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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Systems Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$20.8K

$147.9K

$222.6K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Virginia is $147,934.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,000.00 and $173,500.00 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.
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What cities in Virginia are hiring for Principal Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Principal Systems Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Systems Engineer jobs in VA? For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $147,934 per year, or $71.1 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer with Security Clearance

Saliense

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Saliense is now hiring a Principal Systems Engineer to join our team in support of our team in Arlington, VA. Candidates must possess an active Secret clearance to be considered and must be eligible to obtain a Top Secret clearance. The Principal Systems Engineer will be responsible for leading day-to-day operations management as well as the design, implementation, documentation, and troubleshooting of the enterprise server environment. The Principal Systems Engineer must have the ability to manage server infrastructure related problems, performance, and capacity as well as work hand-in-hand with the Principal Network Engineer on network infrastructure issues impacting the enterprise environment. Responsibilities include: Manages the โ€˜system of systemsโ€™ architecture development, partitioning of functionality among applications and components, and application interfaces/interoperability concerns.
Systematically reviews all existing processes and procedures and implements innovative changes to meet and exceed service level agreements.
Develops and provides recommendations for technical refresh efforts and opportunities to improve capability while driving down costs through opportunities such as Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Hyper-Converged Infrastructures, automated patch management, and balancing as-is infrastructure with to-be requirements.
Provides insights and recommendations based on industry best practices and cutting technology.
Manages team responsible for systems engineering, security engineering, and workstation and server vulnerability remediation and patch management.
Helps prepare plans for the development and installation of server according to present and future requirements.
Provides expert technical support, administration, and engineering on all Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.
Monitors, performance tunes, troubleshoots and resolves systems problems to ensure system availability.
Troubleshoots and resolves systems problems to ensure system availability.
Provides expert technical support with the entire VMWare environment.
Leads and performs changes to OS, databases, applications, servers, storage, network, and backups in the data center as well as development environments.
Manages the configuration, administration, upgrade, and maintenance of corporate and DR servers and related infrastructure as well as the Storage Environment.
Engineers/assists in developing solutions aligned with security, uptime, and performance.
Maintains awareness of system management and network monitoring and the operational support tools to maintain those functions.
Works with server patch management processes and procedures to facilitate deployment.
Provides for the management, testing, and installation of security patches and cyber security products.
Provides infrastructure architecture recommendations.
Maintains systems integrity through change control and problem management procedures and communication with internal customers.
Accomplishes department objectives by leading staff; organizing and monitoring work processes.
Attends and participates in team meetings, training sessions, and company sponsored programs as required.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field
Ten (10) years of progressively more difficult experience related to system/server design and administration. Five years experience related to server/system design and administration
Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques used in physical and virtual server administration and engineering
Advanced knowledge of and ability to use:
Hardware (hypervisors, hyper-converged infrastructures, blade servers, switches, routers, bridges, firewalls)
Software (multiple operating systems, virtualization software, virtual desktop infrastructure, SCCM/MECM, monitoring tools, IPv4, IPv6)
Other common server/network and user equipment (e.g., SAN, NAS, Video bridge)
Ability to solve server problems or server infrastructure issues and to manage the performance and capacity of an enterprise server environment
Required Certifications and Clearance: DoD 8570 IAM Level II certification such as CISSP, CASP+, CAP, CASPor equivalent
DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification such as CCNA, CySA+, Security+, SSCP, CASP, CCNP, CISA, CISSP, VCP, AWS Solutions Architect Associate, Server+, Microsoft Server Certification, Certified Network Engineer, OR similar professional computing environment certification. Top Secret Clearance or minimum of a Secret Clearance