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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 Jul 27, 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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Principal Systems Engineers and senior engineers in fields such as software, aerospace, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand industries. Compensation can also include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits depending on the company and location.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Systems Engineers and senior engineering roles in fields like software, aerospace, and cybersecurity can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and company size, often including bonuses and stock options.

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 oversees complex engineering systems, ensuring they meet technical requirements and performance standards. They often lead technical teams, coordinate system integration, and utilize tools like modeling software, with a focus on system architecture, reliability, and scalability.

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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Principal Systems Engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-tech sectors can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. Compensation at this level often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, reflecting the seniority and complexity of the projects they manage.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona? For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,050 per year, or $66.9 per hour.
Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite)

Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite)

Raytheon

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-04-29

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-805 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 805

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

The Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SETC) organization is currently hiring a Principal Systems Engineer, for the Effectors team to join our Tucson, AZ location. SETC is an exciting and challenging environment where you will have the opportunity to design, develop and partner with multi-disciplines to shape innovative solutions for our customers. Join our organization and experience the Systems V engineering life cycle while interfacing with a variety of engineering disciplines, subject matter experts, Chief Engineers, Chief Technologists, the customer, and so many more to ensure we design, integrate, and strengthen our systems to work the first time and every time for our warfighters!

As a Principal Systems Engineer - Effectors you will be responsible for technical rigor of requirements documents, including developing/writing requirements, updating existing requirements, coordination of requirement maintenance, across team collaboration, sharing program process knowledge, mentoring engineers, and working with the technical and program leads execute program tasks.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, requirements management, providing SE oversight during integration and test activities. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on an effectors project pertinent to the systems lifecycle.  This role is on-site at our Tucson, AZ campus.

What You Will Do

  • Update, maintain, and improve requirements and requirements documentation for development and production efforts

  • Support Design and System Verification testing

  • Provide SE guidance and support during integration and test efforts

  • Support system performance analysis, and Integration and Test

  • Mentor and guide team members, including engagement of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

  • Participate in Failure Investigations

  • Facilitate knowledge transfer within and across IPTs/CPTs to include Cross-Functional collaboration and coordination

  • Conduct Trade Studies and present results to customers

  • Support test equipment software integration and verification for system test

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM preferred) and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience

  • Experience in Systems Engineering in one or more of the following areas: Developing & Refining CONOPS, System Architecture, System Requirement, Requirements Verification Strategies & Plans

  • Experience with developing system requirements specifications and requirements management processes

  • Verification and Qualification testing experience

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Masters or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Math or Physics

  • Experience working with multi-disciplinary technical and/or engineering teams

  • Experience in Systems Engineering on a Missile Program

  • Experience in the Defense Industry beyond Raytheon

  • Experience using Agile framework development methods / processes

  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering and associated tools

  • SW/FW Verification and Qualification testing experience

  • Prior experience with foreign military sales

  • A self-starter who can take on task with limited guidance

  • Customer focus and collaboration skills

  • Experience with performance analysis

  • Experience with DOORS and/or cPDM

  • Ability to perform trade studies to optimize system performance

  • Understanding of Systems Engineering Product Development Cycle

  • Familiarity with system safety, reliability, and configuration management

  • Experience with Agile, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), and/or Digital Engineering

What We Offer

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

  • Relocation Eligible – Relocation assistance is available

Learn More & Apply Now!

  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.

  • Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

  • This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm 

  • This position is an onsite role – Tucson, AZ : https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location

  • We Are RTX

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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