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.
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of defense simulation. As a Systems Engineer, support the TASD program through requirements development, data analysis, and collaborative modeling to enhance our...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Software Autonomy Engineer
$82K - $245K *
Innovate cutting-edge autonomous systems for multi-domain vehicles. Leverage expert knowledge in task planning, robotics software integration, and AI-based algorithms to develop solutions for defense...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Enterprise Architect
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of enterprise architecture by leading modernization initiatives, aligning technology with business strategies, and ensuring robust governance across applications, infrastructure, and...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Partner with us to lead program management efforts in defense acquisition, ensuring compliance with DoD policies while driving successful execution of critical projects that enhance national security...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Collaborate to design and manage plant-floor OT infrastructure, ensuring secure, reliable integration with IT systems to support effective manufacturing operations and drive consistency across locatio...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the design and development of advanced satellite platforms, optimizing system architectures for performance, reliability, and cost. Collaborate cross-functionally to translate mission requirement...
3 weeks ago
Senior System Architect, Hardware Architecture
$183K - $247K *
Grow your expertise to define cutting-edge system architecture for innovative consumer products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to lead technical solutions and drive decisions from concept to...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform your career by leading acquisition support for cutting-edge C3C technologies. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational effectiveness and drive strategic initiatives in a dynamic defense...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower UAS capabilities by leading datalink engineering efforts, providing technical expertise, and driving strategic initiatives across the PM UAS enterprise. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhanc...
1 week ago
$143K - $197K *
Drive the development of advanced system solutions by leading cross-functional teams, managing requirements, and ensuring system integration and verification throughout the product lifecycle. Champion...
2 weeks ago
Power Systems Software Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Champion the future of transmission planning by designing and automating cloud-based tools that enhance workflows for utilities and developers. Collaborate with engineers to ensure reliable, efficient...
Today
$97K - $117K *
Unlock your potential by driving innovation in mechanical systems for spaceflight. Collaborate across teams to develop and integrate cutting-edge hardware and systems, ensuring mission success from de...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Embedded Software Architect
$165K - $175K *
Transform defense technology by leading a team to design advanced embedded security solutions. Drive innovation in software architecture and development, ensuring robust protection against cyber threa...
Today
Senior Principal Embedded Software Architect
$165K - $175K *
Transform advanced embedded security technologies by leading a cross-functional team to protect U.S. defense systems from cyber threats. Drive innovation in secure processors and anti-tamper architect...
Today
Staff Systems Engineer - International Travel Required
$135K - $251K *
Lead the charge in integrating and testing complex systems, ensuring alignment with customer requirements while managing technical specifications and schedules. Collaborate with teams to develop compr...
Today
Senior Staff Systems Engineer, Embedded Safety
$155K - $193K *
Transform the future of robotics by leading systems engineering for safe, autonomous platforms. Collaborate across teams to define requirements, ensure safety compliance, and validate firmware in comp...
Yesterday
$95K - $178K *
Drive innovative systems engineering solutions by developing requirements and models, collaborating with stakeholders, and supporting verification activities to enhance strategic defense capabilities...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $178K *
Join us to lead critical safety engineering efforts in support of advanced Nuclear Weapons Programs, leveraging your expertise to develop solutions that meet stringent DoD requirements and ensure miss...
2 weeks ago
$182K - $338K *
Lead the charge in ensuring high-quality software releases for F-22 programs by collaborating with cross-functional teams, driving disciplined release practices, and upholding engineering standards to...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - Ground-Based Systems
$130K - $144K *
Help us integrate and evolve ground systems for national security space missions. Collaborate across teams to drive software evolution, manage technical baselines, and ensure successful mission onboar...
Reposted 2 days ago
Systems Engineer III, On-Orbit Test Coordinator
$90K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer III, driving satellite operations and on-orbit testing. Leverage your expertise to enhance efficiency, collaborate with government and contractors, and tackle...
1 week ago
Senior Integration and Test Engineer, Lab Operations
$82K - $220K *
Drive integration and testing excellence by managing lab operations, mitigating risks, and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency and ensure successful project delivery wh...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Drive systems engineering leadership across complex light rail transit projects, ensuring integration, verification, and validation of systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet operati...
1 week ago
$110K - $204K *
Transform software development by leading the design and integration of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for hypersonic missile programs, ensuring robust and secure solutions in a hi...
Yesterday
Sr Systems Engineer (Flight Operations – Flight Dynamics)
$143K - $197K *
Engineer mission success by leading analysis and design for Dream Chaser flight operations. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring seamless mission execution from our contr...
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.