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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Systems Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

The Principal Systems Engineer imparts Systems Engineering structure, and guides associated staff, to support development of state-of-the-art RF transmitter systems. This individual is responsible ...

Principal Systems Engineers Location: Minnetonka, MN, Onsite role Experience : 10+ Years Looking for talented Principal Systems Engineers to join our growing team in Minnetonka, MN! Systems thinker ...

Principal Systems Engineer will have a broad technical background spanning hardware, software, mobile, and cloud technologies with a deep understanding of medical device regulations and best ...

Principal Systems Engineer Location: Shoreview, MN Travel: Quarterly travel to Austin, TX (approx. once per quarter) Contract Duration: 12 Months Experience Requirements • Minimum Years of ...

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Principal Systems Engineer information

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$21K

$149.2K

$224.5K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in the United States is $149,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Principal Systems Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project development?

A Principal Systems Engineer plays a central role in coordinating between hardware, software, and project management teams to ensure system integration and project alignment. They often facilitate technical discussions, clarify requirements, and help resolve complex engineering challenges by leveraging their expertise. Regularly, they lead design reviews, mentor junior engineers, and act as the technical liaison between stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met. This collaborative approach helps maintain project quality and fosters innovation within the team.

What does a Principal Systems Engineer do?

A Principal Systems Engineer leads the design, integration, and management of complex systems within an organization. They are responsible for overseeing the entire systems engineering process, from requirements gathering to implementation and maintenance. In this senior role, they collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensure system reliability, and provide technical guidance to engineers. Principal Systems Engineers often contribute to setting technical standards and drive innovation in system architecture.

What is the difference between Principal Systems Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with certifications like PMP or INCOSEBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLead complex projects, oversee system integration, collaborate with cross-functional teamsSupport system development, perform testing, assist in system implementation
Employer & Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, large tech firms, government agenciesTechnology companies, manufacturing, defense contractors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior technical roles, career progressionEntry to mid-level roles, job responsibilities

The Principal Systems Engineer typically holds a senior technical leadership role, overseeing complex projects and guiding teams, while the Systems Engineer focuses on supporting system development and implementation. Both roles require engineering credentials, but the Principal position involves more strategic oversight and experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, integration, and engineering principles, typically backed by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with systems modeling tools (such as SysML), requirements management platforms, and relevant certifications like INCOSE CSEP are highly valued. Outstanding problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for designing complex systems, guiding multidisciplinary teams, and delivering solutions that meet technical and business objectives.
More about Principal Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Systems Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Systems Engineer jobs? The top employers for Principal Systems Engineer jobs are:
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What are popular job titles related to Principal Systems Engineer jobs? For Principal Systems Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,214 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Principal Systems Engineer

Principal Systems Engineer

Trident Systems LLC

Concord, NH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Principal Systems Engineer
Requisition ID: 1736
Position Location: Fairfax, VA / Concord, NH (onsite)
Position Reports To: Senior Principal Systems Engineer
Supervises Others: No

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.


Position Summary

We are seeking a talented, self-motivated, and experienced Principal Systems Engineer with demonstrated success in leading engineering teams to develop and deliver new and/or improved products that meet requirements on time and within budget. The Principal Systems Engineer provides systems engineering methodology expertise across R&D and product development programs, is a key participant in establishing technology and product roadmaps and contributes to business opportunities of strategic importance.

The Principal Systems Engineer works collaboratively with program managers and project engineers to ensure successful program execution and is responsible for guiding program teams to solving problems through a wholistic, systems engineering approach. This position requires expert technical capability and communication skill, effective forward thinking to take advantage of opportunities and prevent issues, and ability to work with engineering leadership towards growing an effective engineering organization. To be successful in this role, the individual should possess technical depth to perform deep-dive analysis and apply properly tailored systems engineering process, as well as technical breadth to work through complex issues across disciplines (e.g. mechanical, electrical, software, and firmware). This individual is able to work autonomously with only high-level objectives to be effective, is able to work on problems of diverse complexity and scope and demonstrates expert engineering judgement.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead a diverse engineering team in the development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, networking, and/or data storage units for space applications using systems engineering methodology
  • Own the systems engineering process on the program and ensure the proper systems analysis and trades, technical baseline management, and requirements verification and validation activities are completed
  • Collaborate with program management to lead program planning and execution within cost and schedule constraints
  • Act as the program technical champion / representative / POC
  • Prepare for, and present at all major design reviews, including internal and external (customer) reviews
  • Provide technical expertise in planning for IR&D and new product initiatives
  • Support proposal efforts for new business opportunities
  • Support travel or off-site work, as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field
  • 9+ years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree or 7 years with a Master’s degree
  • Technical project lead experience
  • Highly accomplished in engineering or scientific domain(s) of expertise
  • Fluent in multiple relevant technical/scientific domains and can work through complex issues across engineering disciplines
  • Proficient in application of systems engineering methodology to product design and development
  • Ability to lead multidiscipline teams (e.g. system, hardware, software/firmware, and integration and test) through the development of complex electronic systems to meet rigorous space application requirements
  • Strong team leadership, including ability to coach teams, provide mentorship, etc.
  • Ability to balance technical performance with program cost and schedule targets
  • Excellent organization and communication skills
  • Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or individual granted refugee or asylee status)

Preferred Qualifications

  • MS degree in a STEM field
  • Experience with space industry product development life cycles
  • Experience in product development for high reliability, high survivability, and/or space environment applications
  • Experience with complex electronics product design at low level of integration, e.g. PCBAs, mechanical structures, mission software, FPGA firmware, etc.
  • Experience with Xilinx family devices, including Zynq UltraScale+ or Versal architecture
  • Knowledge of VPX standards (VITA 46 and VITA 65) and demonstrated experience implementing in embedded hardware
  • Experience in electronics design including schematic capture, PCB layout, PCB routing, high-speed data design, mixed-signal analysis/design, signal integrity analysis, etc.
  • Experience in signal processing and/or algorithm development
  • Experience with CAD tools, e.g. PSpice, LTspice, Altium, SOLIDWORKS, Keysight ADS, etc.
  • Experience with systems engineering related tools, e.g. STK, MATLAB Simulink, requirements management/databases, MBSE, etc.
  • Experience with one or more levels of the OSI model, understanding of networking protocols, etc.

Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

  • Health benefits
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic life with AD&D
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
  • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
  • Paid time off
  • Holidays
  • 401(k) (including company match)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
  • Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)

Trident Systems is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@tridsys.com.

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)