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Principal Design Engineer Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Milwaukee Tool

Principal Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

Principal Engineer Principal Design Engineer - L & L INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the secrets to our success - so we give you ...

Milwaukee Tool

Principal Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

Principal Engineer Principal Design Engineer - L & L INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the secrets to our success - so we give you ...

Milwaukee Tool

Principal Engineer

Milwaukee, WI

The Principal Design Engineer applies deep technical expertise and project management abilities to develop new technologies, reduce product risk, and enable efficient execution of NPD programs.This ...

HDR

Engineering Principal

Milwaukee, WI

Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license. * Extensive experience in project execution * Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard design software. * Must be comfortable ...

HDR

Engineering Principal

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license. * Extensive experience in project execution * Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard design software. * Must be comfortable ...

City of West Allis

Principal Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$38.02 - $52.80/hr

Description The City of West Allis is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to lead the design and delivery of critical infrastructure projects that enhance our community. This position is ...

City of West Allis, WI

Principal Engineer

West Allis, WI · On-site

$38.02 - $52.80/hr

The Principal Engineer manages complex capital improvement projects, monitors project budgets and ... Examples of Duties • Design, Plan & Coordinate Construction for DPW including Progress, and ...

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All JobsPrincipal Design Engineer JobsPrincipal Design Engineer Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Principal Design Engineer information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$72.9K

$145K

$209.4K

How much do principal design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal design engineer in Milwaukee, WI is $145,047.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,800.00 and $170,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal design engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Design Engineer, you need deep expertise in engineering principles, advanced design methodologies, and a relevant degree such as a BS or MS in engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating across departments. These skills and qualifications are vital for delivering innovative, high-quality designs and driving project success in complex engineering environments.

How does a principal design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

A Principal Design Engineer plays a pivotal role in bridging communication between engineering, product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams. Throughout a project, they lead technical discussions, facilitate design reviews, and ensure design intent aligns with overall project goals. Their expertise is often called upon to resolve complex technical challenges and mentor junior engineers, ensuring that cross-functional efforts remain cohesive and efficient. This collaborative approach helps streamline project timelines and results in robust, manufacturable designs.

What is the difference between Principal Design Engineer vs Senior Design Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Design EngineerSenior Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, several years of experience
Work EnvironmentLeads design projects, mentors teams, collaborates with stakeholdersDevelops designs, supports project execution, collaborates with teams
Industry UsageUsed across engineering sectors for senior technical leadershipCommonly used for experienced engineers executing design tasks

The Principal Design Engineer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, providing technical leadership and strategic input, while the Senior Design Engineer focuses on executing design tasks and supporting project development. Both roles require strong engineering credentials, but the Principal role emphasizes leadership and innovation.

What does a principal design engineer do?

A principal design engineer leads the development and design of complex products or systems, providing technical expertise and strategic direction. They often oversee engineering teams, ensure design quality, and collaborate with cross-functional departments using tools like CAD software. This role typically requires extensive experience, strong problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of engineering principles.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Design Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

For Principal Design Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Design Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Design Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

Principal Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Design Engineer job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,047 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Principal Engineer

Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Principal Engineer
Job Description:
Principal Design Engineer - L & L
INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the secrets to our success - so we give you unlimited access to everything you need to create disruptive new technologies and solutions on our electrical engineering teams. Our Engineering Team is responsible for giving life to the solutions changing the lives of our users. Every developmental phase of these critical components happens in-house under the watch of this team.
Behind our doors you'll be empowered every day to own it, drive it, and do what it takes to design and develop the biggest breakthroughs in the industry. Meanwhile, you'll have the support and resources of the fastest-growing brand in the construction industry to make it happen.
Year after year, our team continues to make significant breakthroughs in the industry. We're just getting started. To learn more about our story click HERE.
Milwaukee Electric Tool offers benefits on your first day of work (health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k) and an excellent working environment that includes an on-site cafeteria as well as a state-of-the-art fitness facility!
The Principal Design Engineer applies deep technical expertise and project management abilities to develop new technologies, reduce product risk, and enable efficient execution of NPD programs. This role focuses on solving complex engineering challenges and delivering validated solutions, tools, and methodologies that can be leveraged across product platforms.
You'll also be DISRUPTIVE through these duties and responsibilities:
  • Act as a primary technical expert in key domains (fluid mechanics, fluid circuit design, design engineering, and related manufacturing methods).

  • Identify and reduce technical risk through analysis, modeling, and validation testing.

  • Define and evaluate multiple solution paths, providing clear tradeoff recommendations.

  • Develop and execute test strategies to validate concepts and quantify performance.

  • Deliver concise engineering data and reports to support product and technology decisions.

  • Create engineering tools, models, and methods (e.g., simulation frameworks, design guidelines).

  • Support NPD teams by providing implementable solutions or scalable methodologies.

  • Drive technical alignment across functions and enable efficient decision-making.

  • Influence technical direction across teams outside direct reporting structures.

  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to engineers within area of expertise.

  • Perform engineering analysis in areas including:

  • Fluid circuit analysis

  • Fluid flow simulation

  • Mechanical stress analysis

  • Sound and vibration

What TOOLS you'll bring with you:
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master's preferred)

  • 10+ years of engineering experience in product or advanced engineering

  • Strong proficiency in CAD, simulation, and engineering analysis tools

  • Broad knowledge of engineering materials, mechanical systems, and manufacturing processes

  • Proven ability to contribute to cross-functional product development efforts

  • Ability to travel up to 10% (domestic and international)

  • Strong interest in construction tools and end-user applications

We provide these great perks and benefits:
  • Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans.

  • Generous 401 (K) savings plan.

  • Education assistance.

  • On-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply