1

Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

MTSI is seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical and programmatic support for multiple ongoing and new B-52 avionics and communications/navigation acquisition and ...

Design, develop, analyze, document and support testing of products, systems or subsystems * Ability to complete a technical project independently and mentor and coach other engineers. Review customer ...

Design, develop, analyze, document and support testing of products, systems or subsystems * Ability to complete a technical project independently and mentor and coach other engineers. Review customer ...

Design, develop, analyze, document and support testing of products, systems or subsystems * Ability to complete a technical project independently and mentor and coach other engineers. Review customer ...

Design, develop, analyze, document and support testing of products, systems or subsystems * Ability to complete a technical project independently and mentor and coach other engineers. Review customer ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Systems Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$20K

$141.9K

$213.4K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Ohio is $141,857.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,100.00 and $166,400.00 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 Ohio? For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Principal Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Principal Systems Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Systems Engineer jobs in OH? For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $141,857 per year, or $68.2 per hour.
Principal Systems Engineer

Principal Systems Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Dayton, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 hours ago


Sierra Nevada Corporation rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations - with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.
SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we're applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you're passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here.
Are you a bold thinker? We dream big at SNC-advocating the exploration of space, keeping service members safe and creating the systems that keep our world united and sustain our way of living. Join our team! As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will demonstrate mastery in requirements engineering, systems integration, Verification & Validation (V&V), and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). You will guide strategic system and decision analysis, technical planning, and risk management initiatives. You will manage critical project components, applying extensive expertise in architecture/design development, technical monitoring, and lifecycle management. Your role requires exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills to drive innovation, mentor senior engineers, and achieve strategic objectives.
This position serves as the Modeling Simulation and Analysis (MS&A) IPT technical lead for SAOC. In addition to meeting all standard SAOC Principal Systems Engineer qualifications, this role provides technical leadership across all modeling, simulation, emulation, and VV&A activities needed to support requirements verification, integration, operational test, and major program milestones through PDR and beyond.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide firm technical leadership across the team.
  • Review MS&A trade studies supporting system and subsystem requirements.
  • Review MS&A and emulation used to support system and subsystem integration and verification testing within the SIL.
  • Provide technical guidance for new model development and modifications to existing models to support requirements verification.
  • Provide technical direction and review of all M&S requirements documentation.
  • Coordinate MS&A activities across all relevant IPTs to support requirements verification and operational test.
  • Review and provide technical feedback on all M&S Verification & Validation (V&V) plans and reports (fully simulated, SIL, and SubK).
  • Review and contribute to all M&S Accreditation Reports.
  • Author MS&A Accreditation Plans.

Qualifications You Must Have:
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • 14+ years of experience in systems engineering or related field.
  • Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
  • Expert-level proficiency with systems modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) tools.
  • Extensive leadership experience in systems engineering, including leading technical work across multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of multiple engineering principles and practices, with progressive experience supporting complex aerospace or defense systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to review, guide, and integrate complex MS&A activities into system/subsystem development, SIL integration, and verification workflows.
  • Ability to coordinate MS&A activities across multiple IPTs, ensuring alignment with requirements verification and operational testing needs.

Qualifications We Prefer:
  • Master's or PhD in a technical discipline.
  • Experience with MIL-STD-3022 or equivalent DoD M&S VV&A documentation standards on a defense program.
  • Engineering-level RF Communications MS&A experience supporting a defense acquisition program.
  • Engineering-level Survivability / HEMP / Cyber M&S experience

Essential Functions:
  • Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
  • Hand/finger dexterity for system modeling and documentation.
  • Ability to work in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.
SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.
Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.
SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!
SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

What Sierra Nevada Corporation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom