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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Carrier

Principal Systems Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$117K - $234K/yr

About This Role The Principal Systems Engineer will serve as the Technical Program Lead for HVAC and Energy Systems is responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing laboratory tests to validate ...

MISO

Principal Power Systems Engineer (EMS)

Carmel, IN · On-site

$149K - $174K/yr

As a Principal Power Systems Engineer (EMS) , you will be part of a highly skilled team at the core of MISO's mission supporting the control rooms by leading critical modernization projects. As the ...

SAIC

JCREW Test Engineer Principal

Crane, IN · On-site

Systems Engineer IV SAIC is seeking a Systems Engineer IV to support the Expeditionary Electronic Warfare Division at NSWC Crane. This position will be at the forefront of systems development ...

SAIC

JCREW Test Engineer Principal

Crane, IN

Systems Engineer IV SAIC is seeking a Systems Engineer IV to support the Expeditionary Electronic Warfare Division at NSWC Crane. This position will be at the forefront of systems development ...

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See Indiana salary details

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$142K

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How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Indiana is $141,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,200.00 and $166,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Systems Engineers and senior engineering roles in fields like software, aerospace, and cybersecurity can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. These positions often involve leadership, complex problem-solving, and working with cutting-edge technologies in high-demand industries.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Principal Systems Engineers and senior engineering roles in fields such as software, aerospace, and cybersecurity can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and bonuses. High compensation often involves leadership responsibilities, specialized expertise, and working in high-demand industries or companies.

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.

How much do principal engineers get paid?

Principal Systems Engineers typically earn between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often hold advanced technical skills and may receive additional compensation such as bonuses or stock options.

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.
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Principal Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,986 per year, or $68.3 per hour.
Principal Systems Engineer, Weapon System Integration - Product Owner

Principal Systems Engineer, Weapon System Integration - Product Owner

Vertex Aerospace

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

V2X is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join our Systems Engineering team in Indianapolis, IN, supporting programs in next-generation avionics and weapon system integration.  Our Indianapolis facility supports a variety of product lines serving multiple DoD customers providing the opportunity to work on a diverse set of programs and roles supporting the continued advancement of your career. 

The ideal candidate embraces modern development processes and techniques that improve product quality & team productivity and has experience developing and integrating advanced systems including situational awareness displays, mission computers, avionics, sensors, mission equipment, and radar systems.  We are looking for engineers that enjoy a challenge and have a passion to support our DoD customers and international allies.

The Principal Systems Engineer provides technical and programmatic leadership throughout the development life cycle, from concept development, requirements definition, functional analysis, design review support, system implementation, integration, verification, and validation.  The Principal Systems Engineer will work within a cross-functional Integrated Product Team (IPT), where strong communication and team building skills are critical to success.

Required Skills:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance
  • At least twelve (12) of related engineering experience in systems, software, or hardware engineering.
  • Experience providing leadership, technical direction, and guidance to large multi-discipline teams.
  • Experience leading all systems engineering tasks and cross-product activities across the program.
  • Experience planning, executing and leading integration, verification and validation tasks and cross-product activities across the program.
  • Ability to take ownership of the engineering scope within the program and drive the necessary tasks to ultimately ensure the cross-function team meets the technical
    requirements.
  • Experience developing technical baselines (requirements/architecture); leading development teams; and developing and reviewing Engineering Change Requests.
  • Experience leading Trade Studies, performing Risk and Opportunity analyses, and tracking and mitigating risks.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to effectively communicate to internal and external stakeholders including leading both internal and customer design reviews.
  • Experience developing system verification test plans, procedures and reports.
  • In-depth understanding of the System Engineering Lifecycle and processes.
  • Experience mentoring engineers of all grade levels.

Desired Skills:

  • Experience with Agile software development including previous roles as a Product Owner and/or Scrum Master.
  • Familiarity with UI/UX principles and user-centered design
  • Experience with failure investigation processes and driving findings to closure
  • Familiarity with tools like Azure DevOps, Jira, or other product management tools
  • Experience supporting integration of weapon systems on airborne and ground platforms.
  • Experience with the design, development, and integration of UAI Mission Stores, Type I and Type II Carriage Systems.
  • Knowledge and experience working with UAI interface standards such as: MIL-STD-1553 EBR, MIL-STD-1760, and JMMI.
  • Direct experience working with government customers including the US Army, US Navy, USMC and/or USAF.
  • Experience working the front end of the business, creating/reviewing RFPs, SOWs, BOEs, technical volumes, proposals, cost, and schedule estimates.
  • Project management experience including cost, schedule, supplier management, risk, and opportunity assessment.

Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline.

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