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Principal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bradley & Associates

Principal Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Growing Civil Engineering firm is expanding in Dallas and looking for a Principal Engineer to provide office leadership, project oversight, and management, involving planning and directing the work ...

PowerSecure

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

The Principal Mechanical Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for mechanical systems across PowerSecure. This position provides advanced engineering leadership, mentorship, and oversight ...

The University of Dayton

Principal Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

Principal Engineer Apply now Job No: 503623 Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater) Location: Dayton, OH Category: Research Institute Staff Department: Adv Mfg Engineering - 250714 Pay ...

Veem

Principal Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

Principal Engineer Location: Toronto (preferred), Ottawa, California About Veem Veem is building the future of global payments infrastructure. We are transforming how businesses move money ...

Outcode Software

Principal Engineer

Draper, UT · On-site

The Principal Engineer at Outcode Software plays a critical leadership role in shaping and maintaining the technical direction across all engineering teams. This position requires a Deep expertise in ...

PowerSecure, Inc.

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

The Principal Mechanical Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for mechanical systems across PowerSecure. This position provides advanced engineering leadership, mentorship, and oversight ...

PowerSecure

Principal Engineer

NC · On-site

The Principal Mechanical Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for mechanical systems across PowerSecure. This position provides advanced engineering leadership, mentorship, and oversight ...

City of Eastvale

Principal Engineer

Mira Loma, CA

$154K - $193K/yr

Job Summary PRINCIPAL ENGINEER (PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT) SALARY RANGE $154,629.57 - $193,111.15 Annually $12,885.80 - $16,092.60 Monthly $74.34 - $92.84 Hourly BENEFITS - 4-Day Work Week ...

City of Eastvale, CA

Principal Engineer

Eastvale, CA · On-site

$154K - $193K/yr

Continuous Job Summary PRINCIPAL ENGINEER (PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT) SALARY RANGE $154,629.57 - $193,111.15 Annually $12,885.80 - $16,092.60 Monthly $74.34 - $92.84 Hourly BENEFITS - 4-Day ...

KEITH

Principal Engineer

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

Principal Engineer - Land Development and Water Resources About KEITH: We are a multidisciplined consulting firm offering civil engineering, land surveying, transportation engineering, planning ...

KEITH

Principal Engineer

Pompano Beach, FL · On-site

Principal Engineer - Land Development and Water Resources About KEITH: We are a multidisciplined consulting firm offering civil engineering, land surveying, transportation engineering, planning ...

KEITH

Principal Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

Principal Engineer - Land Development and Water Resources About KEITH: We are a multidisciplined consulting firm offering civil engineering, land surveying, transportation engineering, planning ...

KEITH

Principal Engineer

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

Principal Engineer - Land Development and Water Resources About KEITH: We are a multidisciplined consulting firm offering civil engineering, land surveying, transportation engineering, planning ...

KEITH

Principal Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

Principal Engineer - Land Development and Water Resources About KEITH: We are a multidisciplined consulting firm offering civil engineering, land surveying, transportation engineering, planning ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

Principal Engineer Department: Geotechnical Employment Type: Full Time Location: Roseville, CA Compensation: $126,500 - $158,100 / year Description Are you a dynamic leader seeking a career where you ...

KEITH

Principal Engineer

Pompano Beach, FL · On-site

Principal Engineer - Land Development and Water Resources About KEITH: We are a multidisciplined consulting firm offering civil engineering, land surveying, transportation engineering, planning ...

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All JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs

Principal Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal 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 Engineer?

A principal engineer oversees the research, development, and design of engineering projects for a company or organization. These engineering experts are leaders in their industries and need an advanced understanding of their discipline to manage projects and guide team members. As a principal engineer, your job duties include creating budgets, negotiating with vendors, and delegating work. You may also train staff members, set project deadlines, and work to improve engineering application processes.

What is the difference between Principal Engineer vs Senior Engineer?

AspectPrincipal EngineerSenior Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires 8+ years of experience, advanced technical skills, and often leadership or mentorship experienceUsually requires 3-7 years of experience with strong technical skills
Work EnvironmentLeads complex projects, influences technical strategy, collaborates across teamsFocuses on executing technical tasks, supporting project development, and mentoring junior staff
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large tech companies, engineering firms, and organizations with advanced technical hierarchiesWidely used across industries for experienced technical contributors

The main difference between a Principal Engineer and a Senior Engineer lies in their level of responsibility, experience, and influence. Principal Engineers typically lead complex projects and shape technical strategies, while Senior Engineers focus on executing technical tasks and supporting team efforts. Both roles require strong technical skills, but Principal Engineers often have more leadership and strategic responsibilities.

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

Principal engineers in electrical engineering can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles in high-paying industries like aerospace, defense, or energy. Such salaries often include bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, but are typically reserved for senior-level positions in large organizations or specialized fields.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal engineers, especially in high-demand industries like technology, aerospace, and finance, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities in complex projects or organizations.

What are Principal Engineers?

Principal Engineers are highly experienced technical experts who lead engineering teams, provide strategic technical direction, and help solve complex engineering challenges within an organization. They often act as mentors, set technical standards, and collaborate with stakeholders across departments to drive innovation and ensure the success of engineering projects. Principal Engineers typically have many years of industry experience and are recognized for their deep technical knowledge and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Engineer, you need deep technical expertise in your engineering discipline, strong problem-solving abilities, and typically an advanced degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with complex software development tools, architectural frameworks, and industry certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or relevant PE licenses is common. Exceptional leadership, communication, and mentorship skills help Principal Engineers guide teams and influence project direction. These competencies are essential for driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering large-scale, high-impact solutions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal engineers, especially in high-demand industries like technology, aerospace, and finance, can earn $300,000 or more annually with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in senior or leadership roles. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in large companies or startups with significant growth potential.

How does a Principal Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

Principal Engineers play a key role in collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as product management, design, and operations, to ensure technical solutions align with business objectives. They often lead architectural discussions, mentor team members, and facilitate communication between engineering and non-engineering stakeholders. This collaboration helps identify potential challenges early, streamline development processes, and deliver high-quality products. Additionally, Principal Engineers are often involved in setting technical standards and guiding teams through complex problem-solving.

How much is a principal engineer paid?

A principal engineer's salary typically ranges from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have advanced technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and may receive bonuses or stock options as part of compensation.
More about Principal Engineer jobs
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Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

Bradley & Associates

Dallas, TX • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Growing Civil Engineering firm is expanding in Dallas and looking for a Principal Engineer to provide office leadership, project oversight, and management, involving planning and directing the work of other engineers and technical staff, managing complex projects from start to finish, and ensuring quality and budget adherence. Job responsibilities may also include preparing designs and technical reports, evaluating and approving designs and construction plans, coordinating with other agencies and contractors, and contributing to departmental budgets and strategic planning. This role is distinguished from a senior engineer by including the supervision of entire engineering office, overseeing the technical and financial aspects of complex and large-scale civil engineering projects, from initial feasibility studies through to construction completion. The office has existing projects and ongoing work, but this role will be responsible for continuing business development and relationship building to continue to grow and increase the scope and scale of the office. In conjunction with that, the principal engineer will create and administer project budgets, departmental budgets, develop cost estimates, and manage project expenditures and resources effectively.


Requirements

  • PE in Texas
  • 10-20 years of graduated design and project management civil engineering work in Texas
  • Commercial civil site design


Rewards

  • Office leadership role
  • Excellent benefits, compensation and bonus pay
  • Opportunity to grow and advance with emerging office