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Principal Electrical Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Principal Electrical Engineer

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$131K - $160K/yr

PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...

The Principal Electrical Engineer will serve as a technical authority, project leader, and mentor, ensuring the successful delivery of innovative, code-compliant, and cost-effective solutions. This ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$131K - $160K/yr

PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...

The Principal Electrical Engineer will serve as a technical authority, project leader, and mentor, ensuring the successful delivery of innovative, code-compliant, and cost-effective solutions. This ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$130K - $159K/yr

In this role, our team is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer - Hardware Design/Board Designer who will architect ruggedized circuit board solutions and lead endtoend development of advanced ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$130K - $159K/yr

In this role, our team is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer - Hardware Design/Board Designer who will architect ruggedized circuit board solutions and lead endtoend development of advanced ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$130K - $159K/yr

In this role, our team is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer - Hardware Design/Board Designer who will architect ruggedized circuit board solutions and lead end-to-end development of ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$130K - $159K/yr

In this role, our team is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer who will serve as a Hardware Design/Substrate Design technical leader, driving the development of rugged, highreliability ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$130K - $159K/yr

In this role, our team is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer who will serve as a Hardware Design/Substrate Design technical leader, driving the development of rugged, high-reliability ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$130K - $159K/yr

In this role, our team is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer who will serve as a Hardware Design/Substrate Design technical leader, driving the development of rugged, highreliability ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Electrical Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$91.8K

$144.3K

$191K

How much do principal electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal electrical engineer in Arizona is $144,277.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,500.00 and $158,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a principal electrical engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

As a Principal Electrical Engineer, you will frequently work with multidisciplinary teams including mechanical, civil, and software engineers, as well as project managers and clients. Your role often involves leading technical discussions, providing guidance on electrical design solutions, and ensuring that electrical systems integrate seamlessly with other engineering disciplines. Effective communication and coordination are key, as you may also mentor junior engineers and facilitate design reviews to align project goals. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures that complex projects are delivered efficiently and safely.

What does a principal electrical engineer do?

A principal electrical engineer leads the design, development, and testing of electrical systems and components, often overseeing projects and providing technical guidance. They typically have advanced knowledge of circuit design, power systems, and industry standards, and may hold certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE). Their role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring compliance with safety and quality regulations.

How much does a principal electrical engineer earn?

A principal electrical engineer typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior-level roles often require advanced skills in circuit design, project management, and relevant certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer).

What is a principal electrical engineer?

A principal electrical engineer serves as a project manager for electrical-related building or construction projects. In this role, your job duties may include designing electrical devices, ensuring proper installation, inspecting completed electrical work, and providing work estimates. You may also supervise a staff of junior engineers, overseeing their work, and ensure that the project is completed within the allotted timeframe and budget. Principal electrical engineers are often the liaison between the engineering team and upper management. You must create reports and communicate regular updates on the status of each project to ensure each stage is meeting deadline expectations.

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

To thrive as a Principal Electrical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in electrical engineering principles, project management, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Mastery of design software (such as AutoCAD and MATLAB), familiarity with industry standards (like IEEE), and experience with simulation and analysis tools are essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills enable effective team management and cross-functional collaboration. These skills ensure successful project delivery, innovation, and compliance with regulatory and safety standards in complex engineering environments.

What is the difference between Principal Electrical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Electrical EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering; often advanced certifications or extensive experienceBachelor's degree in electrical engineering; entry to mid-level certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee projects, lead teams in industries like manufacturing, power, or electronicsDesign, develop, test electrical systems, often under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, consulting firms, and project leadership rolesCommon in engineering firms, manufacturing, and construction projects

The Principal Electrical Engineer typically holds more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced certifications compared to an Electrical Engineer. They focus on project oversight, strategic planning, and team leadership, while Electrical Engineers are more involved in technical design and development tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Electrical Engineer jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Principal Electrical Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
Infographic showing various Principal Electrical Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,277 per year, or $69.4 per hour.

Principal Electrical Engineer

Avenue Technologies Company

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$119K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

About the Opportunity

Avenue Technologies is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to support technical, engineering, and program teams in a hands-on environment.

What You Will Do
  • Design, analyze, integrate, or troubleshoot electrical and electronic hardware.
  • Support requirements, design documentation, integration, and verification activities.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to resolve hardware issues and improve technical performance.
Helpful Skills
  • test equipment
  • RF
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM or related field is preferred or required based on the role.
  • Relevant experience in the applicable technical discipline.
  • Strong communication, ownership, and problem-solving skills.