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Principal Development Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Materials Sciences LLC

Principal Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

... Principal Engineer. This individual will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the ... Oversee and guide the development of new methodologies, technologies, and processes.Provide input ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

$93K - $147K/yr

Understanding of the application and development of Interface Control artifacts and requirements ... Basic Qualifications for a level 3 Principal Systems Engineer * Bachelor's Degree in a STEM ...

Zetier

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA

$132K - $177K/yr

Principal CNO Software Engineer Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop ... Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions * Effective communication with ...

Zetier

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

Principal CNO Software Engineer Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop ... Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions * Effective communication with ...

Bentley Systems

Principal Software Engineer

Exton, PA · On-site +1

$130K - $174K/yr

Exton, PA Position Summary Bentley Systems, Incorporated, Exton, PA opening for a Principal Software Engineer, responsible for leading IFCConnector web service development, importing IFC data to ...

New

Crane NXT Co

Principal Research Engineer

Malvern, PA · On-site

Principal Research Engineer, CPI, Malvern, Pennsylvania: Conduct research, analysis & develop ... development process. Evaluate & test hardware systems, schematic diagrams & embedded source code ...

Airswift

Senior Principal Electrical Engineer

Reading, PA · On-site

$133K - $163K/yr

... development, subsea systems, deepwater facilities, nuclear power, and renewable energy. The Senior ... Principal Electrical Engineer will work within multi-disciplinary project teams and may support ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrincipal Development Engineer JobsPrincipal Development Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Principal Development Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$74.2K

$147.6K

$213K

How much do principal development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal development engineer in Pennsylvania is $147,573.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,800.00 and $173,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Development Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania? For Principal Development Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Development Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Development Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
Principal Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Development Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,573 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Principal Engineer

Materials Sciences LLC

Horsham, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled professional to join our MSC team as Principal Engineer. This individual will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the technical arena, specializing in composites and structural mechanics, while acting a as a mentor to our engineering team. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience gained through a distinguished career at either a leading defense contractor (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics), the Department of Defense, or highly accredited research institution/university.Key Responsibilities:Technical Expertise:Provide technical leadership and act as the organization's SME in composites, mechanics of materials, engineering design and structural analysis, inclusive of Finite Element methods.Offer advanced solutions to complex engineering challenges, ensuring the highest standards of innovation, timeliness, and quality.Oversee and guide the development of new methodologies, technologies, and processes.Provide input to the Chief Technical Officer with respect to performance of a engineering staff, training/advancement recommendations as well as manpower planning/project team organization.Mentorship & Leadership:Mentor and develop engineering staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and ensure adherence to industry best practices.Cultivate a collaborative and high-performing engineering team.Project Oversight:Provide technical oversight on major projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.Review and approve critical drawings, specifications, analysis, and technical reports.Partner with cross-functional teams to drive project success and meet deliverables.Industry Collaboration:Maintain strong relationships with external partners, contractors, and key stakeholders.Represent MSC at conferences, symposiums, and technical forums.Qualifications:Experience:A minimum of 15 years of experience specializing in composite structural analysis and mechanics of materials, with proven expertise in structural analysis, material modeling, and advanced engineering practices.Held senior technical roles typically known as Technical Fellow, Engineering Specialist, Senior Structures Analyst, or equivalent.Educational Background:Advanced degree in Engineering, or a related technical field (Ph.D. preferred, but not required).Candidates transitioning from academia and/or government must demonstrate extensive practical experience in relevant fields and projects.Industry Background:Extensive experience with defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, or the Department of Defense. Experience with other leading aerospace or defense organizations is also acceptable.Skills and Competencies:In-depth understanding of composite materials, design, manufacturing, and testing.Software competency:ABAQUS (required)Mathematica (recommended)Program languages (Recommended)Python / Fortran / C++Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of providing oversight and approval of critical deliverables.Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to mentor team members and liaise with external partners.Proven ability to lead technical initiatives from concept to completion.Why Join MSC? At MSC, we pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in engineering. As a Principal Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in the field.Application Process: Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and accomplishments.MSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.