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Principal Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nextern

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 ...

Nextern

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 ...

Worley

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 ...

Aveva

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 ...

ETAP

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 ...

SMS group Inc

Principal Electrical Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$134K - $165K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer Summary The successful Principal Electrical Engineer with develop and implement Automation solutions focused on drive and power technology for the metals industry. Who ...

LHH US

Principal Electrical Engineer

Florham Park, NJ

$150K - $200K/yr

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

Vantage Data Centers

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 ...

mercury

Principal Hardware Electrical Engineer

Hudson, NH · Hybrid

$140K - $171K/yr

Mercury Systems is offering a Principal Hardware Electrical Engineer a fulfilling career where you will be able to see the direct impact of your designs in deployed systems with true end-to-end ...

LHH US

Principal Electrical Engineer

Florham Park, NJ

$150K - $200K/yr

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

Rocket Lab Corporation

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 ...

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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 Jun 11, 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.

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 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 guiding engineering teams. They typically possess advanced technical expertise, use tools like CAD software, and may hold certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE). Their role involves ensuring electrical systems meet safety, quality, and performance standards in various industries.

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 involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level positions.

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

Principal electrical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles in high-demand industries can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation is typically associated with senior positions in large corporations, specialized fields like power systems or aerospace, or those with significant managerial responsibilities.

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.

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Principal Electrical Engineer jobs near you
Principal Electrical Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer

Nextern

Osseo, MN • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 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.

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