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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

Principal Systems Engineer

Frisco, TX · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Principal Systems Engineer The Principal Systems Engineer provides senior technical leadership for the architecture, deployment, and reliable operation of Boingo's global production, staging, QA, ...

Algorithm Principal Systems Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

$107.50 - $204.50/hr

Algorithm Principal Systems Engineer - Plano, Texas Onsite, U.S. Citizens only (Top Secret security clearance required). Salary range: 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. Responsibilities * Support algorithm ...

Life Cycle Engineering seeks a Principal Systems Engineer. In this role, you will directly support the ESSM Program Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) Lead and be responsible for executing tasks in ...

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Principal Systems Engineer information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$20.8K

$147.6K

$222.1K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Dallas, TX is $147,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,700.00 and $173,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX?

For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX are:

What cities near Dallas, TX are hiring for Principal Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Principal Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,607 per year, or $71 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer

Irving, TX • On-site

FreeFlight Systems
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY:  

The primary responsibility of the Principal Systems Engineer is to provide extensive systems and integration theory/knowledge for implementation or resolving issues.  The Principal Systems Engineer will work with engineers in Waco and Irving, Texas from the Irving headquarters. As that senior level, you will be guiding junior engineers/technicians for the tasks required. Specific tasks may include advising on engineering processes, responsibility for creating requirements for products that meet the customer’s needs and the company roadmap objectives. You will be instrumental in ensuring the requirements are satisfied in the design by attending design reviews, participating in phase gate reviews with customers and key stake holders. You will drive verification, performance and environmental testing efforts. You will also assist in developing the necessary documentation required by a robust engineering development process. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Being accountable and lead the systems architectural design for new products, new product development and research activities.  
  • Provide technical leadership on proposals. 
  • Develop engineering labor and non-recurring cost estimates for new projects and for customer proposals. 
  • Create and manage requirements that are complete, consistent, unambiguous, feasible, modifiable, and testable. 
  • Ensure that requirements traceability is achieved throughout the development lifecycle. 
  • Provide guidance for and validation of regression testing. 
  • Create, modify or review test documents for DO-160, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810, EUROCAE and RTCA  qualification testing and production. 
  • Set up equipment for qualification testing at labs. 
  • Perform trade studies and selection of avionics components and systems. 
  • Develop avionics hardware requirements and interface control documents. 
  • Will work closely with project management throughout the avionics hardware and software development lifecycle. 
  • Support and chair peer reviews to ensure requirements satisfaction and validation. 
  • Chair and lead milestone reviews including PDR, CDR, SDR etc. 
  • Develop Systems Safety Design Material that complies with regulatory guidelines. (to include ARP4754A and ARP4761) 
  • Provide assistance/guidance to sales inquiries regarding technical details of products. 
  • Provide occasional assistance/guidance for service and support issues. 
  • Provide occasional support for technical customer meetings. 
  • Develop risk assessment and risk mitigation for technical and schedule issues. 
  • Develop Ground Test Plans for aircraft integration  
  • Troubleshoot installation issues on aircraft  
  • Participate in tests flights as required for aircraft parts FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) and STC process  
  • Analyze test data, report findings  
  • Other tasks as necessary. 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE  

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent or related field with a minimum of 12 years of direct experience 
  • Read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams; must be able to identify basic symbols. 
  • Experience in Systems Engineer position in electronics hardware or software  development. 
  • Experience with analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuit design, analysis, test, and debug. 
  • Competent in creating test procedures for avionics verification and qualification testing given requirements. 
  • Familiarity with general lab equipment (oscilloscope, DMM, logic analyzer, spectrum analyzer) will be a plus. 
  • Highly organized team player with excellent technical communication skills (written and verbal) 
  • Knowledgeable in aircraft systems and installations. 
  • Experience with scripting; programming and analysis/modeling tools: Python, MATLAB / Simulink / SPICE (or similar). 
  • Understanding of RTCA DO-254 and DO-178C compliant processes for safety or mission critical aerospace flight hardware and software. 

PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCIES: 

Leadership 

  • Vision & Strategic Thinking: Clear vision for the possible…thinks ahead about outcomes. 
  • Energy: Exhibits strong desire to achieve success. 
  • Problem-Solver: Objectively and logically recognizes and solves problems. 

Interpersonal & Teamwork 

  • Team Player: Reaches out to overcome walls; overcomes "we-they" relationships; approachable and earns respect for focus on "company" interests. 
  • Communication: Speaks confidently and effectively in one-on-one, team and public settings; writes clearly and concisely. 
  • Persuasive: Exhibits persuasiveness in change situations and effectively finds win-win solutions. 

Personal & Intellectual 

  • Integrity: Sets example; doesn't ethically cut corners; earns trust and respect. 
  • Intelligence: A "quick study" demonstrates ability to absorb new information rapidly. 
  • Leading-Edge: Constantly looking for best practice benchmarks. 


LANGUAGE SKILLS  

Qualified candidates should be able to speak effectively to pilots and aircraft owners about avionics products and how they perform. The applicant must possess the ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES   

Candidates must have a strong command of computer desktop tools such as MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) to assist in completing essential duties. Effectively demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have a willingness to constantly be learning.  

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  

The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.