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Principal Systems Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Draper

Principal Systems Architect

Cambridge, MA

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Digital Engineering Solution Architect to apply systems-thinking and advanced methodologies to developing solutions ...

Inuplands

Principal Systems Architect

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95 - $237.50/hr

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Digital Engineering Solution Architect to apply systems-thinking and advanced methodologies to developing solutions ...

Draper

Principal Systems Architect

Huntsville, AL

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Digital Engineering Solution Architect to apply systems-thinking and advanced methodologies to developing solutions ...

Draper

Principal Systems Architect

Cambridge, MA · On-site

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Digital Engineering Solution Architect to apply systems-thinking and advanced methodologies to developing solutions ...

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How much do principal systems architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems architect in the United States is $138,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal systems architect?

A Principal Systems Architect is a senior-level technical role responsible for designing and overseeing complex IT systems and infrastructure. They define technical standards, system architectures, and integration strategies to meet business objectives. This role requires deep expertise in software, hardware, networking, and cloud technologies, along with leadership skills to guide teams. Principal Systems Architects collaborate with stakeholders to ensure scalability, security, and efficiency in system designs.

What are some common challenges faced by principal systems architects, and how are they addressed?

Principal Systems Architects often face the challenge of bridging the gap between complex technical requirements and evolving business needs. This can involve managing competing stakeholder priorities, ensuring system scalability, and integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure. Successful architects address these challenges by maintaining open communication with cross-functional teams, leveraging established architectural frameworks, and employing robust planning and documentation processes. Team collaboration and ongoing professional development are also crucial for staying ahead of industry trends and maintaining effective, future-proof solutions in dynamic environments.

What does a principal systems architect do?

A principal systems architect designs and oversees complex IT systems and infrastructure, ensuring they meet organizational needs and technical standards. They analyze requirements, develop architecture strategies, and collaborate with engineering teams, often using tools like cloud platforms and modeling frameworks. This role typically requires extensive experience in systems design, strong technical skills, and leadership abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal systems architect?

To excel as a Principal Systems Architect, you need deep expertise in systems design, enterprise architecture, and solution integration, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with architectural frameworks (like TOGAF or Zachman), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect) is highly valued. Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies enable architects to design robust, scalable systems while aligning technical solutions with business goals across large organizations.

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Principal Systems Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,022 per year, or $66.4 per hour.

Engineer Systems Architect 2 or Principal Engineer Systems Architect 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$79K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Systems Architect/Principal Systems Architect to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Melbourne, Florida.

The Systems Architect/Principal Systems Architect will perform functional analysis and Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes for incremental capability development and integration on military aircraft platforms in a fast-paced environment. This individual will also perform SOW aligned to Diagnostic Systems Coverage Analysis. This individual will collaborate with several stakeholders across distributed teams (subsystem developers, system integrators, system testers, etc.) to support delivery of quality design products. This individual will maintain technical cognizance of subsystem interdependencies and maturity of interfaces for identifying and resolving gaps.

Basic Qualifications for a Systems Architect/Principal Systems Architect

Systems Architect -

  • 2 Years with Bachelors in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics); 0 Years with Masters
  • Able to obtain and maintain DoD Secret clearance
  • Able to obtain and maintain Special Access Program access
  • Experience with Systems Engineering principles and products

Principal Systems Architect

  • 5 Years with Bachelors in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics); 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD
  • Able to obtain and maintain DoD Secret clearance
  • Able to obtain and maintain Special Access Program access
  • Experience with Systems Engineering principles and products

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An active, In-scope DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance
  • Previous or existing Program Access Request (PAR)
  • Experience with MBSE tools for system architecture modeling (e.g., Cameo, Rhapsody, GENESYS)
  • Experience with system modeling languages, approaches, and methodologies, such as SysML
  • Experience with Agile methodologies
Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

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At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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