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Principal Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$120 - $180/hr

Principal Design Engineer - Advanced Development & Strategic ProjectsSkip to main contentWe use cookies to enhance your experience on our site, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing ...

Principal Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$199 - $215/hr

Position Summary The Principal Design Engineer - MMIC is responsible for developing new MMIC products as defined by Marketing Strategists. The role covers all phases of product development from ...

Principal Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$199K - $215K/yr

The Principal Design Engineer - MMIC is responsible for developing new MMIC products as defined by Marketing Strategists. He/she will be involved in all phases of the product development, from ...

Principal Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$199K - $215K/yr

The Principal Design Engineer - MMIC is responsible for developing new MMIC products as defined by Marketing Strategists. He/she will be involved in all phases of the product development, from ...

We are seeking a Principal Design Engineer to own the full-lifecycle engineering design of our "Spark" modular data center (MDC) product line. You will be the technical authority across electrical ...

We are seeking a Principal Design Engineer to own the full-lifecycle engineering design of our "Spark" modular data center (MDC) product line. You will be the technical authority across electrical ...

Principal Design Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$200 - $240/hr

We are seeking a Principal Design Engineer to own the full-lifecycle engineering design of our "Spark" modular data center (MDC) product line. You will be the technical authority across electrical ...

Principal Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$176K - $298K/yr

As a Principal Design Engineer in the NVE Design Engineering Core group at Micron Technology, Inc., you will contribute to the development of memory products that are best-in-class, using your ...

Principal Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$176K - $298K/yr

The Principal Design Engineer in Micron's NVEG organization, you will be at the forefront of shaping the future of memory technology! In this role, you will lead the development, layout, and ...

The Principal Design Engineer in Micron's NVEG organization, you will be at the forefront of shaping the future of memory technology! In this role, you will lead the development, layout, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Design Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal design engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 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.
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What cities are hiring for Principal Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Design Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Design Engineer jobs?

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What states have the most Principal Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Design Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Principal Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Sentinel - Design Engineer / Principal Design Engineer - 17065*

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Roy, UT • On-site

$89K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Defense Systems sector is seeking a Design Engineer / Principal Design Engineer to join the Sentinel program in Roy, UT. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
What You'll Get to Do:
The selected candidate will become a Design Engineer on the Infrastructure Design Team (INF). This role supports the design, modeling, and integration efforts for Civil/Structural, Mechanical and Electrical elements for Sentinel Launch Facilities, Launch Centers, or Test Facilities
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401k
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health & Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts

This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
You'll Bring These Qualifications:
This requisition may be filled at either the Design Engineer level or Principal Design Engineer level.
  • Design Engineer: Bachelor's degree with 2 years' experience; 0 years' experience with a Master's degree. - an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Principal Design Engineer: Bachelors degree with 5 years' experience; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD

Required for both levels:
  • Must have a a DoD active Secret clearance at the time of application.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain Special Access Programs (SAP) clearance as a condition of continued employment.
  • Knowledge of construction materials and construction details and techniques.
  • Experience with Microsoft (MS) Word, Excel, Power Point, and Engineering Scheduling tools and applications, and be able to use the Internet as an information gathering and communications tool.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to clearly and succinctly communicate complex concepts to both Government and corporate leadership

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:
  • Proficiency with Revit, Siemens NX and Teamcenter
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance with the most recent investigation completed in the last 5 years.

Primary Level Salary Range: $72,100.00 - $108,100.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939