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Principal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Pasadena

Principal Engineer

Pasadena, CA

$157K - $196K/yr

The Principal Engineer leads the Water Resources and Planning Division, overseeing critical water resource programs, capital improvement projects, regulatory compliance efforts, and engineering ...

Outcode Software

Principal Engineer

Draper, UT

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 ...

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 Santa Clara

Principal Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$207K - $268K/yr

Description The City of Santa Clara's Public Works Department is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the Land and Property Development Division. This position will also manage the Department's role ...

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

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 ...

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

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

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

City of West Allis

Principal Engineer

West Allis, WI · On-site

The Principal Engineer manages complex capital improvement projects, monitors project budgets and cost analyses, administers special assessments, and ensures successful implementation through field ...

PetDesk

Principal Engineer

Charleston, WV · Remote

$164K - $180K/yr

The Principal Engineer is a senior individual contributor role at PetDesk, reporting directly to the Chief of Staff. This position provides technical leadership across high-impact initiatives ...

City of West Allis

Principal Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$38.02 - $52.80/hr

The Principal Engineer manages complex capital improvement projects, monitors project budgets and cost analyses, administers special assessments, and ensures successful implementation through field ...

Venus Consultancy

Principal Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

Principal Engineer (Backend / Platform)About Us We are a Cambridge, MA-based rapidly scaling Generative AI startup. Our platform enables thousands of AI Agents to "think" and cooperate for hours to ...

Sunbelt Solomon

Principal Engineer

Sharon, PA · On-site +1

Description The Principal Engineer role offers the opportunity to lead complex transformer design projects from concept through production, working at the intersection of engineering innovation ...

PetDesk

Principal Engineer

The Principal Engineer is a senior individual contributor role at PetDesk, reporting directly to the Chief of Staff. This position provides technical leadership across high-impact initiatives ...

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All JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs

Principal Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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.

How much do principal engineers get paid?

Principal engineers typically earn between $120,000 and $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 their compensation package.

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.

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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Engineer

City of Pasadena

Pasadena, CA

$157K - $196K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The City of Pasadena has partnered with Koff & Associates to invite qualified candidates to apply for the position of Principal Engineer (Water Resources and Planning). with the Water and Power Department: The Principal Engineer leads the Water Resources and Planning Division, overseeing critical water resource programs, capital improvement projects, regulatory compliance efforts, and engineering initiatives that support the City's long-term water reliability and sustainability goals. This position provides technical leadership for complex infrastructure projects, collaborates with regional agencies and stakeholders, and helps shape the City's future water supply strategies.

Please review the detailed recruitment brochure, which explains the opportunity and provides application instructions here. For further questions or inquiries, please contact Koff & Associates recruiter Chelsea Freeman with any questions or inquiries at 510.570.3844 or by email at Chelsea_Freeman@ajg.com

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