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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

$138.14 - $207.21/hr

Our partner is looking for a Principal Engineer - Real-Time Data Systems based in Germany. This role offers the opportunity to design and scale cutting-edge real-time data systems that power ...

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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 Aug 8, 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.

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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $141,857 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Principal Systems Integration Engineer

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Dayton, OH • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Odyssey has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Integration Engineer, supporting the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Program AFLCMC/WIS Asymmetric Warfare Division. This program focuses on advancing, sustaining, and modernizing the Air Force's small UAS portfolio to meet evolving operational needs across multiple mission sets.  This role is onsite at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Apply DoDD 5000series guidance and AFMC/AFLCMC engineering policies to SOF acquisition engineering activities.
  • Support development and analysis of system and subsystem requirements, translating them into design criteria and system specifications.
  • Conduct technical planning, system integration analyses, trade studies, and risk assessments across weapon system platforms.
  • Assist in developing system performance requirements, integration objectives, and estimates for design, development, and sustainment.
  • Review engineering proposals, designs, specifications, and change packages; provide recommendations to optimize cost, schedule, and performance.
  • Conduct engineering evaluations supporting airworthiness (MILHDBK516), safety (MILSTD882), and Operational Safety, Suitability & Effectiveness (OSS&E).
  • Support engineering reviews, design reviews, TIMs, working groups, and program reviews, providing technical input, documentation, and reporting.
  • Assist with technical planning, system integration, risk analysis, and supportability/effectiveness assessments for SOF systems, including fullmission trainers, operational flight trainers, avionics desktop trainers, courseware, and maintenance training devices.
  • Provide engineering leadership and technical direction in the development of systems operating within largescale distributed and virtualized environments.
  • Apply experience in developing systems that utilize networking principles and protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, and SSL.
  • Utilize experience developing on Windows, Sun, Linux, or Unix platforms, including proficiency with C/C++ and Java.
  • Provide guidance and support for Information Assurance (IA) accreditation and IA control implementation for projects up to and including ACAT I Platform Information Technology (PIT) systems.
  • Deliver engineering expertise and produce required artifacts to support systems integration, OSS&E, airworthiness certification per MILHDBK516, system safety per MILSTD882, and lifecycle systems engineering in accordance with DAFI 631201.
Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Clearance: Top Secret

Education and experience: 

  • Master's or Doctorate Degree in a related field from an ABET-accredited engineering program and 15 years of related experience, 12 years of which must be in the DoD.
  • OR bachelor's degree in a related field from an ABET-accredited engineering program and 20 years of related experience, 15 of which must be in the DoD.

Technical Skills

  • Systems engineering and integration across complex weapon system architectures
  • Airworthiness, safety, and OSS&E evaluation in accordance with MILHDBK516 and MILSTD882
  • Requirements development and management using tools like DOORS and system architecture modeling
  • Technical analysis, trade studies, and risk assessment supporting DoD 5000series acquisition processes

Interpersonal Skills

  • Effective communication and the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly
  • Strong collaboration skills for working across multidisciplinary teams and with government stakeholders.
  • Adaptability and professionalism in fastpaced, evolving program environments.
  • Proactive problemsolving and the ability to build positive, solutionsfocused relationships.

Additional Information

Location: Wright Patterson AFB, OH

Travel: 20%

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Onsite

 

#LI-ST1

Company Overview

Odyssey is a world-class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military's operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain-specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care.

Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Employment Type: FULL_TIME