Some of the key systems engineering principles are:
Viewing the system from the stakeholder points of view, this means walking in the shoes of the system’s owner and stakeholders. Key processes for this principle include needs assessment, user need elicitation, developing a Concept of Operations, and especially stakeholder involvement.
Start at the finish line defines the expectations for the system and the way the system is going to operate. The details might change but the key concepts and ideas on what the system should do to meet particular user needs should remain consistent. Key processes for this principle include Concept of Operations and Validation Plan.
Address risks as early as possible when the cost impacts to addressing those risks are the lowest. Key processes for this principle include risk management, requirements, and stakeholder involvement.
Push technology choices to the last possible moment. Define what is to be done before defining how it is to be done.
Focus on interfaces of the system during the definition of the system. Defining clear and standard interfaces and managing them through the development will ease the integration of the individual elements of the system.
Understand the organization of the system’s owner, stakeholders, and development team.
