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Principal Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$175K - $225K/yr

Overview AtkinsRealis is looking for a highly skilled and motivated Principal Design Engineer within the Orlando, Florida area to oversee and manage complex transportation design projects with the ...

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 ...

Austin Summary The Principal, Design Engineer researches and develops robust electrical systems and circuits, from initial concept and schematic capture through to system specification and ...

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 ...

We are seeking a Principal Design Engineer to play a key role in shaping the future of AlphaSense's product experience. This is a senior individual contributor role, where you'll lead through craft ...

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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 Jul 11, 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 does a principal design engineer do?

A principal design engineer leads the development and design of complex products or systems, often overseeing technical teams and ensuring design quality. They utilize advanced engineering skills, CAD tools, and industry standards to deliver innovative solutions and may be involved in project management and strategic planning.

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

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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Principal Design Engineers, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, software, and semiconductor manufacturing, can earn $200,000 or more annually with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in senior or leadership roles. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise, with additional benefits sometimes included.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Principal Design Engineers, especially in high-demand industries like technology, aerospace, and semiconductor manufacturing, can earn $500,000 or more annually with experience, bonuses, and stock options. Senior engineers with specialized skills in areas such as hardware design, systems architecture, or product development are more likely to reach this compensation level.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Design Engineers, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, software, or semiconductor manufacturing, can earn $300,000 or more annually with experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Senior engineers with specialized expertise, strong project management, and often working in competitive markets or companies may reach this compensation level.
More about Principal Design Engineer jobs
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? The most popular types of Principal Design Engineer jobs are:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

$199K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Mini-Circuits designs, manufactures and distributes integrated circuits, modules, and sub-systems for high-performance radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications.With design, sales and manufacturing locations in over 30 countries, Mini-Circuits' products are used in a range of wired and wireless communications applications. Our products are also used in detection, measurement and imaging applications, including military communication, guidance and electronic countermeasure systems, commercial, scientific, military land, sea and aircraft; automotive systems, medical systems, and industrial test equipment.

Mini-Circuits' sells its products to over 20,000 customers globally through our direct sales force, applications engineering staff, sales representatives, as well as through our extensive website.

Position Summary:

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 concept definition to product release, and will be cooperating with Marketing, Project Managers, Product Engineers, Q&R Engineers, P&A Engineers and Test Engineers to ensure the new products are released successfully and according to schedule. At Principal level the engineer is expected to work independently with minimum supervision. However, reporting is an essential part of the job as well as cooperating and communicating well with other members of Mini-Circuits worldwide.

Salary Range:$199,000 to $215,000

Job Function:

  • Target specifications feasibility.
  • MMIC design based on ADS simulation. This includes schematic simulation, layout, EM-simulation using 2.5D solver (Momentum), thermal simulation.
  • Design reports and design reviews.
  • Design validation. This includes testing few samples in small-signal and large-signal conditions, design variant selection, identifying design improvement needs, and defining Design Verification Tests conditions.
  • Maintain a good level of documentation and quality by following the MMIC development flow and procedures in place.
  • Cooperate with other engineers to ensure overall success of the team. Attend other engineer's design reviews, provide coaching and share knowledge.
  • Customer evaluation board design.
  • Execute tasks according to schedule. Manage own time effectively. Escalate issues in a timely manner and work with Project Managers to remove roadblocks and update schedule if needed

The duties, responsibilities and expectations described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the members, within the scope of the position

Qualifications:

  • BSEE with minimum of 15 years' related design experience OR
  • MSEE with minimum of 10 years' related design experience - preferred
  • Knowledge of microwave theory and techniques as well as process technologies used for MMIC design.
  • Knowledge of power amplifier design techniques. 10 years' + experience in designing power amplifiers in GaAs and/or GaN technologies. Design experience on other types of components, such as low-noise amplifiers, mixers, switches and so forth, is desirable.
  • Familiarity with CAD software used for circuit and electromagnetic simulation such as ADS, HFSS, MWO, Momentum. Familiarity with software used for printed circuit boards is desirable.
  • Professional and positive approach, self-motivated, strong in building relationships, team player, dynamic, creative with the ability to work on own initiative.
  • Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to operate a computer keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cultural Focus:

  • Displays enthusiasm and Passion for their work
  • Works to the standard of Uncompromising Quality by meeting or exceeding stated objectives and embracing continuous improvement
  • Exercises sound Business Judgement, ensuring that efforts are on track with the Company's goals
  • Operates with the mindset of Customer Obsession - by meeting or exceeding expectations to both internal and external customers
  • Takes Accountability by taking ownership and accepting responsibility for their conduct and contributions
  • Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency and accomplishes tasks with Speed and attention to detail
  • Cooperates, collaborates and contributes to shared goals with a strong sense of Teamwork
  • Conducts themselves with Honesty & Integrity and treats all members with Trust & Respect

Additional Requirements/Skills:

  • Comply, understand, and support corporate safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environment
  • Ability and willingness to abide by Company's Code of Conduct
  • Occasional travel, some overnight, as required

Disclaimer: The listed qualifications and requirements for each position are intended as guidelines. Mini-Circuits reserves the right to hire outside of these guidelines at Management's discretion.

Mini-Circuits is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, gender identity, gender dysphoria, pregnancy-related condition, and domestic violence victim status or protected class characteristic, or any other protected characteristic as established by federal or state law.

Employment Type: Full-Time