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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Draper Inc.

Principal Systems Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$147 - $245/hr

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop next generation requirements, model-based systems engineering concepts, and cross-domain ...

Inuplands

Principal Systems Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95 - $245/hr

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop next generation requirements, model-based systems engineering concepts, and cross-domain ...

Draper

Principal Systems Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop next generation requirements, model-based systems engineering concepts, and cross-domain ...

Draper Labs

Principal Systems Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop next generation requirements, model-based systems engineering concepts, and cross-domain ...

Draper

Principal Systems Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop next generation requirements, model-based systems engineering concepts, and cross-domain ...

Draper

Principal Systems Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95 - $245/hr

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop next generation requirements, model-based systems engineering concepts, and cross-domain ...

Raytheon

Principal Systems Engineer

Tewksbury, MA

Raytheon is seeking a talented and motivated Principal Systems Engineer to join our team within the Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SETC) Discipline, supporting the LTAMDS and GhostEye ...

Onto

Principal Systems Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$144K - $216K/yr

Job Summary & Responsibilities We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership in the advancement of the existing platforms and the introduction of new complex automated ...

Raytheon

Principal Systems Engineer

Tewksbury, MA

Raytheon is seeking a talented and motivated Principal Systems Engineer to join our team within the Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SETC) Discipline, supporting the LTAMDS and GhostEye ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Systems Engineer JobsPrincipal Systems Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Principal Systems Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$22.8K

$162.1K

$243.9K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Boston, MA is $162,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,400.00 and $190,100.00 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Principal Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Principal Systems Engineer job openings:
Principal Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,104 per year, or $77.9 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer

Kforce Technology Staffing

Chelmsford, MA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client in Irvine, CA that is seeking a highly experienced, cross-functional Principal Systems Engineer to drive the system-level architecture, design, and implementation of complex medical devices including defibrillators, patient monitors, and ventilation systems. This role operates in a matrix environment and spans electrical, software, and mechanical engineering disciplines.
Summary:
In this role, the Principal Systems Engineer will partner with program leadership to define system-level requirements and lead teams in translating them into robust product architectures. Responsibilities include subsystem partitioning, interface definition, performance and safety specification, system-level risk management, and lifecycle planning. The Engineer will guide trade-off decisions across cost, performance, reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, and regulatory compliance, while leading integration, verification, and issue resolution through implementation.
The ideal candidate brings deep experience with multiprocessor-based medical systems, embedded real-time software, biomedical signal acquisition, power systems, wireless communications, and electronics packaging. A strong understanding of FDA and EU medical device regulations, human factors, and product development processes is essential. Proven leadership, technical decision-making, and communication skills in a matrix organization are required.
REQUIREMENTS:
* BS in Engineering (MS preferred) with strength in systems, electrical, software, and/or mechanical engineering
* 15+ years of experience in complex real-time product development
* 10+ years of experience leading systems engineering for medical devices
* Business acumen and strong written/verbal commun
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.
This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
By clicking ?Apply Today? you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.

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