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Principal Design Quality Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Design Quality Engineer information

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$64.5K

$125.5K

$171K

How much do principal design quality engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal design quality engineer in the United States is $125,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a principal design quality engineer do?

A Principal Design Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that products are designed and developed in compliance with regulatory standards and internal quality requirements. They lead quality assurance activities throughout the product development lifecycle, including risk management, design verification and validation, and process improvements. These professionals collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve quality issues, mentor junior engineers, and support audits and inspections. Their expertise helps organizations deliver safe, effective, and reliable products to market.

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

To thrive as a Principal Design Quality Engineer, you need a deep understanding of design control, risk management, and quality systems, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree and substantial experience in regulated industries. Familiarity with ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820, and statistical analysis tools like Minitab is essential, along with certifications such as CQE or Six Sigma. Outstanding problem-solving, leadership, and cross-functional communication skills make someone stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring product safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in product design and development.

How does a principal design quality engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

A Principal Design Quality Engineer plays a key role in bridging quality standards and engineering objectives by working closely with product development, regulatory, and manufacturing teams. They regularly participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and process validations, ensuring that quality is integrated at every stage. Their expertise helps resolve complex quality issues, influence design decisions, and mentor team members on compliance and best practices. This collaborative approach not only fosters a culture of quality but also drives product excellence and regulatory compliance.

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

AspectPrincipal Design Quality EngineerDesign Quality Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Quality Management certifications (e.g., CQE)Similar educational background, often with quality certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads quality initiatives across projects, often in senior or strategic rolesSupports quality assurance in specific projects or components
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and tech industriesCommonly used in similar industries for quality assurance roles
Search & ComparisonHigher-level strategic responsibilities, leadership in quality processesFocused on execution and support of quality standards

The main difference is that the Principal Design Quality Engineer holds a senior, strategic role overseeing quality across multiple projects, while the Design Quality Engineer focuses on supporting quality assurance within specific projects. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibility.

What cities are hiring for Principal Design Quality Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Design Quality Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Principal Design Quality Engineer jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Principal Design Quality Engineer jobs?

For Principal Design Quality Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Design Quality Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,478 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Principal Design Quality Engineer I

Waltham, MA • Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the Design Quality representative on cross-functional product development teams, ensuring compliance with applicable standards.

  • Lead and maintain Design Control activities, including design plans, reviews, risk management, verification/validation, and design transfer documentation.

  • Support verification and validation activities, including method development, statistical justification, and traceability.


Job description

Nova Biomedical: One Global Brand. One Vision. Together under one name.

Advanced Instruments and Nova Biomedical are now united under one brand, Nova Biomedical, marking a major milestone in our journey to deliver greater value to our customers. By combining our strengths, we're accelerating innovation, supporting critical workflows, and delivering world-class service across the biopharmaceutical and clinical markets.

Job Summary:

Nova Biomedical is seeking a Principal Design Quality Engineer I to support the development of innovative, high-performance diagnostic and analytical technologies used in clinical care, critical care, bioprocessing, and life science research. This role plays a central part in ensuring Nova Biomedical’s in-vitro diagnostic products are safe, effective, compliant, and built on robust design principles.

The Principal Design Quality Engineer I will partner closely with R&D, Systems Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, and Manufacturing to guide products through the full design and development lifecycle, from concept through commercialization and post-market support. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of engineering rigor, quality systems, and hands-on problem solving.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the Design Quality representative on cross-functional product development teams, ensuring compliance with 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485, IVDR, and other applicable standards.
  • Lead and maintain Design Control activities, including design plans, design reviews, risk management files, verification/validation strategy, and design transfer documentation.
  • Develop, review, and approve risk management documentation in accordance with ISO 14971, including hazard analyses, FMEAs, and risk-benefit assessments.
  • Partner with R&D to ensure design inputs are clear, testable, and aligned with user needs and regulatory expectations.
  • Review and approve engineering documentation such as specifications, test protocols, test reports, and design changes.
  • Support verification and validation activities, including method development, statistical justification, and traceability.
  • Drive root cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions related to design issues, nonconformances, and field performance.
  • Support supplier quality activities for design-critical components, including qualification and change assessments.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of the Quality Management System, with a focus on design-related processes.
  • Participate in internal and external audits, providing subject matter expertise on design controls and IVD product development.

Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical field required.
  • 3–7+ years of experience in medical device or IVD product development, with direct involvement in design controls.
  • Strong working knowledge of 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and IVD-specific regulatory expectations.
  • Experience with risk management, verification/validation, and design documentation.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data.
  • Excellent communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally.
  • Experience with IVD assays, instrumentation, software-driven diagnostics, or reagent/consumable development.
  • Familiarity with IVDR requirements preferred.
  • Background in statistics, DOE, or analytical method validation preferred.
  • Experience in a fast-paced, early-stage, or growth-stage biotech environment preferred

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Able to stand or sit for extended periods.
  • Occasional bending, reaching, or movement within lab environment.
  • Able to use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Willingness to work in a laboratory environment with exposure to chemicals or biological materials.
  • Comfort with performing repetitive tasks.
  • Capacity to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity required for handling laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

Why work for Nova Biomedical

  • Flexible Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage
  • Competitive 401k company match
  • Bonus Program, Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • Generous Tuition reimbursement
  • Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development, engagement and events
  • Company marketplace for lunch and snacks in our Norwood, MA, Billerica, MA and Westbrook, ME offices
  • Company subsidized cafeteria in our Waltham, MA office

Work Location: Hybrid work schedule on-site in Waltham, MA

Targeted Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000/year.

Nova Biomedical believes in transparency and integrity throughout all we do, including compensation. The provided salary range for this role represents the expected base salary or hourly rate for this opening. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and may vary based on individual factors such as location, skills, and education.

About the Company

At Nova Biomedical, we’re not just building instruments, we’re powering breakthroughs that improve lives. Our smart, science-driven solutions are trusted in over 100 countries to speed drug development and enhance patient care.

Our integration brings together more than 70 years of scientific excellence with Nova’s cutting-edge innovation, forming a powerhouse of precision, purpose, and possibility. With FDA-registered, ISO-certified manufacturing, more than 125 FDA approvals, and industry-trusted diagnostics, we’re setting new standards in quality and reliability. Nova Biomedical is proud to be a global leader in osmolality testing and biotechnology and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) instrumentation, dedicated to advancing patient care and scientific discovery with a legacy that continues to shape the future of life sciences.

With headquarters in Norwood and Waltham, Massachusetts, and a global team of nearly 2,000 employees, we’re building a collaborative, empowered culture grounded in shared values: Customer Centricity, Ingenuity, Ownership & Accountability, Collaboration, and Integrity.

Working at Nova Biomedical means joining a mission-driven organization where your contributions matter. Whether you're in engineering, science, manufacturing, or support, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, invests in your growth, and is committed to making a real-world impact on global health.

Explore what’s next with us at novabiomedical.com

EEO Statement:

Nova Biomedical takes pride in being an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce. As a part of our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, Nova Biomedical will continue to take steps to assure that recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion, compensation, and all other personnel decisions are made and administered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information or any other protected class.

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