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Principal Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview Resonetics is a global leader in advanced engineering, prototyping, product development, and micro manufacturing, driving innovation in the medical device industry. With rapid expansion ...

Overview Resonetics is a global leader in advanced engineering, prototyping, product development, and micro manufacturing, driving innovation in the medical device industry. With rapid expansion ...

$111 - $206.08/hr

Serve as a global subject matter expert for sales, business development, and technical staff of Covestro locations in other regions. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline ...

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Principal Development Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal development 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 is a principal development engineer?

Principal Development Engineers are senior-level professionals who lead technical development efforts within engineering teams. They are responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of complex systems or products, providing technical guidance to other engineers, and ensuring that engineering best practices are followed. In addition to their technical expertise, they often collaborate with stakeholders, manage project timelines, and help set the technical direction for their organization. Their role is critical in bridging the gap between engineering execution and strategic business goals.

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

As a Principal Development Engineer, you'll frequently work with cross-functional teams including product managers, designers, QA engineers, and operations staff. Your role involves translating product requirements into technical solutions, providing technical leadership, and ensuring alignment across departments. Effective communication and the ability to balance technical constraints with business priorities are key. You'll also mentor junior engineers and help set coding standards to maintain high-quality deliverables throughout the development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal development engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Development Engineer, you need extensive experience in software or hardware development, advanced problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related field. Mastery of relevant programming languages, development frameworks, and project management tools, as well as certifications like PMP or Agile, is highly valuable. Leadership, collaboration, and strong communication skills are essential for guiding teams and managing complex projects. These competencies are crucial for driving technical innovation, ensuring project success, and fostering a high-performing engineering environment.

What is the difference between Principal Development Engineer vs Senior Software Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Development EngineerSenior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, extensive experience, possibly certifications in specific technologiesBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field, several years of experience
Work EnvironmentLead technical projects, influence architecture, collaborate across teamsDevelop software, implement features, troubleshoot issues
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, R&D departmentsSoftware development firms, tech startups, IT departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior technical roles, career progressionTechnical expertise, hands-on development focus

The Principal Development Engineer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, focusing on leading projects and strategic technical decisions, whereas a Senior Software Engineer primarily concentrates on coding and implementing solutions. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Principal role involves broader influence and leadership within the organization.

More about Principal Development Engineer jobs

What states have the most Principal Development Engineer jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Principal Development Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Development Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Principal Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Development Engineer

Resonetics

San Diego, CA • On-site

$118 - $155/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Resonetics rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Resonetics is a global leader in advanced engineering, prototyping, product development, and micro manufacturing, driving innovation in the medical device industry. With rapid expansion across all our locations, we continue to push the boundaries of technology while fostering a dynamic, employee-centered culture. Our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement makes Resonetics an exciting place for professionals passionate about shaping the future of micro-manufacturing and being part of something bigger.

Primarily responsible for providing guidance and oversight to teams working on numerous products and expanding technologies. A Resonetics Technology leader responsible for demonstrating best practices and training for their technology across sites. Assist in the execution of Lightspeed protype projects and transition to production in a collaborative environment.

