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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Systems Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$19.6K

$139.1K

$209.2K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Arizona is $139,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,800.00 and $163,100.00 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.
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What job categories do people searching Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Principal Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Principal Systems Engineer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,050 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer

Honeywell International, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Honeywell rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description


The Honeywell Aerospace Platform Organization a within Honeywell Aerospace is a centralized engineering group responsible for developing and supporting foundational software platforms, reusable technologies, and engineering capabilities that enable multiple aerospace products and programs across the business. Led by a team of engineering and software leaders within the Platform Center of Excellence (COE), the organization focuses on advancing common software architectures, engineering best practices, platform technologies, and scalable development frameworks that support the delivery of next-generation aerospace solutions. Working closely with product teams across Honeywell Aerospace, the Platform Organization plays a critical role in driving innovation, improving development efficiency, and ensuring the quality, reliability, and scalability of software used in safety-critical aerospace applications.
Whether we're turning mustard seeds into fuel, creating quantum algorithms, or making taxis fly, our engineering team is home to the world's leading technological talent.
We want principal engineers who are responsible for providing technical expertise as a program team leader in the identification and development of new products. Leads proposals to address future business opportunities, value engineering and program/process changes. Acts as a key focal point for driving and implementing Thunderbolt platform product goals and objectives. By collaborating with customers and broader engineering teams, you will influence software design directions and methodology developments. As a system engineering technical expert, you will leverage advanced tools and simulation techniques to deliver high impact business results while acting as a technical leader and coach for other engineers.
Connect with us and design the world's most advanced avionics within the Electronic Solutions Software COE where we have an immediate need for a top-performing Principal System Engineer to join our elite team that will innovate and create the new Thunderbolt platform product for our customers.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Requirements and design
  • Software architecture and coding
  • Integration
  • Certification
  • Test
  • Feature Definition
  • Customer Support
  • Verification and Validation
  • Ability to code in multiple languages
  • Analytical skills & software development skills

Qualifications
  • YOU MUST HAVE
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in technical disciplines such as Engineering, Systems or Computer Science degree
  • 10 plus years of experience in systems engineering
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision
  • WE VALUE
  • Understanding various System, software development lifecycle
  • Significant relevant experience
  • Knowledge of change management practices
  • Diverse and global teaming and collaboration
  • Effective communicator
  • Wide degree of creativity and latitude
  • Individuals who are self-motivated and able to work with little supervision, who consistently take the initiative to get things done, do things before being asked by others or forced to by events.
  • Ability to find the correct balance between demand and capacity when establishing priorities for the organization.
  • Individuals who act as principal interface with customers for technology development. Influences customer requirements and specification.
  • Individuals who provide direction for technical solutions using latest technology, processes and methodologies.

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. Person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status or have the ability to obtain an export authorization.
BENEFITS
Beyond a performance-driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
  • Employee assistance program and educational assistance
  • Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
  • Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time

Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com/
POSTING TIMELINE
The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
ABOUT US
Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution.
Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.
Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.
Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

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About Honeywell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Honeywell is charging into the Industrial IoT revolution with the establishment of Honeywell Connected Enterprise (HCE), building on our heritage of invention and deep, on-the-ground industry expertise. HCE is the leading industrial disruptor, building and connecting software solutions to streamline and centralize the assets, people and processes that help our customers make smarter, more accurate business decisions. Moving at the speed of software, we are creating, innovating and delivering solutions fast, challenging the way things have always been done, piloting new ways for all of us to work, and expecting our successes to set new standards for our customers and for Honeywell. The Chief Architect for Honeywell Connected Enterprise will lead a team of architects and system engineers responsible for the design of applications and infrastructure that deliver high value outcomes for customers in industrial, buildings, distribution centers, and aerospace vertical markets. The Chief Architect will work directly with leadership, development teams, and offering management to design well integrated solutions that utilize software platforming to encourage reuse and speed to market.

Industry

Furniture manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1906