1

Principal Systems Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Principal Systems Architect information

See salary details

$101.5K

$138K

$181K

How much do principal systems architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 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.

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 problem-solving skills, and certifications such as TOGAF or AWS Certified Solutions Architect.
More about Principal Systems Architect jobs

What cities are hiring for Principal Systems Architect jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Systems Architect job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Systems Architect jobs?

The top employers for Principal Systems Architect jobs are:

What states have the most Principal Systems Architect jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Systems Architect jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Systems Architect jobs?

For Principal Systems Architect jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Systems Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,022 per year, or $66.4 per hour.

Sentinel - Systems/Principal Systems Engineer Architect - 16910

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Bellevue, NE • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be 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.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Systems Engineer Architect/Principal Systems Engineer Architect in support of the Sentinel program.This opening may be in Roy, UT, Huntsville, AL, Bellevue, NE or Colorado Springs, CO and will support the Sentinel Program. Northrop Grumman supports the Air Force's sustainment, development, production and deployment of hardware and system modifications for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Ground and Airborne Launch Control Systems, Launch Facilities, and associated infrastructure.

What you will get to do:

Specific duties to include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), development of requirements and multiple system engineering models
  • Coordination & collaboration with the System Engineering and Command & Launch Segment System Engineering Teams
  • Supporting system, segment, element and unit level trade studies
  • Definition of high-level functional and performance requirements and verification methods, subsequent analysis, decomposition, and derivation of requirements, allocation of those lower-level requirements to physical and functional architectural elements, and tracking them through design, verification, integration, and operational validation
  • Supporting a team of engineers to create, mature and present comprehensive and cohesive technical charts representative of the appropriate level of maturation for any given milestone meeting and demonstrating team readiness in relation to achieving the milestone entrance and exit criteria
  • Identifying required contractual deliverables and non-contractual documentation and driving corresponding updates to closure
  • Coordinating and collaborating with diverse engineering design teams to assist in managing the technical baseline

This position may be hired at the Principal Systems Architect or Sr. Principal Systems Architect levels depending upon applicant qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

Systems Architect:

  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 2 years of experience. MS with 0 years of experience.
  • Must be a US Citizen with an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope (< 6 years)
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need
  • 2 years of experience developing or reviewing requirements within DOORS or similar tool
  • 2 years of experience in ICBM (MMIII or Sentinel) OR complex aerospace/defense systems

Principal Systems Architect:

  • BS degree in STEM with 5 Years of related systems engineering experience; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD
  • Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Secret Clearance with an investigation date within the last 6 years
  • Must be able to be successfully screened for Enhanced Security Clearances, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs
  • 2 years of experience developing or reviewing requirements within DOORS or similar tool
  • 2 years of experience in ICBM (MMIII or Sentinel) OR complex aerospace/defense systems

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity or experience with MagicDraw / Cameo EA
  • Familiarity or expertise in DOORS requirements management tool
  • Experience developing ICDs and defining interfaces in an MBSE environment
  • Experience working in an Agile team
  • Understanding of GN&C algorithms and flight critical software development
  • Understanding of the following specialty areas: nuclear surety, cybersecurity, flight safety
  • Working understanding of basic control system theory and vehicle management systems / guidance system design
  • Work experience in one of the following disciplines: guidance & control systems, inertial sensors, navigation systems or vehicle management systems

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401k
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health & Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts

This position's standard work schedule is 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

#SentinelSystems

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $131,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $163,200.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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