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.
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.
Principal Systems Engineer
Aurora, CO · On-site
$180K - $200K/yr
Position Overview ITSC is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide senior-level systems engineering support for Missile Warning (MW) system-level requirements development, hardware and ...
Principal Systems Engineer
Aurora, CO · On-site
$180K - $200K/yr
Position Overview ITSC is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide senior-level systems engineering support for Missile Warning (MW) system-level requirements development, hardware and ...
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.
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.
The selected Principal Systems Engineer, as part of the Sentinel Logistics Support team, will be assigned to support the Logistics System Capability Thread. This role provides a great growth ...
The selected Principal Systems Engineer, as part of the Sentinel Logistics Support team, will be assigned to support the Logistics System Capability Thread. This role provides a great growth ...
Principal Systems Engineer
Louisville, CO · On-site
The Principal Systems Engineer champions the viewpoint of the integrated whole during system development and works to glue segments and subsystems together via top-down decomposition of stakeholder ...
Principal Systems Engineer
Louisville, CO · On-site
The Principal Systems Engineer champions the viewpoint of the integrated whole during system development and works to glue segments and subsystems together via top-down decomposition of stakeholder ...
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 ...
Principal Systems Engineer
Centennial, CO · On-site
The Principal Systems Engineer champions the viewpoint of the integrated whole during system development and works to glue segments and subsystems together via top-down decomposition of stakeholder ...
Principal Systems Engineer
Centennial, CO · On-site
The Principal Systems Engineer champions the viewpoint of the integrated whole during system development and works to glue segments and subsystems together via top-down decomposition of stakeholder ...
The selected Principal Systems Engineer, as part of the Sentinel Logistics Support team, will be assigned to support the Logistics System Capability Thread. This role provides a great growth ...
The selected Principal Systems Engineer, as part of the Sentinel Logistics Support team, will be assigned to support the Logistics System Capability Thread. This role provides a great growth ...
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 ...
Principal Systems Engineer
Centennial, CO · On-site
The Principal Systems Engineer champions the viewpoint of the integrated whole during system development and works to glue segments and subsystems together via top-down decomposition of stakeholder ...
Principal Systems Engineer
Centennial, CO · On-site
The Principal Systems Engineer champions the viewpoint of the integrated whole during system development and works to glue segments and subsystems together via top-down decomposition of stakeholder ...
Principal Systems Engineer
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$120 - $160/hr
The Principal Systems Engineer is expected to provide system level trade-space assessments of approaches working with the Project Engineer to determine the benefit trade-offs. At Ultra Maritime, the ...
New
Principal Systems Engineer
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$120 - $160/hr
The Principal Systems Engineer is expected to provide system level trade-space assessments of approaches working with the Project Engineer to determine the benefit trade-offs. At Ultra Maritime, the ...
New
Principal Systems Engineer
$180K - $205K/yr
Principal Systems Engineer Compensation: $180,000-$205,000 base salary + 15% annual bonus Reports to: Director of Global Applications Engineering Overview We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer ...
Quick apply
Principal Systems Engineer
$180K - $205K/yr
Principal Systems Engineer Compensation: $180,000-$205,000 base salary + 15% annual bonus Reports to: Director of Global Applications Engineering Overview We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer ...
Principal Systems Engineer
Durham, NC · On-site
$140 - $200/hr
Principal Systems EngineerSkip to main content#Principal Systems Engineer page is loaded## Principal Systems EngineerApplylocations: Durham, NCtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to ...
New
Principal Systems Engineer
Durham, NC · On-site
$140 - $200/hr
Principal Systems EngineerSkip to main content#Principal Systems Engineer page is loaded## Principal Systems EngineerApplylocations: Durham, NCtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to ...
New
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) seeks to fill a Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer position in the Mission Modeling Department at our Rolling Meadows, Illinois location. This role ...
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) seeks to fill a Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer position in the Mission Modeling Department at our Rolling Meadows, Illinois location. This role ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
The Principal Systems Engineer is expected to provide system level trade-space assessments of approaches working with the Project Engineer to determine the benefit trade-offs. At Ultra Maritime, the ...
The Principal Systems Engineer is expected to provide system level trade-space assessments of approaches working with the Project Engineer to determine the benefit trade-offs. At Ultra Maritime, the ...
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer (Level 3)/ Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (Level 4) in support of the Sentinel program. This opening may be in Roy, UT ...
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer (Level 3)/ Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (Level 4) in support of the Sentinel program. This opening may be in Roy, UT ...
This position can be hired at a level 3 Principal Systems Engineer or a level 4 Sr Principal Systems Engineer with 25% travel. What you'll get to do: * Provide technical support to shipyard personnel ...
This position can be hired at a level 3 Principal Systems Engineer or a level 4 Sr Principal Systems Engineer with 25% travel. What you'll get to do: * Provide technical support to shipyard personnel ...
This position can be hired at a level 3 Principal Systems Engineer or a level 4 Sr Principal Systems Engineer with 25% travel. What you'll get to do: * Provide technical support to shipyard personnel ...
This position can be hired at a level 3 Principal Systems Engineer or a level 4 Sr Principal Systems Engineer with 25% travel. What you'll get to do: * Provide technical support to shipyard personnel ...
Principal Systems Engineer information
See salary details
$21K - $39.5K
3% of jobs
$39.5K - $58K
0% of jobs
$58K - $76.5K
0% of jobs
$76.5K - $95K
1% of jobs
$95K - $113.5K
12% of jobs
$121.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$113.5K - $132K
22% of jobs
The median wage is $142.6K / yr.
$132K - $150.5K
21% of jobs
$150.5K - $169K
16% of jobs
$169.4K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$169K - $187.5K
12% of jobs
$187.5K - $206K
9% of jobs
$206K - $224.5K
4% of jobs
$21K
$149.2K
$224.5K
How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?
How does a principal systems engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project development?
What does a principal systems engineer do?
What is the difference between Principal Systems Engineer vs Systems Engineer?
| Aspect | Principal Systems Engineer | Systems Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with certifications like PMP or INCOSE | Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field |
| Work Environment | Lead complex projects, oversee system integration, collaborate with cross-functional teams | Support system development, perform testing, assist in system implementation |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Defense, aerospace, large tech firms, government agencies | Technology companies, manufacturing, defense contractors |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding senior technical roles, career progression | Entry 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?

Principal Systems Engineer/Sr Principal Systems Engineer
San Diego, CA • On-site
Full-time
Medical, Life, PTO
Re-posted 6 days ago
Northrop Grumman rating
8.2
Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
88th of 536 rated manufacturers
Job description
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.
What Northrop Grumman employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
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