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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

STR is hiring a Principal Model-Based Systems Engineer (MBSE) in our Woburn, MA office (other locations : Dayton, OH & Arlington, VA ) to work across a broad portfolio of DoD mission areas. The ...

STR is hiring a Principal Model-Based Systems Engineer (MBSE) in our Woburn, MA office (other locations: Dayton, OH & Arlington, VA) to work across a broad portfolio of DoD mission areas. The Systems ...

Systems Engineer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

... principals, and hybrid identity approaches. * Build and maintain integrations that enable ... systems engineering or a closely related infrastructure role. * Strong proficiency in PowerShell ...

New

$136.55 - $204.82/hr

... principal or lead level - as an AI/ML engineer, software architect, digitalization lead, or solution architect - with meaningful exposure to AI/ML systems in production or a demonstrated ability to ...

Showing results 41-60

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 14, 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 Model-Based Systems Engineer

STR

Dayton, OH • On-site

$206K - $284K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

STR is hiring a Principal Model-Based Systems Engineer (MBSE) in our Woburn, MA office (other locations: Dayton, OH & Arlington, VA) to work across a broad portfolio of DoD mission areas. The Systems Engineer should have experience leading teams, architecting systems, working across the Systems Engineering Lifecycle, and have experience in Digital Engineering/MBSE. The candidate will support STR's Systems Development Division in adopting processes and tools to achieve architectural integrity and traceability from requirements analysis through system and software development through production system deployment.

This position offers the opportunity to work with leading domain experts in sensors development and cyber security to incorporate MBSE tools and techniques. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in Systems Engineering techniques, Modeling and Simulation, Digital Engineering/MBSE and be excited about opportunities to mentor more junior staff and help foster growth of subject matter expertise across the organization.

In addition to modeling in SysML, the Systems Engineer will be responsible for implementing and guiding teams in the customization and automation techniques offered by Cameo to enable multi-disciplinary programs to comply with DoD Digital Engineering goals. Proficiency in one or more high-level language (C/C++, Java, Python) is highly desired.

The Systems Engineer should have experience implementing a rigorous MBSE approach to develop DoD systems. New programs at STR will be looking to adopt agile approaches that incorporate model-based requirements management and traceability with software development. This position is well suited for a Systems Engineer with a software development background who is interested in improving the state of the practice and demonstrating the advantages that MBSE can offer.

What you will do:

  • Leading development programs through the Systems Engineering process using MBSE approaches that support DoD Digital Engineering goals
  • Leading teams and implementing rigorous MBSE approaches using SysML in Cameo (MagicDraw)
  • Providing mentorship and training of Systems Engineers on the use of MBSE
  • Working closely with domain experts and software development teams to realize program designs and digital engineering goals

Who you are:

  • This position requires an Active DoD Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
  • BS, MS or PhD in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
  • Technical Project Lead experience
  • Minimum of 10 years work experience as a Systems Engineer or related field
  • Minimum of 5 years experience working with SysML models in Cameo (or similar tool)
  • Experience working with software-intensive systems and open architecture

Nice to haves:

  • Active Top Secret Security Clearance
  • 10+ years' experience in architecting systems using system modeling tools
  • Domain expertise in one or more of the following areas is desirable; Radar, Electronic Warfare, Acoustic, Antenna Apertures, Sensor Resource Management, Sea/Air/Space, Large-Scale Platform Test Systems, Cyber Physical Systems, Open System Architectures (UCI, OMS, COARPS)
  • Proficiency in Java, C/C++ or Python
  • Agile software development experience
  • Familiarity with specific government open architectures (e.g., Open Mission Systems)

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $206,000 - $284,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.