Join Resonetics and be part of a team that’s redefining medical device manufacturing. If you’re passionate about innovation and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities
  • Provide technical guidance to Resonetics Employees in planning and executing Resonetics projects, execute strategic Lightspeed opportunities as assigned
  • Strong understanding and optimization of advanced parameters and variables on Resonetics technology that effect outputs and product quality
  • Ability to mentor peers and independently perform complex setup, system troubleshooting, and process development on Resonetics technology to produce acceptable Lightspeed product
  • Take initiative and responsibility to lead the completion of tasks and projects, ensure high quality of deliverables, & work across several departments as required to drive tasks and projects to completion
  • Strong productivity and independence, ability to work unsupervised and be self-motivated, consistently solves problems independently prior to reaching out for help, continuously seeks out additional responsibilities
  • Participate in project analysis, parameter development, problem solving, and solution implementation for various Lightspeed and Production projects
  • Evaluate existing engineering processes and recommend improvements, guiding technical staff to optimized solutions
  • Provide feedback on new system design for Resonetics technology and provide support on system acceptance testing and validation activities
  • Lead and drive quotes to completion as assigned for complex single & multi-site projects, ATG project proposals, and capital equipment
  • Mentor technical leaders moving multiple projects through the Production Readiness Process, from Lightspeed to Production, providing insight and feedback to improve various programs
  • Provide training and audit peer measurement methods for Lightspeed product, providing guidance and support for Test Method Validations and best measurement practices
  • Lead and execute Advanced Technology Group activities and deliverables as assigned
  • Recognize and report unmet customer needs applicable to Resonetics technology to the Advanced Technology Group
  • Conduct background literature searches on relevant technical topics of interest and provide summaries to the Lightspeed Team
  • Proactively communicate with customers on issues with a recovery plan, status, and results of an order
  • Recommend new technologies to improve system performance and reliability to the Advanced Technology Group
  • Read and interpret print specifications on Lightspeed projects, ensure all required visual and geometric measurements are taken and documented per Quality Systems requirements
  • Understanding of technologies and facilities across Resonetics, supporting facility visits as needed
  • Document process parameters and project details for each Lightspeed project accurately per Resonetics Quality Systems requirements, generating professional and easy to follow setup sheets & work instructions, and completing CAPAs as required
  • Take ownership of data & metrics that contribute to site success and enforce data integrity, monitor individual data and peer data in Resonetics digital systems for accuracy, communicating with the team if discrepancies are identified
  • Participate in sales support activities including sales presentations, customer visits, and technical seminars
  • Seeks continuous self-improvement, open and willing to accept constructive criticism
  • Lead cross departmental and cross company teams in continuous improvements projects that benefit Resonetics
  • Ability to adapt quickly and positively to changing priorities and processes
  • Support Resonetics overall goals and production problem solving, contributing to Resonetics programs as required
  • Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering / science or equivalent experience
  • Experience with Resonetics technology; high precision manufacturing equipment or equivalent (Laser Systems, CNC Machines, Grinding Machines, Tube Drawing Machines... etc.)
  • Solid understanding of materials science and materials properties, especially for common medical device materials (Nitinol, Stainless Steels, Titanium & other metals, Medical Polymers and Ceramics)
  • Experienced in applying software used on high precision micromanufacturing equipment (G-code, C++, VBA, Various Equipment Specific GUIs… etc.)
  • Familiarity with ISO certified Quality Systems in medical device manufacturing
  • Ability to read and understand engineering drawings per GD&T system
  • Ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex processes in an efficient and reliable manner
  • Ability to generate complex drawings, models, and assemblies with 2D & 3D software using GD&T
  • Fluent in Microsoft Office: MS Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint... etc.
  • Demonstrated execution and experience with the following: TMV / GRR, Process Capability, Attribute vs. Variable Data in Validation, OQs/PQs, Engineering Study / DOE
  • Experience using computer-controlled measurement systems to create and troubleshoot programs and inspection methods to measure Lightspeed product

Soft Skills

  • Exercise Engineering leadership on internal and external meetings, drive conversations towards desired goals and outcomes in a respectful & professional manner
  • Ability to present and convey complex engineering ideas to internal and external customers
  • Ability to lead a cross-functional team, driving a project with multiple members from various departments and facilities effectively
  • Strong time management and organizational skills, sensitive to the use of other people's time
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline
  • Experience in a medical device manufacturing environment
  • Experience designing and manufacturing complex tooling or fixturing for various applications
Physical Demands
  • Standing and walking for short periods of time
  • Ability to use a microscope, including manipulating small objects under a microscope
Compensation
  • The compensation for this role is competitive and will be based on experience and qualifications. The anticipated range is $118,000 - $155,000.
  • Our company policy is that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.
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