1

Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Springfield, VA

Principal Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$84 - $200/hr

Principal Systems Engineer Full Time Employee Full-Time US 5 days ago Requisition ID: 1839 Salary Range: $84,000.00 To $200,000.00 Annually Position Title: Principal Systems Engineer Requisition ID ...

The Principal Systems Engineer is expected to provide system level trade-space assessments of approaches working with the Project Engineer to determine the benefit trade-offs. At Ultra Maritime, the ...

The Position With locations outside Washington, DC, and in Silicon Valley, TrustPoint is seeking a full-time Principal Systems Engineer to lead integration across our satellite, payload, ground, RF ...

The Position With locations outside Washington, DC, and in Silicon Valley, TrustPoint is seeking a full-time Principal Systems Engineer to lead integration across our satellite, payload, ground, RF ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Systems Engineer information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$21.9K

$155.9K

$234.5K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Springfield, VA is $155,857.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,300.00 and $182,800.00 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 Springfield, VA?

For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Principal Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Principal Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,857 per year, or $74.9 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA โ€ข On-site

Trident Systems Inc.
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturingย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$84 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Principal Systems Engineer

Full Time Employee Full-Time US

5 days ago Requisition ID: 1839

Salary Range: $84,000.00 To $200,000.00 Annually

Position Title:Principal Systems Engineer
Requisition ID: 1839
Position Location:Remote
Position Reports To:Director, Systems Engineering
Supervises Others:No

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented, self-motivated, and experienced Principal Systems Engineer with demonstrated success in technically leading engineering teams to develop and deliver new and/or improved products that meet requirements. The Principal Systems Engineer provides systems engineering methodology expertise across R&D and product development programs, is a key partner with operations, and contributes to business opportunities of strategic importance.

The Principal Systems Engineer works collaboratively with program managers and project chief engineers to ensure successful program execution and is responsible for guiding program teams to solve problems through a holistic, systems engineering approach. This position requires expert technical capability and communication skills, effective forward thinking to take advantage of opportunities and prevent issues, and the ability to work with engineering leadership to grow an effective engineering organization. To be successful in this role, the individual should possess technical depth to perform deep-dive analysis and apply properly tailored systems engineering process, as well as technical breadth to work through complex issues across disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software, and firmware). This individual can work autonomously with only high-level objectives, can work on problems of diverse complexity and scope, and demonstrates expert engineering judgment.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Technically lead a diverse engineering team in the development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, networking, and/or data storage units for space applications using systems engineering methodology
  • Own the systems engineering process on the program and ensure proper systems analysis and trades, technical baseline management, and requirements verification and validation activities are completed
  • Act as the program technical champion, representative, and point of contact (POC)
  • Prepare for and present at all major design reviews, including internal and external (customer) reviews
  • Provide technical expertise in planning for IR&D and new product initiatives
  • Support proposal efforts for new business opportunities
  • Support travel to Fairfax, Virginia corporate headquarters, as needed (up to 25%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 12+ years of related experience with a bachelorโ€™s degree, or 10+ years with a masterโ€™s degree
  • Demonstrated experience leading the development and delivery of complex spaceflight or aerospace hardware from concept through qualification, production, and customer delivery.
  • Highly accomplished in one or more engineering or scientific domains of expertise, with fluency across multiple relevant technical/scientific domains
  • Proficient in application of systems engineering methodology to product design and development
  • Ability to balance technical performance with program cost and schedule targets
  • Excellent organization and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • MS degree in a STEM field
  • Experience in software defined systems
  • Experience with space industry product development life cycles
  • Experience in product development for high-reliability, high-survivability, and/or space environment applications
  • Experience with complex electronics product design at low level of integration, e.g., PCBAs, mechanical structures, mission software, FPGA firmware, etc.
  • Experience with Xilinx family devices, including Zynq UltraScale+ or Versal architecture
  • Knowledge of VPX standards (VITA 46 and VITA 65) and demonstrated experience implementing embedded hardware
  • Experience in electronics design including schematic capture, PCB layout, PCB routing, high-speed data design, mixed-signal analysis/design, signal integrity analysis, etc.
  • Experience with signal processing and/or algorithm development
  • Experience with CAD tools, e.g., PSpice, LTspice, Altium, SOLIDWORKS, Keysight ADS, etc.
  • Experience with systems engineering related tools, e.g., STK, MATLAB Simulink, requirements management/databases, MBSE, etc.
  • Experience with one or more levels of the OSI model and understanding of networking protocols

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $84,000 - $200,000

Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

  • Medical
  • Vision
  • Basic life with AD&D
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
  • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
  • Paid time off
  • Holidays
  • 401(k) (including company match)
  • Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
  • Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)

Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Trident Solutions is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@tridsys.com.

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractorโ€™s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

#J-18808-Ljbffr