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Principal systems engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted experts
Austin McCoy,
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.
Principal systems engineer example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical principal systems engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for principal systems engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.3% of principal systems engineer resumes contained systems engineering as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a principal systems engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 principal systems engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Systems Engineering

Here's how principal systems engineers use systems engineering:
  • Managed systems engineering efforts to define satellite communications network management requirements for use of military satellite resources in long-range inter-switch communications.
  • Project Manager and Principal Systems Engineer Responsible for providing project management and systems engineering leadership on several large DoD programs.

2. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how principal systems engineers use dod:
  • Utilized rapid development practices and nontraditional acquisition methods for select DoD weapons systems and prototypes.
  • Performed requirements analysis and acquisition in accordance with DoD and IEEE documentation.

3. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how principal systems engineers use c++:
  • Design and implementation of automated build and test tools using TCL, PERL, and Visual C++.
  • Supported development in writing and modifying C, C++, C# and Java code as needed.

4. RF

Here's how principal systems engineers use rf:
  • Detailed analysis and simulation of RF propagation, signal and data processing software prototyping to support requirements and design.
  • Delivered white papers on Electromagnetic effects, RF safety regulations and requirements for DoD/FCC electromagnetic compliance.

5. System Design

System design refers to the electronic structural component of a system.

Here's how principal systems engineers use system design:
  • Provided technical guidance on BTS system design and deployments; proposed and implemented optimal design solution to meet customer requirements.
  • Expedited development and delivery of compliant system by producing requirements documents, system design documents and software design documents.

6. Infrastructure

Infrastructure includes the organizational and physical structures needed to run an area or a society smoothly. It is a group of basic facilities required for any society or firm to run sustainably and efficiently. The infrastructural system is a high investing area and helps majorly in flourishing the economy and prosperity of a country. It is an underlying system needed for ensuring the safety and comfort of the public and to run a country smoothly. All the tasks needed to be performed for a flourishing economy and a happy and healthy public are included in infrastructure.

Here's how principal systems engineers use infrastructure:
  • Provided proposal and basis of estimate support for architectural design, infrastructure configuration, system administration, system/application and integration.
  • Designed knowledge infrastructure, evaluating performance to provide information to management regarding cost, time, workforce and required equipment.

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7. System Integration

System integration refers to connecting distinct subsystems into a sole bigger system that tasks as one in very extensive terms. In engineering, the principal system integrator integrates separate systems using various techniques such as enterprise application integration, computer networking, business process management or manual programming.

Here's how principal systems engineers use system integration:
  • Performed system integration activities for critical systems including strategic and tactical activities, software project management and continuity of operations.
  • Directed efforts of System Integration and Test team in executing System Specification Compliance Testing.

8. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how principal systems engineers use linux:
  • Perform Unix Systems administration and maintenance duties on Linux workstations and servers in both Research and Development and Engineering Development environments.
  • Configured Linux systems to analyze system performance and reviewed results against verification test plans.

9. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how principal systems engineers use java:
  • Administered Titan Case Tracking System, a proprietary java application used for internal an external case management.
  • Developed Java software for monitoring WebSphere Portal application.

10. System Performance

System performance refers to how efficient a computer system is, often measured on how much work is completed in a set timeframe. This measurement is estimated judging on a computer system's speed, the accuracy, and how efficient the work is completed. Depending on the field, a system's performance may be required to meet a certain level before the system can safely be used.

Here's how principal systems engineers use system performance:
  • Developed and implemented site policies on system architecture, IS Security, software configuration management, system performance and availability.
  • Monitored and analyzed system performance, recommending solutions that would meet customer requirements, creating robust and reliable systems.

11. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how principal systems engineers use software development:
  • Initiated software footprint parameter determination as related to common modes of failure during common test software development for DO-160 environmental testing.
  • Assisted in development of requirement specifications for Common Display Architecture Display System, and supervised software development and integration testing.

12. System Architecture

Here's how principal systems engineers use system architecture:
  • Analyzed and allocated system requirements, concept of operations documents, and high level system architectures to develop system requirements specifications.
  • Developed top level system architectures and designs for computer-based distributed signal processing subsystems in US Government strategic ISR signal collection facilities.

13. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how principal systems engineers use windows:
  • Supported and administered all corporate Windows servers utilizing SMS to perform periodic patching.
  • Designed and implemented several Windows 2008 Server Domain infrastructures.

14. Trade Studies

Here's how principal systems engineers use trade studies:
  • Performed trade studies and requirements verification, verified solutions, and validated mission fulfillment.
  • Perform trade studies for the use of broadband TWTA, SSPA and Block Down Converters for the WIN-T communication systems.

15. Project Management

Here's how principal systems engineers use project management:
  • Shared project management responsibilities for company-proprietary tool facilitating real-time distributed live-virtual simulation.
  • Managed business office functions to include contract management, financial management, project management, technical documentation management, and office administration
top-skills

What skills help Principal Systems Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on principal systems engineer resumes?

Austin McCoyAustin McCoy LinkedIn profile

Director of Javelina Engineering Student Success Center, Texas A&M University - Kingsville


-Internship/co-op experience -Research experience
-Good leadership skills and involvement on campus and in the community and activities where the individual works as part of a team.
-Well written resume can tell a lot about the technical writing skill; a resume needs to be clean and comfortable to read; recruiters can find what they are looking for easily.
-Less is sometimes more because students sometimes will put more information on a resume than is pertinent to the position applying for.

What principal systems engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington

I recommend enhancing skills in data analytics, if a graduate lacks such skills. Revitalizing business practices by analyzing user or inventory data is an integral part of almost all business applications. Hence, skills in data analytics will give a graduate an edge in the changing job market. Data analytics comes in various flavors: from gathering simple statistics to advanced machine learning. Hence, a graduate can always improve their skill from freely available online lectures, online classes such as Coursera, or on-ramp classes offered by many universities.

What type of skills will young principal systems engineers need?

Vince BowenVince Bowen LinkedIn profile

Executive Director, Department Chair Energy Systems Technology & Education Center (ESTEC), Idaho State University

How to learn. How to problem-solve. Emotional Intelligence to work in teams and get along with coworkers/customers. Then they need the tech skills.

List of principal systems engineer skills to add to your resume

Principal systems engineer skills

The most important skills for a principal systems engineer resume and required skills for a principal systems engineer to have include:

  • Systems Engineering
  • DOD
  • C++
  • RF
  • System Design
  • Infrastructure
  • System Integration
  • Linux
  • Java
  • System Performance
  • Software Development
  • System Architecture
  • Windows
  • Trade Studies
  • Project Management
  • Signal Processing
  • Management System
  • Configuration Management
  • Design Reviews
  • SAN
  • Technical Support
  • GPS
  • Radar
  • IR
  • National Security
  • Missile
  • Test Procedures
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Jenkins
  • Earned Value Management
  • VMware
  • Unix
  • CONOPS
  • Virtualization
  • Engineering Support
  • Business Development
  • OS
  • Ingenuity
  • ISO
  • Confluence
  • Visualization
  • Verification Testing
  • SQL
  • Cots
  • Perl
  • Sigma
  • Commercial Off-The-Shelf
  • SME
  • Technical Issues
  • Cam

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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