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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Principal Systems Engineer

Merritt Island, FL · On-site

Principal Systems Engineer This Principal Systems Engineer role provides technical leadership for the design, development, integration, test, verification, and sustainment of advanced space systems ...

Actalent

Principal Systems Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

Principal Systems Engineer We are seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for the design, development, integration, test, verification, and sustainment of ...

Apex Systems

Principal Systems Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

Job#: 3046014 Principal Systems Engineer Location: Orlando, Florida (Onsite) Role Overview As a Principal Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority for a strategic rotary-wing simulator ...

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Principal Systems Engineer information

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$15.7K

$111.5K

$167.8K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Florida is $111,506.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,700.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

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The top searched job categories for Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Florida are:

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Cities in Florida with the most Principal Systems Engineer job openings:

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Principal Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,506 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer/ Sr. Principal Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$122K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Systems Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The position will be located in Melbourne, Florida.

The successful candidate will be supporting the Systems Engineering Nuclear Surety Team. You will perform and support evaluations of designs for nuclear surety requirement compliance. You should be comfortable with requirement derivation, verification processes, system architecture examinations, and communication across numerous technical disciplines. You will support IPTs on the implementation and demonstration of nuclear surety requirement compliance to include hardware, software, and test support.

The successful candidate will support Nuclear Safety Design Certification activities to produce required artifacts in accordance with AFI 63-125, lead and support nuclear surety planning, certification assessments, and risk & vulnerability activities to include Fault Tree and Signal Path analyses. You will also coordinate with key stakeholders such as AFNWC, AFSEC, NNSA, and AFGSC.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-directed professionals who thrive in collaborative environments.

Role can be filled at either the principal systems engineer level or the senior principal systems engineer level depending on criteria below.

Basic Qualifications:

Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor of science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 5 years of related experience OR Master of science degree in a STEM discipline with 3 years of related experience OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year of related experience.

Senior Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor of science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline with 8 years of related experience OR Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline with 6 years of related experience or a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related experience

Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Experience with military aircraft or weapon system design and/or operation to include requirements verification and certification.

Experience leading teams across multiple functional areas

Experience interacting with external stakeholders (customers, suppliers, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience working with Nuclear Surety Requirements (e.g. AFI 63-125, AFMAN 91-118/91-119, AFI 91-107, AFI 91-101)

- Experience with Fault Tree Analyses, Signal Path Analyses, Technical Risk Assessments, or other safety-related analyses

- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

- Experience interpreting, deriving, allocating, or managing technical requirements

- Experience with software development

- Experience with nuclear weapons design, manufacture, development, or operations

- Familiarity with MIL-STD-1553 and MIL-STD-1760

- Experience with nuclear certification stakeholders such as AFNWC, AFSEC, NNSA, and AFGSC

- Active U.S. Government Top Secret / SCI Clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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

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