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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Vertex

Principal Reliability Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

The Principal Reliability Engineer will interface with the System Safety program with Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) to support additional safety analyses. Must be a U.S.

SAIC

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) PMA-275 Software Support Activity (SSA) for the V-22 Osprey. The software engineer will ...

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Principal Systems Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$20K

$142K

$213.6K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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 Reliability Engineer

Principal Reliability Engineer

Vertex Aerospace

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

V2X Engineering Solutions is seeking a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team. The Principal Reliability Engineer will perform failure probability and maintainability analysis and provide leadership within a team in support of the analysis and sustainment of developing equipment and systems, devices to meet contractual requirements and timelines   In this role, the Principal Reliability Engineer will perform Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) modeling to provide Life Cycle Analysis and support to fielded systems and the development of new systems.  Additionally, the Principal Reliability Engineer will perform sustainment activities that include tracking and analyzing parts consumption and maintenance

trends, implementing Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS) for the system.  The Principal Reliability Engineer is part of the Operations and Maintenance Services team whose activities include supporting inspection, testing, servicing, classification as to serviceability, repair, refurbishment, and overhaul of items or devices, removal and replacement of secondary items and components and repair and remanufacturing of reparable components by conducting Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) analysis. As such, the Principal Reliability Engineer interfaces with a multi-discipline team to ensure the continued functioning of the development of systems, operational and maintenance manuals, spare parts lists and other logistics operations. The Principal Reliability Engineer will interface with the System Safety program with Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) to support additional safety analyses.

 

Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance

 

As a member of the Engineering Team, expect a dynamic and demanding environment that values discipline, adherence to processes, and adding value to our customers through our respective disciplines.  This position serves as a member of the V2X Engineering Team and may support other programs within a matrix management assignment as directed

Required Skills:

  • Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience.
  • U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance
  • Experience and/or ability to perform Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis in accordance with MIL-STD_1629A.
  • Experience analyzing technical data and reports to develop life cycle management recommendations and reports supporting sustainment and maintenance of products
  • Exposure to reliability modeling and prediction in accordance with MIL-HDBK-217, MIL-STD-690, MIL-STD-765, ANSI-GEIA-STD-009, or equivalent industry standards or practices. 
  • Experience and/or ability to perform Reliability Centered Maintenance analysis in accordance with MIL-STD-3034A.
  • Exposure with Failure Reporting, Analysis and Corrective Action System (FRACAS) development and operations per MIL-STD-2155.

Desired Skills:

  • Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
  • Strong interpersonal and project management skills,
  • Experience with product design.
  • Knowledge and familiarity of MIL-HDBK-338, MIL-STD-1543, MIL-STD-189, MIL-STD-781, MIL-STD-785 or equivalent industry practices.
  • Experience in multiple Systems Specialty areas such as Reliability, Safety, Human Factors, etc.
  • Experience with DOORS and Cameo
  • Ability to produce DoD required analysis, such as:
  • Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
  • Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
  • Reliability Modeling and Predictions
  • Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) Analysis
  • Level of Repair Analysis (LORA)
  • Supportability Analysis (SA)
  • Technical Manual Development
  • Training Material Development
  • Experience with requirements development, hardware and software development and verification.

Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) degree.

Note:  A Master’s degree in Engineering or a related Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) degree may be counted as the equivalent of 2 years of engineering experience.

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