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Principal Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Principal Electrical Engineer , you will play a critical role in the design, development, and testing of electrical and electronic systems for medical devices. You will work collaboratively ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Osseo, MN · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

As a Principal Electrical Engineer , you will play a critical role in the design, development, and testing of electrical and electronic systems for medical devices. You will work collaboratively ...

Apply Early

Principal Electrical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$152K - $210K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer Englewood CO Role Summary: As a Principal Electrical Engineer , you will provide expert electrical engineering services to Worley and its customers. In this role, you ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · 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 ...

Principal Electrical Engineer, NA

$142K - $174K/yr

The Principal Electrical Engineer, typically reporting to the Electrical Engineering Director, assumes a pivotal leadership role within the Electrical Engineering department. With the potential to ...

Principal Electrical Engineer (Confidential) Travel: ~20% (domestic + occasional international) Who We Are We are a long-established leader in sustainable industrial solutions, partnering with ...

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Principal Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$125K - $195K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer Job Location: Irvine, CA Job Type: Full-time / Hybrid Position Summary ETAP is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer with extensive knowledge of design, modeling, and ...

Principal Electrical Engineer (Confidential) Travel: ~20% (domestic + occasional international) Who We Are We are a long-established leader in sustainable industrial solutions, partnering with ...

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Principal Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$125K - $195K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer Job Location: Irvine, CA Job Type: Full-time / Hybrid Position Summary ETAP is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer with extensive knowledge of design, modeling, and ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · 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 ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · 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 ...

Apply Early

Principal Electrical Engineer

Colonial Heights, VA · On-site

$135K - $166K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer Location: Colonial Heights, VA, United States Overview The Principal Electrical Engineer is responsible for troubleshooting and improving electrical and instrumentation ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$134K - $165K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer Summary We are seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to design, develop, and implement cutting-edge automation solutions and power drive technologies for the metals ...

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Principal Electrical Engineer Location: Melbourne, FL Zip Code: 32901 Duration: 7 Months Pay Rate: $70 - $74.8/hr. Keyword's: #Melbournejobs; #ElectricalEngineerjobs ; Start Date: Immediate We ...

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Principal Electrical Engineer information

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$98.5K

$154.8K

$205K

How much do principal electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal electrical engineer in the United States is $154,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,000.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Principal Electrical Engineers?

Principal Electrical Engineers are senior-level professionals who lead the design, development, and implementation of electrical systems and projects. They are responsible for overseeing teams of engineers, ensuring technical excellence, and providing strategic direction on complex engineering tasks. Their work often includes managing project schedules, budgets, and client communications, as well as mentoring junior engineers and ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Principal Electrical Engineers and other senior engineering roles in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries or locations. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives for senior-level positions.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Principal Electrical Engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or high-level consulting can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, reflecting the seniority and complexity of the role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Electrical Engineers and other senior engineering roles in specialized fields such as aerospace, software, or petroleum engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often reflects expertise, management duties, and working in high-demand industries or companies.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Principal electrical engineers in high-level roles, especially in industries like aerospace, energy, or technology, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 with bonuses and stock options. However, such compensation is typically reserved for senior positions with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or specialized technical roles. Most electrical engineers earn lower base salaries, with higher earnings possible through career advancement and additional compensation packages.

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 cities are hiring for Principal Electrical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Electrical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Electrical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Electrical Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Electrical Engineer jobs? The top employers for Principal Electrical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Electrical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Electrical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Electrical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,823 per year, or $74.4 per hour.
Principal Electrical Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer

Nextern

Osseo, MN

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Nextern is seeking a talented Principal Electrical Engineer to join our innovative team. This position offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package (details below).

As a Principal Electrical Engineer, you will play a critical role in the design, development, and testing of electrical and electronic systems for medical devices. You will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering team and engage directly with clients to ensure product excellence and compliance with regulatory standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead and manage the design and implementation of complex electronic systems.
  • Oversee and mentor junior engineers and technical staff.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product requirements and specifications.
  • Conduct analysis of electrical systems, creating schematics and detailed technical documentation.
  • Implement testing protocols to verify adherence to performance and functional criteria.
  • Resolve technical challenges and perform root cause analysis on issues that arise.
  • Act as the primary technical interface with clients, maintaining strong communication to deliver project updates and address concerns.
  • Maintain knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements to drive innovation.
  • Contribute to design reviews and project planning discussions.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

At Nextern, we believe in making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients through our products. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of teamwork, where each member can grow and contribute to producing outstanding work. Join Nextern, where collaboration is key!

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • A Master's Degree or higher is preferred.
  • A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in electrical engineering, with a focus on medical devices.
  • Proficient in electronic hardware design and understanding of both analog and digital circuitry.
  • Experience with testing equipment and debugging tools.
  • Familiarity with embedded firmware development, preferably using C and C++.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to mentor junior team members.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
  • Knowledge of design software such as Altium is a plus.

Benefits

Nextern offers excellent benefits to fuel you in building a fulfilling life & career:

  • Employer subsidized health insurance for employees
  • Employer paid dental insurance
  • Employer HSA contribution
  • 401k plan with a company match
  • 9 paid holidays (including your birthday!) + PTO and Personal days
  • Gym membership subsidy
  • Employee Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and AD&D Life Insurance

Salary Range for This Position: $130,000 - $160,000.

Nextern is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.