Principal Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Principal Engineer jobs in Ohio are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, automotive systems, and enterprise software sectors at every level from senior individual contributor through staff and distinguished engineer. Columbus, Cleveland, and Dayton are the primary hiring centers, where major employers like Raytheon Technologies, Honda of America, and Nationwide have sustained principal-level engineering needs. Embedded systems, cloud infrastructure architecture, and mechanical systems design are among the most consistently sought specialties in the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Communication/Navigation Engineer, supporting the Fixed Wing Modification Branch AFLCMC/WIU at Wright Patterson Airforce Base. This program focuses on modification and sustainment support for SOF/PR and ISR fixed wing and rotary‑wing aircraft.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s or Doctorate Degree in a related field from an ABET-accredited engineering program and at least 20 years of experience in the respective technical / professional discipline being performed, 12 years of which must be in the DoD OR;
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an ABET-accredited engineering program and 25 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 15 years of which must be in the DoD.
- Engineering support for aircraft communications, navigation, CNS/ATM systems, mission planning systems, and avionics modernization efforts.
- Requirements development, trade studies, system specifications, architecture analysis, integration, verification, and DOORS-based requirements management.
- Airworthiness determinations, Military Flight Releases (MFRs), OSS&E assessments, FAA/NAS compliance, and certification support in accordance with MIL-HDBK-516 and MIL-STD-882.
- Acquisition engineering, technical evaluations, source selection support, risk assessments, mitigation planning, PWS/RFP/CDRL development, and lifecycle program support.
- Strong collaboration skills with cross‑functional teams, leadership, stakeholders, and external partners.
- Clear and effective communicator, able to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
- Skilled in building productive relationships across government, industry, and academic organizations.
- Proactive problem‑solver with the ability to facilitate discussions, resolve issues, and drive consensus.
- Provide engineering support for aircraft communication, navigation, and avionics systems throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
- Support CNS/ATM system requirements development, integration, testing, certification, deployment, and sustainment.
- Serve as a CNI subject matter expert for navigation system development and modernization efforts.
- Support FAA and National Airspace System (NAS) compliance, certification, and performance assessment activities.
- Manage and support navigation databases, mission planning systems, and associated avionics technologies.
- Coordinate with government agencies, suppliers, and stakeholders to support system integration and certification.
- Develop technical documentation supporting systems engineering, airworthiness, OSS&E, and safety certification activities.
- Support compliance with MIL-HDBK-516, MIL-STD-882, and DAFI 63-1201 requirements.
- Assist with planning, analyzing, and evaluating efforts used to define total weapon system/subsystem requirements, translate requirements into design criteria, evaluate alternative designs, develop system specifications, and perform trade studies.
- Review overall system design baselines, architectures, interoperability requirements, specifications, ICDs, and integration approaches while identifying risks and recommendations.
- Conduct technical assessments, evaluate proposals, perform trade studies, develop recommendations, and support engineering decision-making throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
- Evaluate technical risk and Operational Safety, Suitability, and Effectiveness (OSS&E), establish mitigation plans, and support risk reduction efforts.
- Support airworthiness determinations, Military Flight Releases (MFRs), MACC development, tailored airworthiness criteria, and compliance with MIL-HDBK-516.
- Apply DoD acquisition engineering principles, support source selections, develop acquisition strategies, technical evaluation criteria, PWSs, RFPs, and CDRLs.
- Support requirements management using DOORS and architecture tools, participate in TIMs, design reviews, configuration boards, and prepare technical briefings and recommendations.
Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Communication/Navigation Engineer, supporting the Fixed Wing Modification Branch AFLCMC/WIU at Wright Patterson Airforce Base. This program focuses on modification and sustainment support for SOF/PR and ISR fixed wing and rotary‑wing aircraft.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s or Doctorate Degree in a related field from an ABET-accredited engineering program and at least 20 years of experience in the respective technical / professional discipline being performed, 12 years of which must be in the DoD OR;
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an ABET-accredited engineering program and 25 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 15 years of which must be in the DoD.
- Engineering support for aircraft communications, navigation, CNS/ATM systems, mission planning systems, and avionics modernization efforts.
- Requirements development, trade studies, system specifications, architecture analysis, integration, verification, and DOORS-based requirements management.
- Airworthiness determinations, Military Flight Releases (MFRs), OSS&E assessments, FAA/NAS compliance, and certification support in accordance with MIL-HDBK-516 and MIL-STD-882.
- Acquisition engineering, technical evaluations, source selection support, risk assessments, mitigation planning, PWS/RFP/CDRL development, and lifecycle program support.
