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.
$108K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in manufacturing and test operations. Lead multi-discipline projects, enhance processes, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring cost, schedule, and technical...
1 week ago
$176K - $332K *
Lead the charge in cybersecurity innovation by shaping strategies, executing advanced technical solutions, and mentoring teams to defend against emerging threats while ensuring alignment with mission...
4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Cybersecurity
$209K - $270K *
Drive innovation in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, connecting customer needs with market and technical opportunities. Shape product strategies and lead cross-functional engagement to creat...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer – Mission Engineering, Modeling & Simulation
$107K - $195K *
Drive mission engineering initiatives by applying advanced modeling and simulation techniques. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational effectiveness and support strategic decision-making...
1 week ago
$140K - $190K *
Transform wireless communications as you develop algorithms for satellite connectivity. Engage in system design, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and lead projects in a dynamic environment foc...
3 weeks ago
Principal Integration & Test Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Innovate cutting-edge optical systems for national defense missions. Lead integration, calibration, and verification of advanced EO/IR payloads, ensuring seamless collaboration across teams to deliver...
6 days ago
Sr. Lead (Principal) Architect
$130K - $155K *
Drive the evolution of our enterprise analytics platform by leading cross-functional teams, managing stakeholder relationships, and delivering high-quality analytics solutions that meet business needs...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Optimize web application development by leveraging cloud orchestration, CI/CD, and microservices. Collaborate in an Agile setting, utilizing cutting-edge technology to support national security effort...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $180K *
Empower our team by implementing and maintaining enterprise infrastructure solutions. Collaborate across engineering and cybersecurity teams to support complex projects and enhance operational efficie...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Engage in systems engineering for Communication and Navigation integration on the SLS Program. Collaborate with teams to ensure effective payload integration, manage requirements, and support Artemis...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - TS/SCI w/Poly
$134K - $241K *
Lead the charge in systems engineering, tackling complex challenges and ensuring secure, reliable systems for mission-critical applications. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance software developm...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Help us lead innovative EO/IR sensor systems as a Systems Engineer Lead. Drive technical planning, integration, and validation efforts while mentoring a talented team. Collaborate with customers to so...
1 week ago
Systems Engineering Section Manager 2
$139K - $208K *
Elevate your career by managing a dynamic team of Systems Engineers, driving technical performance and program success across complex aerospace projects while fostering collaboration and innovation in...
Yesterday
Cyber Systems Security Engineering Senior Level
$110K - $204K *
Elevate your career by leading interdisciplinary teams to design and implement innovative Cyber solutions. Collaborate on risk assessments, develop security strategies, and ensure compliance throughou...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading power systems studies for utility-scale solar and battery storage projects, ensuring safe, reliable grid connections. Mentor teams while managing multiple complex assignmen...
2 weeks ago
Senior Quality Systems Engineer
$111K - $147K *
Shape the future of quality management systems by leading their implementation, execution, and continuous improvement across multiple sites. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processe...
Reposted today
Systems Engineer I - Lifecycle Engineering- Onsite
$57K - $108K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of missile defense technologies. As a Systems Engineer I, you'll plan and execute complex integration and verification tests, contributing to innovative solutions...
1 week ago
Systems Engineering Section Manager
$161K - $241K *
Oversee a team of Systems Engineers, guiding project development and performance in a high-stakes environment. Drive collaborative efforts and foster engineering excellence across multiple aerospace p...
2 weeks ago
$113K - $136K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating mechanical systems and hardware. In this role, you'll tackle engineering challenges, collaborate cross-functionally, and enhance product development througho...
5 days ago
$68K - $131K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing national security through innovative systems engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and integrate solutions that protect our...
6 days ago
$80K - $105K *
Champion project execution in aviation communication by coordinating STC development programs, ensuring timely delivery, and facilitating stakeholder collaboration to enhance engineering efficiency an...
5 days ago
$125K - $185K *
Unlock potential by leading complex automation projects from proposal to closeout, ensuring predictable outcomes across scope, schedule, cost, quality, and safety while managing technical and commerci...
1 week ago
Sr. Systems Engineer - Lunar Human Landing System (HLS)
$133K - $203K *
Lead the definition and certification of a lunar lander system, ensuring safety and verification standards are met. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive technical direction and mentor engineers in...
4 days ago
Senior Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering (Onsite)
$145K - $276K *
Drive innovation in structural engineering by providing expert nacelle repair solutions, ensuring compliance with FAA/EASA standards. Lead cross-functional teams, mentor engineers, and enhance process...
1 week ago
Staff Systems Engineer - Configuration Manager
$177K - $265K *
Lead configuration management activities across the program lifecycle, ensuring data integrity and compliance. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and deliverables while supporting audits and...
2 days 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.