production. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance manufacturing processes, utilizing Lean and Six...
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.