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What does a principal systems engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a principal systems engineer do

A Principal Systems Engineer supervises a group of other engineers in technical projects. They develop and lead systems engineering projects and efforts.

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Principal systems engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real principal systems engineer resumes:

  • Manage creation and deletion of user accounts in the department using Perl scripts.
  • Achieve compatibility requirements by partnering with LTE team to perform APCO P25 - LTE device functional and performance testing.
  • Develop and integrate software that drives flight control system hardware and achieves product requirements for an international avionics customer base.
  • Create verification test plans for TCP/IP network systems and storage area networks (SAN) incorporating Linux and Cisco network equipment.
  • Perform RF signal processing and simulation testing of pulse compression modulations.
  • Configure Linux systems to analyze system performance and review results against verification test plans.
  • Used LabVIEW to develop software for instrument performance diagnostics and debugging.
  • Evaluate PC operating systems, LAN management applications and office applications.
  • Provide consultation and support to integrate product teams (IPT).
  • Perform custom coding with JAVA to integrate software products with client prototype application.
  • Survey existing equipment to include backhaul equipment and distribute antenna systems (DAS).
  • Contribute to a NASA proposal by independently writing the datalink section for a spacecraft lander.
  • Install baseline ATHENA software and drivers, build and assemble rack mount and floor servers.
  • Serve as senior systems architect for all major deployments with focus on network and SAN integration.
  • Work on fast data-path API interfacing as well as designing data-path optimization features such as MSDU aggregation.

Principal systems engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 10% of Principal Systems Engineers are proficient in Systems Engineering, DOD, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.

We break down the percentage of Principal Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Systems Engineering, 10%

    Managed systems engineering efforts to define satellite communications network management requirements for use of military satellite resources in long-range inter-switch communications.

  • DOD, 8%

    Utilized rapid development practices and nontraditional acquisition methods for select DoD weapons systems and prototypes.

  • C++, 5%

    Design and implementation of automated build and test tools using TCL, PERL, and Visual C++.

  • RF, 5%

    Detailed analysis and simulation of RF propagation, signal and data processing software prototyping to support requirements and design.

  • System Design, 5%

    Provided technical guidance on BTS system design and deployments; proposed and implemented optimal design solution to meet customer requirements.

  • Infrastructure, 4%

    Provided proposal and basis of estimate support for architectural design, infrastructure configuration, system administration, system/application and integration.

Most principal systems engineers use their skills in "systems engineering," "dod," and "c++" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential principal systems engineer responsibilities here:

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a principal systems engineer to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Principal systems engineers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "advised af aoc sme on communications with engineering and esc. "

Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling principal systems engineer duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." According to a principal systems engineer resume, here's how principal systems engineers can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "support of northgate arinso hr payroll solution java based app. "

Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of principal systems engineers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday principal systems engineer duties, as "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "prepare test plans, scripts and data sets for formal integration, validation and verification testing following customer procedures. "

See the full list of principal systems engineer skills

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Compare different principal systems engineers

Principal systems engineer vs. Engineer

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

We looked at the average principal systems engineer salary and compared it with the wages of an engineer. Generally speaking, engineers are paid $41,131 lower than principal systems engineers per year.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both principal systems engineer and engineer positions are skilled in c++, rf, and linux.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, principal systems engineer responsibilities require skills like "systems engineering," "dod," "system design," and "infrastructure." Meanwhile a typical engineer has skills in areas such as "python," "cloud," "c #," and "aws." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Engineers really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $97,672. Comparatively, principal systems engineers tend to make the most money in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $134,626.engineers tend to reach lower levels of education than principal systems engineers. In fact, engineers are 9.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.7% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Principal systems engineer vs. Network engineer

A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.

A career as a network engineer brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a principal systems engineer. In fact, network engineers salary is $49,651 lower than the salary of principal systems engineers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both principal systems engineers and network engineers have skills such as "linux," "java," and "technical support. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that principal systems engineer responsibilities requires skills like "systems engineering," "dod," "c++," and "rf." But a network engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "troubleshoot," "network infrastructure," "bgp," and "ospf."

On average, network engineers earn a lower salary than principal systems engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, network engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $90,927. Whereas principal systems engineers have higher pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $134,626.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Network engineers tend to reach lower levels of education than principal systems engineers. In fact, they're 11.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Principal systems engineer vs. Systems operator

Systems operators often act as the front liners whose primary job is to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity service to consumers and businesses. They are responsible for overseeing and managing the power grid and controlling electricity flow through transmission lines. Other duties and responsibilities of systems operators include monitoring and operating current converters, observing circuit breakers and voltage transformers, and anticipating the changing needs for power due to weather. They are also responsible for communicating with key stakeholders such as power plant operators to route energy to consumers.

On average, systems operators earn lower salaries than principal systems engineers, with a $95,026 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on principal systems engineers and systems operators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "dod," "rf," and "linux.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from principal systems engineer resumes include skills like "systems engineering," "c++," "system design," and "infrastructure," whereas a systems operator is more likely to list skills in "computer system," "combat," "situational awareness," and "lan. "

Systems operators earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $38,937. Comparatively, principal systems engineers have the highest earning potential in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $134,626.Most systems operators achieve a lower degree level compared to principal systems engineers. For example, they're 17.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Principal systems engineer vs. Senior applications engineer

A senior applications engineer specializes in designing and developing a variety of applications and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing feedback and client needs when making decisions, creating test structures for applications, performing installment and repairs, troubleshooting, and performing regular maintenance checks and upgrades. Furthermore, as a senior applications engineer, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Senior applications engineers average a lower salary than the annual salary of principal systems engineers. The difference is about $25,219 per year.While their salaries may vary, principal systems engineers and senior applications engineers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "c++," "rf," and "linux. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between principal systems engineers and senior applications engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a principal systems engineer might have more use for skills like "systems engineering," "dod," "system design," and "infrastructure." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of senior applications engineers require skills like "c #," "database," "javascript," and "provide customer support. "

In general, senior applications engineers earn the most working in the insurance industry, with an average salary of $111,125. The highest-paying industry for a principal systems engineer is the telecommunication industry.In general, senior applications engineers hold similar degree levels compared to principal systems engineers. Senior applications engineers are 3.6% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of principal systems engineer

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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