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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Principal Test Systems Engineer Tucson, AZ, US QDSS is looking Principal Test Systems Engineers with at least 10 years of professional experience or 8 years of professional experience and an advanced ...

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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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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 Test Systems Engineer

Quest Global

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Quest Global rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

238th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Principal Test Systems Engineer

Tucson, AZ, US

QDSS is looking Principal Test Systems Engineers with at least 10 years of professional experience or 8 years of professional experience and an advanced STEM degree.

As a Senior Principal Systems Engineer, you are accountable for the systems approach over the entire lifecycle of the product, while at the same time, influencing the prime item architecture to support that strategy.  You must be a systems thinker, able to see the “big picture” and have the in-depth knowledge of development, production, User Operations, and embedded test processes and practices.  You must know how prime hardware should be tested at every level (from component to missile level) to ensure robustness and efficiency. You must demonstrate applied experience and working knowledge of developmental test process, test set-ups and integration, test equipment design with transition to the factory, and verification / validation of product hardware using proven test systems, methodologies, and techniques. You must demonstrate experience with Composable systems philosophies and common architectures.  Additionally, you must demonstrate the ability to identify and understand technology risks and system design concepts to make critical technical outcomes by understanding impacts to the program. 

What You Will Do:

·         Utilize your knowledge of models, simulations, test beds, prototypes, hardware integration, hardware manufacturing, warfighter (User) methodologies, embedded test protocols, and full-scale Engineering Development Models (EDM’s) to ensure comprehensive lifecycle testing that is both robust and affordable.  

·         Broad customer interaction including Department of Defense (DoD) contract work 

·         Understand and define specialized capital investment needs. 

·         Intense focus on ‘customer affordability’, by using effective cost measurement techniques 

·         Drive improvements in product affordability through increased built-in-test capabilities and decreased lifecycle 

·         Mentor and guide team through new project implementation at the Integrated Product Team Lead level for a Major Development Acquisition Program (MDAP). 

·         Broad Customer Interaction: In addition to DoD contract work, the candidate is capable of identifying and defining “specialized” requirements, as necessary, for internal capital investment projects, IRAD projects, and other unique cases such as government labs and test ranges.   

·         Intense focus on affordability can drive well-defined test requirements and realistic parametric test limits with cost-effective, achievable measurement techniques.  The candidate can show a positive impact on affordability through increased built-in-test capabilities and decreased lifecycle needs for common and peculiar support equipment.   

·         In addition to having a strong technical competency in test & evaluation, the Test Systems Engineer will have proven leadership capabilities demonstrated in either a technical or programmatic role.  

Qualifications You Must Have:

·         Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience.

·         Seven (7) years or more years of Systems Engineering experience in test requirements development or test planning. 

·         Experience in test methodologies for Qualification Testing. 

·         Previous work experience with Systems Engineering Test Requirements and Documentation. 

·         Previous experience with development, production, or manufacturing operations testing  

Qualifications We Prefer:

·         Preferred Masters or Ph.D. in the aforementioned degree 

·         Past experience demonstrating a systems engineering approach for all test-related activities throughout the product lifecycle 

·         Experience in developing Integrated Test and Evaluation Plans 

·         Past experience with embedded test techniques, design for test, design margin resolution, and/or design for manufacturing 

·         Experience with Agile processes and techniques 

·         Past work experience on proposal teams through proposal completion, including Bid/No Bid compromises 

·         Experience with DSI Express, Unified Modeling Language (UML), and/or Systems Modeling Language (SysML) 

·         Familiar with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) 

·         Understanding of the role of the DoD Key Leadership Position, the Chief Developmental Tester (CDT), and the expected interactions with the CDT 

·         Proficiency and experience in Design of Experiments (DOE), Regression Analysis, System Simulation, Math modeling and optimization, and/or Data Analysis using one or more of the following tools: Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, JMP, Minitab, or other equivalent tool 

·         Experience using Model Based Engineering (MBE) processes, tools, and techniques, with Rhapsody and IBM Rational Manager preferred 

·         Knowledge of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL’s) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL’s)  

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:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Company Description

Who We Are:
Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor industries.
We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers. As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we’re eager to hear from you.

The achievers and courageous challenge-crushers we seek, have the following characteristics and skills:


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