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Primary Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cyient

Engineering IPTL

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$72K - $87K/yr

Serve as the primary engineering focal point for engineering kit validation and disposition activities. * Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders including Design Engineering, Manufacturing ...

Cyient

Engineering IPTL

East Hartford, CT · On-site

Serve as the primary engineering focal point for engineering kit validation and disposition activities. * Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders including Design Engineering, Manufacturing ...

Chefman

Manufacturing Engineer/NPI Engineer

Mahwah, NJ

$95K - $120K/yr

You will serve as the primary engineering link between our US-based design teams, TPMs, and overseas manufacturing partners. This is a highly cross-functional, travel-intensive role requiring deep ...

Chefman

Manufacturing Engineer/NPI Engineer

Mahwah, NJ · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

You will serve as the primary engineering link between our US-based design teams, TPMs, and overseas manufacturing partners. This is a highly cross-functional, travel-intensive role requiring deep ...

Equiliem

Project Engineer

Houston, TX

$90K - $145K/yr

This role serves as the primary engineering point of contact for customers and internal stakeholders, ensuring projects are executed in accordance with customer requirements, industry standards ...

Stark Aerospace

Director, Engineering

Columbus, MS

Serve as the primary engineering interface to Program Management, supporting proposal activities, production planning, and execution. * Partner with Manufacturing leadership to ensure process ...

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All JobsPrimary Engineering Jobs

Primary Engineering information

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$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do primary engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for primary engineering in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Primary Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Primary Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management, and a relevant engineering degree or certification. Familiarity with CAD software, industry-specific codes, and project management tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills set outstanding Primary Engineers apart. These skills are crucial for designing safe, efficient systems and successfully leading projects from concept to completion.

What are some common challenges faced by Primary Engineering professionals when coordinating with other departments on large-scale projects?

Primary Engineering professionals often collaborate with design, civil, and construction teams to deliver complex infrastructure projects, such as substations or transmission lines. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication of technical requirements and design changes across multiple departments, which can impact project timelines and outcomes. Additionally, aligning schedules and priorities between engineering and field teams requires strong project management and adaptability. Proactively participating in cross-functional meetings and utilizing project management tools can help mitigate these challenges and foster effective teamwork.

What is primary engineering?

Primary engineering refers to the design, development, and implementation of the main systems and components of a project, typically in the power and energy sector. This includes work on high voltage equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switchgear in substations and power plants. Primary engineers ensure that these components are specified, arranged, and integrated safely and efficiently to meet operational requirements. They often collaborate closely with secondary engineers, who focus on control and protection systems.

What is a primary engineer?

A primary engineer is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating engineering projects, often serving as the main point of contact between teams and clients. They typically have strong technical skills, project management abilities, and may hold certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE).

What are the primary fields of engineering?

Primary engineering fields include mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and aerospace engineering. These disciplines focus on designing, developing, and maintaining systems, structures, and technologies across various industries. Engineers in these fields often use specialized tools and require relevant certifications or degrees.

What is the difference between Primary Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPrimary EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, engineering licenses often preferredBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, licensure optional but beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and project management in various industries, often on-site or office-basedDesign, testing, and manufacturing in labs, factories, or offices
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction, infrastructure, and civil projectsWidely used in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

Primary Engineering focuses on overseeing engineering projects, often in civil or infrastructure contexts, requiring specific certifications. Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of mechanical systems, with a strong emphasis on design and manufacturing. Both roles require engineering degrees, but their applications and industries differ.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects or teams.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers in leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve working in high-stakes industries or executive positions.
More about Primary Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Primary Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Primary Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Primary Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Primary Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Primary Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Primary Engineering jobs are:
Primary Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Primary Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.

Heavy Highway Construction Chief Engineer

HDJ & Associates, Inc.

New Kensington, PA

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Chief Engineer oversees all construction engineering activities for the company. This position is responsible for the planning, design, review, and approval of temporary works and engineering solutions for heavy highway projects, including bridges, roadways, and complex structural operations. The Chief Engineer provides technical leadership to project teams, ensures compliance with DOT and other regulatory requirements, and signs and seals engineering plans and calculations for the organization. The role also leads and mentors the engineering staff, builds technical capability across the company, and serves as the primary engineering representative to owners, agencies, and design partners.
NOTE: This is a succession hire. After a brief training and transition period, the selected candidate will assume the full responsibility of Chief Engineer.


Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the senior engineering authority, responsible for planning and designing temporary works to facilitate heavy highway construction projects, including bridges, roadways, and other structures.
  • Lead, review, and approve engineering strategies for temporary works such as cofferdams, concrete forms, temporary supports, shoring, and demolition sequencing.
  • Work directly with field personnel, providing practical guidance to ensure engineered plans are built safely and correctly.
  • Establish and enforce engineering standards, procedures, and quality control processes across all projects.
  • Provide executive‑level oversight of engineering risk, constructability reviews, and safety impacts associated with construction means and methods.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including PennDOT, PA Turnpike Commission, and OSHA requirements.
  • Sign and seal engineering drawings, calculations, and technical documents as required by law and company policy (after transition to full Chief Engineer).
  • Act as the primary engineering liaison with PennDOT, design engineers of record, owners, third‑party reviewers, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
  • Oversee and mentor engineering staff, supporting in-house skills development, helping build technical capability and a long‑term succession pipeline for the company.
  • Support preconstruction, estimating, and bid reviews by providing technical input, construction sequencing plans, and engineering risk evaluations.
  • Work closely with project managers and field leadership to resolve complex technical issues and support successful project execution.


Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the Division Manager as needed.


Requirements

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with coursework or emphasis in steel and concrete structure design and geotechnical engineering (required).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).
  • Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the construction industry, preferably heavy highway or transportation infrastructure.
  • PennDOT or Pennsylvania Turnpike experience preferred.
  • Experience leading or overseeing engineering work for major DOT or infrastructure projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams or manage engineering programs/departments.
  • Strong familiarity with structural and geotechnical analysis tools and CAD platforms, such as STAAD, AutoCAD, MathCAD, or similar.
  • Mechanical aptitude and practical, hands‑on construction experience preferred.
  • Private‑sector construction experience is helpful but not required.