- Strong collaboration skills with cross‑functional teams, leadership, stakeholders, and external partners.
- Clear and effective communicator, able to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
- Skilled in building productive relationships across government, industry, and academic organizations.
- Proactive problem‑solver with the ability to facilitate discussions, resolve issues, and drive consensus.
- Provide engineering support for aircraft communication, navigation, and avionics systems throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
- Support CNS/ATM system requirements development, integration, testing, certification, deployment, and sustainment.
- Serve as a CNI subject matter expert for navigation system development and modernization efforts.
- Support FAA and National Airspace System (NAS) compliance, certification, and performance assessment activities.
- Manage and support navigation databases, mission planning systems, and associated avionics technologies.
- Coordinate with government agencies, suppliers, and stakeholders to support system integration and certification.
- Develop technical documentation supporting systems engineering, airworthiness, OSS&E, and safety certification activities.
- Support compliance with MIL-HDBK-516, MIL-STD-882, and DAFI 63-1201 requirements.
- Assist with planning, analyzing, and evaluating efforts used to define total weapon system/subsystem requirements, translate requirements into design criteria, evaluate alternative designs, develop system specifications, and perform trade studies.
- Review overall system design baselines, architectures, interoperability requirements, specifications, ICDs, and integration approaches while identifying risks and recommendations.
- Conduct technical assessments, evaluate proposals, perform trade studies, develop recommendations, and support engineering decision-making throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
- Evaluate technical risk and Operational Safety, Suitability, and Effectiveness (OSS&E), establish mitigation plans, and support risk reduction efforts.
- Support airworthiness determinations, Military Flight Releases (MFRs), MACC development, tailored airworthiness criteria, and compliance with MIL-HDBK-516.
- Apply DoD acquisition engineering principles, support source selections, develop acquisition strategies, technical evaluation criteria, PWSs, RFPs, and CDRLs.
- Support requirements management using DOORS and architecture tools, participate in TIMs, design reviews, configuration boards, and prepare technical briefings and recommendations.
See All 81 Principal Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs by City in Ohio
Where Ohio roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Engineer Job Market in Ohio
A snapshot from current Ohio openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman17
- American Honda Motor5
- JPMorganChase4
- Continuous Composites4
- SciTec3
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Ohio Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal engineer jobs across Ohio.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a closely related technical discipline required
- Eight or more years of progressive engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
- Proven ability to define technical roadmaps and drive architecture decisions across product teams
- Deep expertise in at least one Ohio-relevant domain such as embedded systems, defense, or manufacturing automation
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and mentoring mid-level and senior engineers
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for executive stakeholder presentations and design reviews
Principal Engineer Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal engineer in Ohio?
Reaching a principal engineer title in Ohio typically requires a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline plus many years of progressively senior technical experience. Roles in civil, structural, or environmental engineering may require licensure through the Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors, while software and systems engineering titles generally do not require a state license. Demonstrating ownership of large-scale architecture decisions and mentoring records is what moves candidates into principal-level consideration at Ohio employers.
Which companies hire principal engineers in Ohio?
Employers hiring principal engineers in Ohio right now include Northrop Grumman, American Honda Motor, and JPMorganChase, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Ohio's concentration of aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing headquarters means principal engineering roles frequently appear at large industrial and technology firms with long-standing Ohio operations.
Which Ohio cities have the most principal engineer jobs?
Columbus, Cincinnati, and Wright-Patterson AFB have the most principal engineer openings in Ohio. Columbus drives volume through its large enterprise technology and insurance headquarters, Cleveland and its suburbs attract aerospace, defense, and healthcare engineering talent, and Dayton's deep ties to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and defense contractors sustain consistent demand for senior technical leaders.
Are there remote principal engineer jobs in Ohio?
Yes, and more than most engineering specialties, particularly for software architecture and cloud infrastructure roles. About 82% of principal engineer openings tied to Ohio are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of much of the work. Roles tied to hardware, manufacturing systems, or defense programs with facility or clearance requirements tend to remain fully on-site.
How can I get hired as a principal engineer in Ohio with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a mid-level or senior engineer role first, then building toward principal through demonstrated ownership of system-wide decisions. Large Ohio employers like Honda of America, Raytheon, and major Columbus-based tech firms run structured new-graduate and rotational engineering programs that develop engineers toward leadership tracks over time. Moving laterally from staff engineer, technical lead, or architect roles at Ohio manufacturers or enterprise software companies is a common bridge. A professional engineer license from the Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors strengthens candidacy in civil, structural, and systems-oriented roles.
Where can I find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Ohio?
You can find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Ohio on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings in the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 81 Principal Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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