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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

V2X is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join our Engineering team in Indianapolis, IN supporting development and integration of advanced systems including situational awareness displays ...

V2X is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join our Engineering team in Indianapolis, IN supporting development and integration of advanced systems including situational awareness displays ...

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering ...

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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 Aug 7, 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 designs, develops, and integrates complex systems, often leading technical teams and projects. They analyze requirements, develop solutions, and ensure system performance and reliability, typically using tools like modeling software and adhering to industry standards. This role requires strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and often involves mentoring junior engineers.

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?

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:
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,214 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer/Sr Principal Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: 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.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our organization is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal Systems Engineer/Sr Principal Systems Engineer based out of San Diego, CA. As a Principal Systems Engineer/Sr Principal Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.
The Principal Systems Engineer/Sr Principal Systems Engineer role will apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using Cameo and DOORS to support development of a system architecture, conduct functional and trade-study analyses, and translate customer requirements into detailed specifications across the full product lifecycle-from concept through disposal. The successful candidate will collaborate with design, logistics, specialty engineering, and program IPT teams to ensure that communications solutions meet schedule, cost, and performance goals while maintaining alignment with overall system needs. The Systems Engineer will act as a cross-IPT technical integrator working closely with peers and managers of other engineering disciplines, program managers, and IPT leads, with essential functions including:
  • Ensure the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints
  • Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into specifications using DOORS
  • Develop systems architecture using Cameo Enterprise Architecture (behavioral, structural, analytical)
  • Ensure system requirements, architecture, and designs integrate with technical needs of the program.
  • Collaborate with program IPT counterparts to develop supporting systems engineering and design artifacts
  • Work with both technical teams and stakeholders to develop and mature architecture content of large programs design
  • Help develop and incorporate the appropriate requirements for the system and ensure that they are properly represented in the model
  • Develop unifying model techniques, procedures, and processes (for model development, tool integration, and team integration)
  • Participate in Engineering Review Boards (ERBs), and other program reviews and boards, as required
  • Communicate effectively and clearly present technical approaches and findings at technical and program reviews and boards.
  • Apply extensive technical expertise in the development of technical solutions to complex problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.
  • Provide cross-IPT support for Capture efforts, contract documents (e.g. SSOW/SDRL/CDRL), and trade studies as required

This position may be filled at either the Principal System Engineer OR Sr Principal System Engineer level.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems, Software, or related STEM degree field with 5 years of experience; or 3 years experience with a Master's (MS) degree; or 1 year experience with a STEM PhD
  • Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills
  • Proven experience in the systems engineering process
  • Experience in system requirements development, management, analysis, verification, or validation
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • CLEARANCE: A current/active US Government Secret clearance.
  • Must currently have SAP or must be able to obtain and maintain SAP

Basic Qualifications for Sr Principal Systems Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems, Software, or related STEM degree field with 8 years of experience; or 6 years experience with a Master's (MS) degree; or 4 years experience with a STEM PhD
  • Proven experience in the systems engineering process
  • Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills
  • Experience in system requirements development, management, analysis, verification, or validation
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • CLEARANCE: A current/active US Government Secret clearance.
  • Must currently have SAP or must be able to obtain and maintain SAP

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Computer Engineering
  • Experience in the systems engineering process across the entire product lifecycle
  • An active DoD Top Secret clearance
  • Experience working on military / spacecraft systems
  • Experience with complex system development on large programs
  • Experience with MBSE, software design, or demonstrated ability to work with software-aided design tools
  • Experience in SysML or UPDM modeling languages
  • INCOSE Participation or CSEP certification

This position is contingent upon active clearance, ability to obtain and maintain SAP, and funding.
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
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