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Principal Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Pasadena

Principal Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$126.50 - $158.10/hr

Principal Engineer Department: Geotechnical Employment Type: Full Time Location: Roseville, CA Compensation: $126,500 - $158,100 / year Description Wood Rodgers, a leading engineering consulting firm ...

City of Eastvale

Principal Engineer

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$126.50 - $158.10/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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

Wood Rodgers, a leading engineering consulting firm, is hiring a Principal Engineer to join our Geotechnical Department. In this role, you'll work on a wide range of projects including work related ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

Wood Rodgers, a leading engineering consulting firm, is hiring a Principal Engineer to join our Geotechnical Department. In this role, you'll work on a wide range of projects including work related ...

ResMed Inc

Principal Engineer - Identity

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

## Principal Engineer - IdentityApplylocations: San Diego, CA, United Statestime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 30 Days Agojob requisition id: JR\_050519Global Technology Solutions (GTS) at ResMed is ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs in California

Principal Engineer information

See California salary details

$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in California is $145,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $170,700.00 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.

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.

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 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 does a principal engineer get 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.

What do principal engineers do?

Principal engineers are senior technical leaders responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing complex engineering projects. They provide technical guidance, set standards, and collaborate with teams to ensure the successful implementation of solutions, often using tools like CAD, programming languages, or engineering software. They typically have extensive experience and may mentor junior staff while contributing to strategic planning.
More about Principal Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Principal Engineer jobs in California are:

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For Principal Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Principal Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Principal Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Principal Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Engineer jobs in CA?

For Principal Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,292 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Principal Engineer

City of Pasadena

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$157K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 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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