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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Springfield, VA

Peraton

Systems Engineer, Principal

Reston, VA · On-site

They are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and operational excellence of their IT Enterprise ...

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Principal Systems Engineer information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$22.1K

$156.7K

$235.8K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Springfield, VA is $156,721.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,000.00 and $183,800.00 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 Springfield, VA? For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles 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:
Principal Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,721 per year, or $75.3 per hour.

Space Systems/ Principal Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$108K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP) is looking for you to join our team as a Systems Engineer - Level 2 or 3 based out of Fairfax, VA or Linthicum, MD.
Key Job Responsibilities
  • Lead the architecture and implementation of reusable software components for a multi-variant product line.
  • Elicit, analyze, and document system-level functional and non-functional requirements for the entire product family.
  • Maintain a traceability matrix linking requirements to design, implementation, and verification artifacts.
  • Conduct requirement reviews with cross-functional stakeholders (hardware, firmware, QA, product management) and drive consensus.
  • Define, develop, and maintain ICDs for all hardware-software and software-software interfaces.
  • Create detailed use-case diagrams, activity flows, and sequence diagrams that capture user interactions and internal processes.
  • Collaborate with Agile teams to translate requirements into user stories, backlog items, and sprint deliverables.
  • Oversee integration testing, validation, and verification of system-level functionality across product variants.
  • Continuously assess and improve engineering processes, tooling, and documentation standards.

This requisition may be filled as either a level 2 or a level 3.
Basic Qualifications:
  • For Systems Engineer: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of relevant experience; Master's degree and 0 years of experience
  • For Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of relevant experience; Master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience; PhD and 0 years of relevant experience
  • Active TS/SCI clearance required at time of application
  • Ability to elicit, analyze, and document system-level requirements (functional & non-functional).
  • Experience with or knowledge of creating and managing traceability matrices linking requirements to design, code, and verification.
  • Familiarity with interface control documents (ICDs) and experience defining hardware-software and software-software interfaces.
  • Working knowledge of modeling languages/tools for use-case, activity, and sequence diagrams.
  • Experience working in or familiarity with Agile/Scrum environments, including backlog grooming and sprint planning.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work successfully with cross-functional teams.
  • Proficient in version-control systems and collaborative development tools (Jira, Confluence, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with families of products that share a common software platform (e.g., automotive, aerospace, medical devices).
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance
  • Certification in Systems Engineering (e.g., INCOSE CSEP) or Agile (e.g., CSM, SAFe).
  • Familiarity with model-based development (MBSE) and tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler or IBM Rhapsody.
  • Programming proficiency in C/C++, Python, or Rust for embedded development.
  • Knowledge of safety and compliance standards (e.g., IEC 61508, ISO 26262, FDA 21 CFR 820).
  • Experience with automated testing frameworks and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $171,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

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At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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