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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

V2X is seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to join our Engineering team in Indianapolis, IN supporting development and integration of advanced systems including situational awareness displays ...

V2X is seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to join our Engineering team in Indianapolis, IN supporting development and integration of advanced systems including situational awareness displays ...

Principal Systems Engineer Fort Worth, TX | Merrimack, NH | Roanoke, VA | Direct Hire | Full-Time | 9/80 Schedule 2 Openings About the Role We're seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join a ...

TCS is searching for a Principal Systems Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in Huntsville, AL. The GMD program is a portion of ...

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Principal Systems Engineer information

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$21K

$149.2K

$224.5K

How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems engineer in the United States is $149,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $175,000.00 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.
More about Principal Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Systems Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Systems Engineer jobs? The top employers for Principal Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Systems Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Systems Engineer jobs? For Principal Systems Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,214 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Sentinel - Principal / Sr Principal Systems Engineer - 18932

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Roy, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
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.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer / Sr Principal Systems Engineer for the Payload Re-entry System (PRS) for the Sentinel Program, located at the Strategic Deterrence Division (SDS) headquarters in Roy, UT.
This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
As a PRS Systems Engineer the primary job responsibilities are the following:
  • Perform requirements analysis, develop source data for requirements, generate requirements verification, and help prepare test plans and procedures
  • Participate in technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for mechanical, electrical and integrated systems
  • Apply the principles of engineering to design components and systems using applicable standards and specifications
  • Verify specifications and designs through modeling and simulation, test data processing, and performance analysis
  • Support all phases of the systems lifecycle including concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal
  • Develop Basis of Estimates (BOEs) for the systems engineering function
  • Interface with United States Air Force Customer

Basic Qualifications:
This requisition may be filled at either the Principal Systems Engineer level (T-03) or Sr. Principal Systems Engineer level (T-04).
Required for Both Levels:
  • Must be a US Citizen with an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance, at time of application, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years
  • Must have a current or ability to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need
  • Minimum 3 years of experience with MBSE tools
  • Minimum 3 years of experience with Core Systems Engineering (Requirements, Architecture, Interfaces, or Verification)
  • Experience with any of the following tools and languages: DOORS, Cameo, MagicDraw, UML, SysML

Principal Systems Engineer (T-03 Level):
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of experience with Bachelor's degree, 3 years of experience with Master's degree, 1 year with a PhD

Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (T-04 Level):
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 8 Years of related experience; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD
  • 3+ years proven experience leading a project and/or driving performance against schedule with proven results
  • Strong understanding of the SE process, including SE experience across multiple levels of integration
  • Demonstrated experience interfacing with suppliers and/or government customers
  • Requirement verification and validation experience, including generating test plans and procedures

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Preferred degrees include (Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace engineering)
  • 4 years of experience with ICBM Weapon Systems
  • 6 years of experience in Systems Engineering and any of the following areas:
    o Requirements Management: MBSE, Functional Block Diagrams, Specification Trees
    o Systems and end item requirements validation and verification
    o Design: Systems Design, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, N2 Analysis, Trade Studies
    o General knowledge of multiple engineering disciplines: Safety, Nuclear Hardness, Nuclear Surety, Material Science, Environmental, Parts and Logistics, etc
  • Experience with CDRL development for customer review
  • Experience executing System Milestone efforts such as: ARR, PDR, CDR, etc.
  • Active DoD Top Secret security clearance
  • Active SAP clearance

Position Benefits
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401k
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health & Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts

https://www.northropgrumman.com/who-we-are/total-rewards-benefits/
This position's standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
#Sentinelsystems
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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