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.
Chief Engineer Development Manager (L5) | Grand Prairie, TX | 14572
$148K - $275K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence for missile production programs. Oversee cross-functional teams, ensure technical compliance, resolve issues swiftly, and drive mission success while mentorin...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive success by collaborating with R&D and Sales to create tailored solutions. Utilize your expertise in enterprise storage and architecture to guide clients, define product requirements, and enhance...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Development Engineer, Test Stand
$165K - $235K *
Shape the future of propulsion systems by leading the design and build of hypergolic test facilities. Your expertise will ensure safety and compliance while creating innovative solutions that drive ou...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges in airspace safety. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop products from concept to deployment in a fast-paced environment. S...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Embedded Systems Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of vehicle technology by evolving edge software for advanced sensor systems. Lead architectural decisions, mentor peers, and transition prototypes to reliable pro...
Reposted 1 week ago
Lead, Mechanical Design Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead a multi-disciplinary team to design advanced laser systems for military applications. Manage complex projects, provide technical direction, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver innovative...
2 weeks ago
Overhead Systems Integration SME
$86K - $198K *
Shape the future of national-security space systems by guiding integration and evaluation efforts. Leverage your expertise in sensor integration and systems engineering to enhance mission performance...
1 week ago
$111K - $170K *
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to manage system requirements, support verification and validation, and drive product goals. Lead systems engineering efforts to ensure successful execution an...
4 days ago
Principal Project Engineer (ONSITE)
$107K - $204K *
Unlock potential by leading engineering efforts for advanced communication systems. Drive project execution, manage budgets, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure technical success an...
3 days ago
Sr Systems Engineer (SRM) (Remote Option Available)
$95K - $129K *
Champion innovative systems engineering solutions by analyzing requirements, designing documentation, and maintaining models. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance project outcomes and drive techn...
Yesterday
Sr Systems Engineer (SRM) (Remote Option Available)
$95K - $129K *
Join a team that's redefining systems engineering by leveraging your expertise in the full lifecycle. Collaborate with diverse teams to analyze requirements, design systems, and enhance processes, all...
Yesterday
Sr Systems Engineer (SRM) (Remote Option Available)
$95K - $129K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Systems Engineer, driving innovative solutions through the full systems engineering lifecycle. Collaborate with diverse teams to analyze requirements, design systems...
Yesterday
SR Digital Engineer / MBSE Analyst
$112K - $179K *
Drive the development and integration of digital twin capabilities, ensuring alignment with program objectives and model-based systems engineering practices across complex systems to enhance mission o...
2 weeks ago
Sr Engineering Support Specialist
$106K - $129K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative engineering solutions. Leverage your expertise to analyze and troubleshoot complex systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive...
4 days ago
Senior Systems Engineer, Network Architect
$135K - $155K *
Drive the future of Army Intelligence systems by optimizing network infrastructure, ensuring high-speed data flow, and collaborating with key stakeholders to enhance operational capabilities and compl...
2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer, Network Architect
$135K - $155K *
Advance your career by designing and optimizing network infrastructures for Army Intelligence systems. Collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance performance and ensure robust data flow across criti...
2 weeks ago
$134K - $174K *
Shape the future of space exploration by leading technology development, engaging with partners, and building strategic roadmaps that align with company goals while staying abreast of industry advance...
Reposted 4 days ago
$90K - $140K *
Innovate and manage electrical engineering for a major hydroelectric safety upgrade, overseeing subcontractors, ensuring compliance, and leading project execution across multiple facilities for optima...
4 weeks ago
$123K - $230K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced test and measurement products, guiding cross-functional teams and mentoring engineers while driving complex hardware projects from concept to production...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Make your mark at the forefront of technology by leading the development of advanced test and measurement products. Drive innovation, mentor engineers, and influence cross-functional teams to deliver...
2 weeks ago
Sr System Test Engineer - 2263
$99K - $165K *
Join the Customer Technical Support team as a lead System Test Engineer, driving the qualification of KIOXIA SSD products. Collaborate with engineering and customers, troubleshoot issues, and manage e...
4 weeks ago
Principal Electrical Engineer, Power Systems
$162K - $205K *
Innovate the future of power systems by owning the electrical architecture for cutting-edge gas turbine technology. Collaborate across disciplines to design, validate, and integrate robust electrical...
1 week ago
$104K - $194K *
Contribute to quality engineering initiatives that enhance product reliability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data, identify risks, and implement effective correct...
6 days ago
Principal Engineer, Service Delivery - Networking
$122K - $174K *
Unlock your potential as you drive the deployment of cutting-edge networking solutions, ensuring exceptional service delivery and customer satisfaction through expert collaboration and proactive issue...
Reposted 2 days ago
Sr Systems Integration Engineer - Electrical
$143K - $197K *
Lead electrical integration for satellite systems, ensuring seamless operation of power, data, and RF subsystems. Manage technical documentation and collaborate across teams to support successful laun...
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.