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Principal Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Socotec

Principal Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are looking for a Principal Engineer with 10-25 years of design and field experience. * Responsible for conducting field investigations, analysis and design * Interact with clients and other ...

Socotec

Principal Engineer

Chicago, IL

$150K - $225K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Engineer with 10-25 years of design and field experience. * Responsible for conducting field investigations, analysis and design * Interact with clients and other ...

Dozee

Principal Engineer

Mundelein, IL

Write and ship production code -- be in the codebase daily as a hands-on principal engineer, not just producing design documents for others to build. * Rebuild the platform around modern AI ...

SOCOTEC

Principal Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Engineer with 10-25 years of design and field experience. * Responsible for conducting field investigations, analysis and design * Interact with clients and other ...

Socket.dev

Principal Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

A principal engineer here is equal parts AI engineer, DevOps engineer, and software architect. We mean that literally, and we will interview for all three. You are a software architect. * You have ...

Vouch, Inc

Principal Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$245 - $285/hr

A principal engineer here is equal parts AI engineer, DevOps engineer, and software architect. We mean that literally, and we will interview for all three. You are a software architect. * You have ...

Vouch, Inc.

Principal Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$245K - $285K/yr

A principal engineer here is equal parts AI engineer, DevOps engineer, and software architect. We mean that literally, and we will interview for all three. You are a software architect. * You have ...

Lake County

Principal Engineer- Permits

Libertyville, IL · Hybrid

$94K - $106K/yr

General Description Becoming a Principal Engineer of Permits at the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) connects you directly with the broader engineering community, bridging the gap ...

Ingersoll-Rand

Principal Engineer DFM

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Principal DFM Engineer BH Job ID: 4604 Job title: Principal DFM Engineer Location: Lincolnshire, IL About Us Imagine a company with technology leadership of over 160 years, yet it operates with the ...

Emcore

Principal Engineer, Quality

Tinley Park, IL

Principal Engineer, Quality Job Code : QA204 Department: Quality Reports To: Quality Manager Job Type: Full Time; Exempt Location: Tinley Park, IL. 100% on-site Position Summary: The Principal ...

AbbVie

Principal Engineer, Salesforce

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$124K/yr

AbbVie US Commercial Business Technology Solutions (BTS) is seeking a Principal Engineer, Salesforce to join the Patient Services & Consumer Marketing Technology Services and Architecture team. This ...

AbbVie

Principal Engineer, Salesforce

North Chicago, IL · On-site

AbbVie US Commercial Business Technology Solutions (BTS) is seeking a Principal Engineer, Salesforce to join the Patient Services & Consumer Marketing Technology Services and Architecture team. This ...

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All JobsPrincipal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Principal Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$71.7K

$142.7K

$205.9K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in Illinois is $142,660.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,800.00 and $167,600.00 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.
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For Principal Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,660 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Principal R&D Engineer

DivIHN Integration Inc

Round Lake, IL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

DivIHN (pronounced “divine”) is a CMMI ML3-certified Technology and Talent solutions firm. Driven by a unique Purpose, Culture, and Value Delivery Model, we enable meaningful connections between talented professionals and forward-thinking organizations. Since our formation in 2002, organizations across commercial and public sectors have been trusting us to help build their teams with exceptional temporary and permanent talent.

Visit us at https://divihn.com/find-a-job/ to learn more and view our open positions.

 
Please apply or call one of us to learn more

For further inquiries regarding the following opportunity, please contact one of our Talent Specialists.
Ragu Mohan at (630) 847-0953
Nithiya at (224) 507-1292

Title: Principal R&D Engineer
Duration: 12 Months
Location: Round Lake, IL
 
Description:
  • With minimal guidance, the principal engineer schedules, interfacing with development groups and technical support groups.
  • The principal R&D engineer devises new approaches to complex problems through adaptations and modifications of standard technical principles.
  • The principal R&D engineer is able to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • The principal R&D engineer supervises / coordinates a Senior Engineer / Engineer and / or coordinator on assigned work.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer shall ensure that the right choices are being made with regards to material choice, overall set design and supplier selection within the client's operation.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer shall be knowledgeable of various manufacturing processes such as: assembly, extrusion and moulding.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer shall work towards meeting the intended use of the product in the various countries of sales, as applicable to the project s/he is leading.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer shall work towards developing/sustaining a product in accordance with client’s defined Quality and Regulatory standards.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer shall be responsible for finalizing any reports/presentations related to his projects and any other necessary reports as the need arises.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer will also be responsible for the assignment of project activities within his/her project team, to meet committed milestones and project objectives.
  • Design Verification and Validation are to be carried out in accordance with ISO Standards, CE Norms, FDA, country specific norms and client’s Quality Manual.
  • Design Verification Testing is to be planned/executed based upon knowledge of materials, fluid dynamics and correct usage/applicability of available equipment.
  • The principal engineer should be able to work with the Project Management Office (PMO), to plan out resources, budget, timelines throughout the project development lifecycle.
  • The principal engineer should be able to present the work achieved by his/her team to different stakeholders (as applicable)
  • The principal engineer should design with manufacturability in mind; leading his/her team through various development activities that would eventually allow a smooth design transfer to manufacturing.
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor of Engineering (type not specific)
  • 5-8 years of experience with focus areas around leading and/or managing technical projects.
  • Candidate should have experience with disposable medical devices (e.g. IV sets), manufacturing processes, and product development.

About us:
DivIHN, the 'IT Asset Performance Services' organization, provides Professional Consulting, Custom Projects, and Professional Resource Augmentation services to clients in the Mid-West and beyond. The strategic characteristics of the organization are Standardization, Specialization, and Collaboration.

DivIHN is an equal opportunity employer. DivIHN does not and shall not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.