ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

RTX

Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite)

Tucson, AZ · On-site

As a Principal Systems Engineer - Effectors you will be responsible for technical rigor of requirements documents, including developing/writing requirements, updating existing requirements ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsPrincipal Systems Engineer JobsPrincipal Systems Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Principal Systems Engineer information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$18.1K

$128.3K

$193K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in Tucson, AZ is $128,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,200.00 and $150,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

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 does a Principal Systems Engineer do?

A Principal Systems Engineer leads the design, integration, and management of complex systems within an organization. They are responsible for overseeing the entire systems engineering process, from requirements gathering to implementation and maintenance. In this senior role, they collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensure system reliability, and provide technical guidance to engineers. Principal Systems Engineers often contribute to setting technical standards and drive innovation in system architecture.

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 popular job titles related to Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ? For Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Systems Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
Principal Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in Tucson, AZ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,278 per year, or $61.7 per hour.
Senior Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite)

Senior Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite)

Raytheon

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 511 rated manufacturers

Job description

Senior Principal Systems Engineer – Effectors

The Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SETC) organization is currently hiring a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to join our Tucson, AZ location. SETC is an exciting and challenging environment where you will have the opportunity to design, develop and partner with multi-disciplines to shape innovative solutions for our customers. Join our organization and experience the Systems V engineering life cycle while interfacing with a variety of engineering disciplines, subject matter experts, chief engineers, chief technologists, the customer, and so many more to ensure we design, integrate, and strengthen our systems to work the first time and every time for our warfighters!

The Senior Principal Systems Engineer – Effectors will take a leading role in interfacing with the customer to develop CONOPS, system architecture, system requirements and manage qualification, verification and validation. You will also lead and perform functional / physical analysis, allocation, and trade studies. You will plan the Systems approach to engineering testing, integration and flight-testing, production, system deployment, and post deployment support across the product lifecycle. The Senior Principal Systems Engineer – Effectors role requires a high level of technical proficiency in all aspects of the systems engineering lifecycle with a focus on test and production test environments.

What You Will Do

  • Interface with customers and key suppliers
  • Develop CONOPS
  • Develop & Refine System Architecture
  • Develop & Refine System Requirements and lead team developing Subsystem level Requirements
  • Perform Functional & Physical Analyses
  • Perform Functional Allocation
  • Develop and Lead Requirements Verification Strategies and Plans
  • Developing Integrated Systems Security Solutions
  • System Level to Subassembly Integration, Verification, and Validation planning and execution
  • Support System Deployment
  • Support Production
  • Support Life-cycle Logistics
  • Cross-functional collaboration and coordination
  • Establish and maintain relationships with other Programs, Program Leadership, and the customer community
  • Coordinate with program leadership on long term strategy and planning
  • Review and support trade studies, down-selects, and other analyses
  • CDRL management, report development, and delivery
  • Develop materials for customer meetings (Reviews, Technical Interface Meetings, status meetings, etc.) and brief customer representatives

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM preferred) and a minimum of 10 years of prior engineering experience.
  • Experience in Systems Engineering, Test Systems and Environments, System Architecture, and/or Design
  • Experience working on a cross-functional team of Systems Engineers and multidiscipline engineers
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams through developmental gates such as Systems Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, or Test Readiness Review

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Post Graduate degree in in Engineering, Computer Science, Math or Physics
  • Understanding of Systems Engineering Product Development Cycle
  • Detailed experience in one or more of the following domains: embedded software, nuclear survivability, RF signal processing, GNC, RF system integration & test, 6DOF/model development
  • Prior work experience giving technical briefs or presentations with strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Interfacing with customers
  • Developing & Refining CONOPS, System Architecture, System Requirement, and Requirements Verification Strategies & Plans
  • Performing Functional & Physical Analyses and Allocation
  • Creating & Maintaining Specifications
  • Subassembly and System Integration & Verification

What We Offer

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
  • Relocation Eligible – Relocation assistance is available

What Raytheon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply