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Principal Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Principal Systems Engineer Location: Shoreview, MN Travel: Quarterly travel to Austin, TX (approx. once per quarter) Contract Duration: 12 Months Experience Requirements • Minimum Years of ...

Huntsville, Alabama, United States 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 ...

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Principal Systems Engineer information

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$149.2K

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How much do principal systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Principal Systems Engineers and senior engineers in fields such as software, aerospace, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand industries. Compensation can also include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits depending on the company and location.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Systems Engineers and senior engineering roles in fields like software, aerospace, and cybersecurity can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and company size, often including bonuses and stock options.

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 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 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Principal Systems Engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-tech sectors can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. Compensation at this level often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, reflecting the seniority and complexity of the projects they manage.

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.
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Sentinel - Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - 18478

Sentinel - Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - 18478

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Roy, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 Defense Systems is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer / Senior Principal Systems Engineer. This position is located in Roy, UT and supports the Sentinel program.

The successful candidate will support the Digital Thread System team across the full systems-engineering life cycle, from use-case development through verification. You will collaborate closely with members across the Digital Thread Integrated Product Team and with systems engineers for other Digital Ecosystem IPTs to produce rigorous systems-engineering and design artifacts, working with technical teams and stakeholders to develop and mature a Digital Thread design to provide effective and secure Digital Engineering capability across the SDS Division. Your responsibilities will include engaging user community along with program and government counterparts for use case analysis; defining, allocating, and tracing requirements; ensuring those requirements are accurately represented in the system model; performing functional decomposition and interface definition; and performing verification activities.

In addition, you will develop the system architecture using Cameo Enterprise Architecture, modeling behavioral, structural, and analytical aspects of the solution. You will contribute to ongoing requirements development, management, and analysis while establishing unifying modeling techniques, procedures, and processes that enable seamless model development, tool integration, and team collaboration.

Specific Duties Include:

  • Collaborate with Digital Thread Integrated Product Team and with systems engineers for other Digital Ecosystem IPTs to develop rigorous and proper systems engineering and design artifacts.
  • Use case development, requirements definition, requirements allocation, requirements traceability, functional decomposition, interface definition, verification.
  • Work with test teams to ensure successful checkout and verification of the system.
  • Perform user acceptance testing and similar engagements to solicit informal and formal user feedback.
  • Work with technical teams and stakeholders to develop and mature DTS design as part of the Digital Ecosystem.
  • Help develop and incorporate the appropriate requirements for the system and ensure that they are properly represented in the model.
  • Develop systems architecture using Cameo Enterprise Architecture (behavioral, structural, analytical).
  • Contribute to system requirements development, management, and analysis.
  • Develop unifying model techniques, procedures, and processes (for model development, tool integration, and team integration).

Basic Qualifications:

This requisition may be filled at either the Principal Systems Engineer level (T-03) or Senior Principal Systems Engineer level (T-04)

  • Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor's Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics discipline from an accredited university with 5 years of related experience, 3 years with Masters, 1 year with PhD.
  • Senior Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university with 8 years of related experience, 6 years with Masters, 4 years with PhD.
  • Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years.
  • Ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
  • Ability to obtain U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance.
  • 2+ years in complex information systems.
  • 2+ years in developing and executing SE process in a DoD Technology TMRR or EMD phase.
  • 2+ years on large / complex system development supporting or leading major program events such as SRR, SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR, SVR, FCA, PRR, PCA.
  • 2+ years on agile or other incremental/continuous integration and delivery effort.
  • 2+ years in creating, updating, and maintaining requirements specifications in DOORS.
  • 2+ years in creating, updating, and maintaining MBSE products.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiar with Teamcenter/CPLM, Primavera, ARM, Gitlab, COBRA, Nexus, SharePoint
  • ICBM Experience (MMIII or Sentinel)
  • Experience with Agile, JIRA, Confluence
  • Experience with Integrated Functional Capability (IFC) process
  • Experience resolving issues and providing technical support
  • Experience using Microsoft (MS) Word, Excel, and Power Point
  • 3+ years writing requirements and/or verification plans
  • Capable of working with minimal direction and in team environments
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated experience with high value customer presentations, with ability to focus on multiple projects with competing priorities
  • Strong understanding and broad application of complex engineering systems (engineering standards, configuration management, material review board, process control, tooling, facilities, software, etc.) for the development of complex systems of systems
  • Experience with defining and building cybersecure information systems
  • Experience with developing systems in joint collaborative environment between contractor and customer
  • Experience with defining digital engineering or digital ecosystem capabilities
  • Experience with hybrid and cloud-based information system

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

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.

#Sentinelsystems

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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