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Principal Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

They are seeking a Principal Product Designer to own the end-to-end design process, collaborating with product managers and engineers to define project work and design timelines. Responsibilities ...

Designers at Range are catalysts, creating momentum and moving ideas forward. We think big, but we ship small and incrementally. You'll operate as a design leader across pods and product surfaces ...

Principal Product Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Strong collaborator with product managers, engineering teams, and fellow designers * Communicates concisely with both pixel and words * Systems thinker: Able to see the big picture, understanding how ...

Watch Our Story:' We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it's about providing ... In the role of Federal Principal, we'll count on you to focus on: * Project Leadership ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$36.2K

$108.5K

$180.4K

How much do principal designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal designer in Virginia is $108,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal designer?

A Principal Designer is a senior professional in the design industry responsible for leading and overseeing the design process on major projects. They guide creative direction, manage design teams, and ensure that design solutions align with client goals and industry standards. Principal Designers often collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and other departments to deliver high-quality, innovative results. Their role typically includes mentorship, project management, and strategic planning to ensure successful project delivery.

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

To thrive as a Principal Designer, you need advanced design expertise, a strong portfolio, and experience leading creative projects, often supported by a relevant degree in design or a related field. Mastery of design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and prototyping software, as well as familiarity with design systems and industry standards, is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills help Principal Designers guide teams and influence stakeholders. These skills are crucial for driving innovative design solutions, maintaining brand consistency, and ensuring project success across multidisciplinary teams.

How does a principal designer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on large-scale projects?

As a Principal Designer, collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as product managers, engineers, researchers, and other designers—is a core aspect of the role. You will often lead design vision workshops, facilitate alignment on user experience goals, and ensure that design solutions are feasible and aligned with business objectives. Effective communication and the ability to advocate for user-centered design across disciplines are key to overcoming challenges and driving cohesive project outcomes. This collaborative environment not only fosters innovation but also provides opportunities to mentor junior team members and influence strategic decision-making.

What is the difference between Principal Designer vs Lead Designer?

AspectPrincipal DesignerLead Designer
CredentialsDesign degree, relevant certifications, extensive experienceDesign degree, experience, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-team collaboration, high-level project oversightProject execution, team management, creative direction
Industry UsageUsed across industries for senior design roles with strategic responsibilitiesCommonly used for team leadership in design projects

The Principal Designer typically holds a senior, strategic role focusing on overall design direction and cross-team collaboration, often with advanced credentials. The Lead Designer is more involved in managing design teams and executing creative projects. Both roles are vital in the design process but differ mainly in scope and focus.

What does a principal designer do?

A principal designer leads the design team and oversees the development of user experience and visual design for products or services. They set design strategies, ensure consistency, and collaborate with stakeholders, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. This role requires strong leadership, communication skills, and a deep understanding of design principles.
Infographic showing various Principal Designer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,454 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Principal Engineering Designer

Staunton, VA • On-site

$73K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Join the world's largest HVAC company, named by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Employers 2025!

Principal Designers will use computer-based tools to design parts and assemblies, create production drawings, and manage BOMs for small, medium, or large projects. They will also develop ormodifyproduct designs from conception to finished manufacturing documentation, ensuring quality, manufacturability, functionality, serviceability, and cost are considered. The Principal Designer works at a higher level across products or platforms and is heavily involved in standardizing design and business processes and methods, providing leadership to design andmanagingthe entire product line for large complex systems.

Location:Staunton, VA-On-site

Your Responsibilities:

  • Create engineering documentation, includingSolidworks, modeling, fabrication,and purchasedrawings that conform to Daikin standards

  • Translate engineering/marketing intent into manufacturing documentation

  • Exhibit a sense of design and mechanical aptitude with abstract thinking and reasoning skills

  • Complete work assignments withindeterminedtime frameand use judgment indeterminingassignment goals

  • Be part of and function in a teamenvironment including cross functional and inter-departmentalteams

  • Demonstrate an understanding of legacy bill of material systems and product structuring logic

  • Demonstrate creative ability, accuracy, and cost effectiveness

  • Work with Marketing/Sales to provide documentation for original designs or custom modificationsof current products to meet weekly production schedules

  • Develop BOM selection logic that can drive auto generated Item and BOM creation

  • Participate in or lead special team projects

  • Give work direction to Designers and train other Designers to perform work

  • Collaborate with Engineering and MFG on developing the product,Helpingto transfer product knowledge to operations

  • Provideover sightwith the product engineer on solution development, ensuringandfunctionalityaremet

  • Providing problem solving skills and communicating corrective actions

  • Understand the systems and method used to transfer engineering documentation to operation in a smooth and consistent way

YourQualifications:

  • Vocational or Technical Degreein Design/Draftingor EquivalentExperience

  • Associates Degree+ 15 years of related design experience or BS in Engineering + 12 years design experience

  • Understanding of AMSE Y14.5 Desing and drafting standards Advance Understanding

  • Strong Communication skills - Written and verbal

  • Experience with Excel - moderate tohigh level(preferred)

  • SolidworksMechanical Basic Understanding

  • Draft Sight Basic Understanding

  • Flexible to travel 10 to 15%

  • Solidworkselectrical (Optional Skill)

  • "Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment

  • Manages competing demands

  • Changes approach or method to best fit the situation

  • Able to deal with frequentchange, delays, or unexpected events. Advance Capability"

  • "Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction;

  • Takes responsibility for own actions;

  • Keeps commitments;

  • Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals;

  • Completestasks on time ornotifiesappropriateperson with an alternate plan."

  • Demonstratedpeople leadership skills with the ability to empower others to grow and deliver results Advance Capability

  • "Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner

  • Gathers and analyzes information skillfully

  • Develops alternative solutions

  • Works well in group problem solving situations

  • Usesreason even when dealing with emotional topics."

  • "Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality

  • Demonstratesaccuracy and thoroughness. Basic Capability"

  • Lean Methodologies applied to everyday activities -- Providing continual improvement practices

  • (Yellow Belt or equivalent)

  • Solid knowledge of data systems architecture and applications tofacilitatecross- functionalcommunication to achieve targeted outcomes.

  • "Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions;

  • Exhibitssound andaccuratejudgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions;

  • Includesappropriate peoplein decision-making process;

  • Makes timely decisions."

  • "Initiative - Takes independent actions and calculated risks;

  • Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities;

  • Asks for and offers help when needed.

Your Benefits:

Daikin Applied offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Multiple medical insurance plan options + dental and vision insurance

  • 401K retirement plan with employer match

  • Paid time off andcompany-paidholidays

  • Paid sick timein accordance withthe federal,stateand local law

  • Tuition Reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position

The typical annual base salary for this position ranges from$73,300 - $120,700USDper hourinVA. The range displayedrepresentsthe pay range for all positions in the job grade in which this position falls. Individual base pay will depend on a wide range of factors,including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

If you're looking for an engaging career with growth opportunities in a supportive environment, you'll love a career at Daikin Applied!