Principal / Lead Systems Engineer

$150–$300/hr USDmicro1RemoteSelected countries only

At a glance

You will design realistic multidisciplinary engineering projects for an AI training project, defining requirements, technical constraints and acceptance criteria, and breaking projects into connected tasks. You need substantial experience as a Principal or Lead Systems Engineer and at least 20+ hours of weekly availability.

Summary written by AI from the original listing.

  • Remote · Contract role
  • Open to applicants in 58 countries, including United States, United Kingdom, Canada
  • Pays more than the typical $68/hr USD for similar roles on micro1 See how this pay compares ↓
  • Posted Nov 4, 2026 · 30 openings reported

About the role

Role Title: Principal / Lead Systems Engineer

Role Type: Contractor

Location: Remote - US-based preferred; candidates with strong relevant experience worldwide considered.

micro1 is looking for experienced Principal or Lead Systems Engineers to support an AI training project focused on complex, real-world engineering workflows. In this role, you will draw on your experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects to design realistic tasks, coordinate contributions from domain experts, and define clear technical objectives and evaluation criteria. Your expertise will help improve how AI systems plan, execute, and validate engineering work.

Scope of Work

  • Design realistic engineering projects involving multiple disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, hardware, software, and manufacturing.
  • Translate project objectives into clear requirements, technical constraints, and measurable acceptance criteria.
  • Break complex projects into connected tasks with defined inputs, deliverables, dependencies, and expert responsibilities.

Requirements

  • Substantial professional experience as a Principal Systems Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, or in a comparable technical leadership role.
  • At least 20+ of weekly availability
  • Proven experience leading complex engineering projects involving multiple technical disciplines.
  • Strong expertise in requirements engineering, interface management, system integration, and verification and validation.
  • English proficiency at B2 level or higher

Preferred Qualifications

  • A relevant master's degree or PhD in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience with model-based systems engineering, SysML, or requirements management tools.
  • Experience leading projects from initial requirements through integration, testing, and delivery.
  • Experience in aerospace, automotive, robotics, industrial systems, medical devices, or other complex engineering environments.

Skills

Project ManagementCross-disciplinary technical leadershipSystem integrationverification & validation
Applicant countries
Selected countries only

Eligible countries: Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan.

53 more

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United States, Canada, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia

Openings reported
30
Work arrangement
Remote
Advertised job location
Not specified
Originally posted
2026-11-04
Last checked

How this pay compares

Engineering: typical hourly pay on each platform, November 2026.

This role $150–$300/hr USDTypical on micro1 $68/hr USDTypical across platforms $80/hr USD

  • micro1This platform$68/hr USD71 rolesMiddle half of roles: $40–$93/hr USD
  • Mercor$80/hr USD35 rolesMiddle half of roles: $60–$90/hr USD
  • Meridial$37/hr USD14 rolesMiddle half of roles: $36–$37/hr USD
  • SME Careers$100/hr USD17 rolesMiddle half of roles: $45–$105/hr USD
  • Handshake AI$85/hr USD64 rolesMiddle half of roles: $80–$96/hr USD
  • Alpheva$175/hr USD26 rolesMiddle half of roles: $118–$204/hr USD
  • Anyone AI$40/hr USD8 rolesMiddle half of roles: $40–$45/hr USD

Based on 235 hourly-paid roles listed in November 2026. Per-task and project rates are not included. Each platform sets its own pay.

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