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The differences between spacecraft systems engineers and principal systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a spacecraft systems engineer, becoming a principal systems engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a principal systems engineer has an average salary of $133,208, which is higher than the $96,404 average annual salary of a spacecraft systems engineer.
The top three skills for a spacecraft systems engineer include systems engineering, MATLAB and spacecraft systems. The most important skills for a principal systems engineer are systems engineering, DOD, and C++.
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Principal Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,404 | $133,208 |
| Hourly rate | $46.35 | $64.04 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 78,004 | 146,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A spacecraft system engineer develops simulations and performs analysis. They create design documents and work with teams to carry out projects. They must also maintain amicable relationships with customers.
A Principal Systems Engineer supervises a group of other engineers in technical projects. They develop and lead systems engineering projects and efforts.
Spacecraft systems engineers and principal systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Principal Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $96,404 | $133,208 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $128,000 | Between $97,000 And $181,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | eBay |
| Best paying industry | - | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a spacecraft systems engineer and a principal systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Principal Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between spacecraft systems engineers' and principal systems engineers' demographics:
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Principal Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 12.8% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |