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Principal Systems Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peraton is seeking a Systems Architect Principal to join our national intelligence program in Northern Virginia as the primary visionary and strategist to transition the client's Enterprise IT ...

They are seeking a Systems Architect Principal to lead the transition of the client's Enterprise IT Infrastructure to a resilient and scalable environment, focusing on cloud-native architectures and ...

Systems Architect, Principal

Reston, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Systems Architect Principal to join our national intelligence program in Northern Virginia as the primary visionary and strategist to transition the client ...

Systems Architect, Principal

Reston, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Systems Architect Principal to join our national intelligence program in Northern Virginia as the primary visionary and strategist to transition the client ...

Systems Architect, Principal

Reston, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Systems Architect Principal to join our national intelligence program in Northern Virginia as the primary visionary and strategist to transition the client ...

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How much do principal systems architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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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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.

Principal/Sr Principal Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 22 hours 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: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Interim Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
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.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal/Sr. Principal Engineer Systems Architect to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test & Evaluation organization. This position will be located on-site in Melbourne, Florida.
The Systems Architect will design system architectures, define key capabilities and requirements, and establish technology constraints and external interfaces in line with customer needs for the System Integration Lab environment. The individual will develop requirements and architectural diagrams that describe the system architecture and design and collaborate with other IPTs to obtain the information and data needed in the model.
We are looking for innovative thinkers who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are comfortable with multi-tasking, prioritizing tasks, giving verbal presentations, and self-educating without direct supervision. The candidate must have a firm understanding of traditional systems engineering concepts and methodologies and must be able to apply and adjust these concepts and methodologies to an accelerated process in the early stages of the engineering design. The candidate must be familiar with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), be able to work within an agile environment, and have the ability to work in a fast-paced multi-tasking environment.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Work with the cross-functional engineering teams to create a baseline architecture for the SIL and STIL
  • Develop the lab design requirements and architecture in Cameo
  • Align with System Test and Responsible Engineers to support development of Requirements Test and Verification Matrix (RTVM) Lab requirements
  • Manage major subs and Partners/Suppliers to include lab build plans and architectural phases
  • Present SIL/STIL designs to Program and Customer leadership at Systems Engineering Technical Readiness (SETR) events

"This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below."
Basic Qualifications
"This requisition may be filled at either a Principal or a Sr Principal Systems Engineer"
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer:
  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline AND 5 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 3 years of related professional/military experience, or equivalent
  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Must have experience working as an engineer in a system test lab environment
  • Have an understanding of mission systems to include RF and satellite communications, message processing, mission systems architecture, air vehicle systems, simulation environments, and/or networking.
  • Experience developing model-based systems engineering products and/or Mission Engineering.
  • Understanding of mission systems to include RF and satellite communications, message processing, mission systems architecture, air vehicle systems, simulation environments, and networking.

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Systems Engineer:
  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline AND 8 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 6 years of related professional/military experience, or equivalent
  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Must have experience working as an engineer in a system test lab environment
  • Have an understanding of mission systems to include RF and satellite communications, message processing, mission systems architecture, air vehicle systems, simulation environments, and/or networking.
  • Experience developing model-based systems engineering products and/or Mission Engineering.
  • Understanding of mission systems to include RF and satellite communications, message processing, mission systems architecture, air vehicle systems, simulation environments, and networking.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a system test lab environment
  • Experience communicating design concepts to management and customers
  • Experienced using MBSE tools like CAMEO
  • Experienced with Electronic Principles (MIL-STD-1553, RS-232 & 422, ARINC 429, Ethernet & fiber)
  • Familiarity with avionics systems and equipment
  • Current DoD Top Secret clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
The 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

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